The premium Huawei MateBook Windows 10 2-in-1 is finally available for preorder, ahead of its commercial release next month.
Huawei took the wraps off its stylish MateBook tablet convertible back at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016, with the Microsoft Surface Pro in its sights. The 12-inch device rocks an impressive design and is packed with powerful specs and features all around, which could turn it into a great hit for the growing Chinese brand.
The Huawei MateBook is available for preorder now at a $699 starting price and is set to go on sale on July 11, sporting a neat 12-inch touch screen and an Intel Core M-series processor under the hood.
The base model selling at $699 packs an Intel Core M3 processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB solid state drive (SSD), but customers can also choose more powerful configurations at a higher price point.
A model with an Intel Core M5 processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD goes up to $849, a configuration with Intel Core M5, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD costs $999, while the top variant with an Intel Core M5, 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD goes up to $1,199.
All models rock fingerprint readers that play nice with Windows 10 Hello, USB Type-C connectors, stereo speakers and a crisp 2,160 x 1,440 pixel resolution that looks pretty great on that 12-inch screen.
Just like with the Surface Pro, the Huawei MateBook also supports various accessories that can turn it into a laptop, but the gadgets are available for purchase separately. The MateBook Keyboard case costs $129, the Huawei MatePen costs $59 while the portable MateDock sits at $89.
The keyboard is backlit and has a metal framework that gives it extra strength and stability, and it can also take a spill or two, thanks to its liquid-resistant coating. The MatePen boasts an integrated laser pointer, impressive pressure sensitivity (2,048 levels) and a clicker button for presentations. The MateDock, meanwhile, sports an HDMI port, an Ethernet jack, two USB 3.0 ports, a VGA port and a USB Type-C port for charging the MateBook.
The Huawei MateBook tablet itself is impressively thin and light at 0.27 inches and 1.4 pounds, thanks to its fanless design.
Preorders are available only via the Microsoft Store, but the Huawei MateBook will also be available from Amazon and Newegg after it launches on July 11.
"Huawei MateBook has generated incredible excitement since its launch at Mobile World Congress and attracted rave reviews from technology enthusiasts around the world," said Yanyan Ji, Vice President of Marketing, Huawei Device USA. "MateBook combines the best of a tablet and laptop, and demonstrates the type of premium experience Huawei customers expect and Huawei is known for."
