We got a first look at some of the new tablets and ultrabooks at Toshiba’s International CES press reception last night at the Tao nightclub in Las Vegas. As you may remember from our previous buying guide for ultrabooks, ultrabook is another way of referring to an ultraportable but still high-powered notebook. Well, Toshiba didn’t disappoint as we got some hands on time with their latest series of Portege super-thin, super-light laptops.
The things are pretty impressive. The 13 inch models on display were significantly lighter than the much smaller 11 inch MacBook Air, with much brighter and higher-resolution displays. The cases were made with Toshiba’s proprietary Magnesium alloy, and seemed both sturdy and incredibly light (did I mention how light these things are?). They were snappy, and responded quickly to commands and input. Best of all, most of them are priced at $700-$1000, or much less than either the 11 inch or 13 inch MacBook Air.
My biggest problems were the hinges. They seemed loose and flapped a little more than I would have liked to see on a laptop. Especially on an ultra-portable. I’m going to go on record now and say that we will be seeing a LOT of these show up with broken hinges within a year, or right as soon as the warranty runs out.
They also feel a little…plastic-y. I know that the Magnesium shell is one of the most advanced in the wold, and is strong, durable, and light, but it doesn’t feel anywhere near as solid or luxurious as the brushed Aluminium of the MacBook Airs.
(Apologies for upside down pictures, they will be fixed shortly.)
