A valid question. I'm currently running Linux on a MacBook Pro for work, but it always seems like an uphill battle to get it installed. I'd like to have a PC laptop similar in form factor to this Matebook instead, but not if it's even harder to get Linux onto it than a MacBook.
The Matebook has actually the Surface Pro form factor - 12", 3:2 ratio, and cover keyboard.
Speaking of Linux compatibility, the Surface Pro 3, although one generation behind, is now suitable for daily usage (not perfect, but with deterministic behavior, and arguably acceptable limits).
Well, they DID get sued by Nokia for IP infringement, and lost. And has paid Nokia hundreds of millions of euros. So in the strictest legal sense, yes.
(Obviously when not being overly legalistic it is clear that Apple created an entirely new device with the iPhone, but it was built on a foundation that wasn't theirs to build on)
That lawsuit was because apple didn't pay the standard licensing fees for something Nokia owned, because Nokia was trying to charge more than they are allowed to (they wanted access to the iPhone patents as part of the deal).
So apple decided to just go ahead, knowing they'd loose but the loss would be at the proper rate (plus lawyers fees).
The keyboard is much more like the iPad Pro's "Smart Keyboard" than the Surface's keyboard cover. Surface keyboard is just a keyboard (no foldy triangle), relies on the tablet's kickstand for the computer to stand up, and sits at an angle instead of flat on the table.
It's not really a design choice that Huawei made though, they're stuck with a trackpad as a necessity of the OS. Everywhere they had a decision to make about the design looks like either an iPhone or an iPad.
ArsTechnica says $699 for a Core M3, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD. Another $59 for the pen, $129 for the keyboard, and $89 for the USB adapter if you want USB/HDMI/VGA/Ethernet out of its single USB-C port.
Surface Pro base model (specs look the same, though I didn't compare whether the M3 processor is identical) is $799 including the stylus. Keyboard is the same $130.
If you get the stylus but not the USB adapter, Huawei undercuts Microsoft by $40. IMO not significant enough to be a driving factor either way. I'd wait on someone to do an in-depth comparison of the digitizers before jumping on it.
If Huawei provides Linux support or it happens to come out of the box with zero driver issues on a mainline kernel, I can see many reasons why I would buy it. Battery life of course would be a factor.
I'm curious about how Linux drivers deal with the USB3 -> everything expansion box it comes with, for video/ethernet/etc. Not having any experience here, is it at all mature and just works or is it one of those stars-must-align cases?
Honestly I'm not sure why they'd say that. Huawei's build quality is extremely good, especially in the Mate line of products. I would have positive expectations until proven otherwise.
> With an innovative power saving mode that maximizes the use of an already impressive 33.7 Wh high-density lithium battery, you get hours of use on a single charge.
"Hours of use" on a single charge. That doesn't bode well.
It seems to say nine hours of video playback or 29 hours of music playback (screen off?), but that's an optimised use-case for most computers.
Incredible how one of their key marketing images (Your Window to Wonder) is a full-screen shot of the "rainbow haired Abode girl" seen in many Adobe ads these days. But with no mention of Adobe or their products. I guess Apple isn't the only thing being copied here. It's multi-dimensional.
It's shocking how little innovation exists these days.
What "innovation" is necessary anyway? Rectangular boxes with touchscreens on them seem to fit most use-cases well enough. The fact that smartphones have all become similarly shaped also suggests that there isn't really a better shape these things could be.
I would not describe this as the best product name. Hearing this, I wondered if it was some sort of Facebook-like dating site for people looking for serious matches.
How is this a ripoff of a MacBook, of all things? It's far closer to a Surface Pro in its target audience and basic functionality (tablet, most notably).
Definitely, in fact as far back as 1988-89, but Apple called their "notebooks" Powerbooks starting in 1991 before anyone else was using -Book in the branding*
* as far as I can recall with the exception of Alan Kay who was dreaming up the future in 1972 and called it the DynaBook
I like how they did the finger print sensor on the side. I hope Microsoft does this in a future Surface, along with the RealSense camera for Windows Hello. Nice having two options. I still don't think any tablet has been able to compete with the Surface line in terms of how the keyboard and kickstand operate in tandem.
