Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 11.6-inch ultrabook with Windows 8 for $700
This ultrabook has plenty of power no matter how you look at it. An Intel Core i5-3337U low-voltage processor provides strong performance for office and multimedia usages, whether it’s watching a movie on a flight or giving a presentation. A 128GB solid state drive gives you speedy access to all your data as well as quick boot and resume times, and 4GB of RAM will let you multitask with ease. The 11.6-inch multi-touch display features a full 1920×1080 display that’s lit at a bright 400-nits. With Windows 8 Pro, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the touch display as well as utilize the professional software.
Lenovo’s Helix actually lets you detach the tablet from its spill-resistant keyboard dock, after which you can reattach it facing either direction or just keep the tablet separate, opening up numerous options for how you use it. The tablet portion includes dual-facing cameras, with a 5MP shooter on the back and a 2MP webcam on the front for videoconferencing. There’s a six hour battery in the tablet by itself, but this grows to ten hours when it’s docked with the keyboard.
lenovo-thinkpad-helix-convertible-tablet-tablet-view-detached-keyboardConnectivity is strong on the Helix, with dual-band WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, a mini DisplayPort, a USB port, and a SIM slot built-into the display. Again the dock expands your functionality, adding a pair of USB 3.0 ports and another mini DisplayPort. You’ll have a lot of options when it comes to hooking up your peripherals, though you won’t find an optical drive on a device this slim.
Tapping a touchscreen is fun and generally works well, but for moments when you need a precise touch, the Helix ships with a digitizer pen. This ultrabook is highly mobile, coming in at 0.5-inches and 1.8lbs while detached, and still just 0.8-inches and 3.8lbs when it’s a clamshell. Multimedia will sound good on this laptop too, as despite its small size it includes stereo speakers and Dolby home theater. Lenovo covers it with a one year warranty. Snag this versatile notebook today for a great price while it lasts.