To me, this is more of an iPad Pro competitor than a Surface competitor. The one "problem" or "innovation," that I think Windows is going to bring with RedStone is "smart bezels" with continuum. The device is an infinity display but when you switch to tablet mode you get bezels and apps have access to create buttons in the bezel space (which I think Wacom users would adore.) I have a feeling that is coming soon. The issue there is where to stick the camera...but PixelSense has cameras built into the screen...I dunno.
Off topic, but I am really excited now where Windows tablets can go. I like that OEMs are stepping up their game.
Looks great to me! Very tempted to buy this. The new Surface book looks amazing but this beats it on price massively and it looks almost as good. Not sure on the specs though I think the surface book winds that game
Seems more like a competitor to the Surface 4, which is a lot cheeper then the Surface Book. Alone for the fact of the flimsy keyboard it can not be compared to a Surface Book or Macbook.
Funny, when glancing over the text quickly, my brain always seems to transform "Huawei MateBook" into some product by Apple; I'm guessing because of the i somewhat standing out at the end of 'Huawei' and then the 'MateBook' being so simiar to Macbook. It does look like a crossbreed between Surface Pro and iPad though, and not even a bad one.
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[ 3.0 ms ] story [ 133 ms ] threadSpeaking of Linux compatibility, the Surface Pro 3, although one generation behind, is now suitable for daily usage (not perfect, but with deterministic behavior, and arguably acceptable limits).
Really wish they design something themselves someday.
Different perspective Did apple just rip off Nokia with its "phone"?
(Obviously when not being overly legalistic it is clear that Apple created an entirely new device with the iPhone, but it was built on a foundation that wasn't theirs to build on)
MateBook looks like an iPad with an iPad cover: http://www.apple.com/smart-keyboard/images/keyboard_social.j...
Surface with keyboard for reference: http://az648995.vo.msecnd.net/win/2015/11/SP4-launch.png
And keyboard comic for giggles: http://hijinksensue.com/comic/surface-tension/ [2012]
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/02/huawei-matebook-hands...
$699.
Surface Pro base model (specs look the same, though I didn't compare whether the M3 processor is identical) is $799 including the stylus. Keyboard is the same $130.
If you get the stylus but not the USB adapter, Huawei undercuts Microsoft by $40. IMO not significant enough to be a driving factor either way. I'd wait on someone to do an in-depth comparison of the digitizers before jumping on it.
"Hours of use" on a single charge. That doesn't bode well.
It seems to say nine hours of video playback or 29 hours of music playback (screen off?), but that's an optimised use-case for most computers.
[1]: http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/7/3614506/apple-patents-rect...
I remember hearing about a phone with force touch being sold there but not in the US, might end up being similar
Yes, everyone's rushing to copy Apple, but I wonder if that's such a bad thing? The single-piece aluminum case turns out to be a wonderful design!
It's shocking how little innovation exists these days.
What "innovation" is necessary anyway? Rectangular boxes with touchscreens on them seem to fit most use-cases well enough. The fact that smartphones have all become similarly shaped also suggests that there isn't really a better shape these things could be.
MacBook
MateBook
* as far as I can recall with the exception of Alan Kay who was dreaming up the future in 1972 and called it the DynaBook
To me, this is more of an iPad Pro competitor than a Surface competitor. The one "problem" or "innovation," that I think Windows is going to bring with RedStone is "smart bezels" with continuum. The device is an infinity display but when you switch to tablet mode you get bezels and apps have access to create buttons in the bezel space (which I think Wacom users would adore.) I have a feeling that is coming soon. The issue there is where to stick the camera...but PixelSense has cameras built into the screen...I dunno.
Off topic, but I am really excited now where Windows tablets can go. I like that OEMs are stepping up their game.