Samsung Ativ Q hands-on review



One of Samsung's new Ativ devices is the Ativ Q, a hybrid tablet and laptop running both Windows 8 and Android.

The convertible PC can flip, fold and transform into different modes like Lenovo's IdeaPad Yoga. Samsung calls them 'tablet', 'typing', 'stand' and 'floating'. The first two are self-explanatory while the others mean you can have the screen flipped right over to face the other way or at various different angles between this and being docked with the keyboard.

There's not enough room for a trackpad but a touchscreen pretty much negates the need for this anyway.



The Ativ Q is reasonably thin at 13.6mm but is a lot heavier than a typical tablet at 1.29kg – usual for a hybrid, though. You can pick it up but you wouldn't want to hold it one handed for long.

Specs are pretty impressive with an Intel fourth-generation Haswell Core i5 processor (placed inside the hinge) and a dazzling 13.3in screen with a huge 3200x1800 resolution – that’s a pixel density of 275ppi.



Furthermore, the Ativ Q comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus with 1024 levels of sensitivity and SideSync software which means you can use a smartphone or tablet as a second screen or have it mirrored on the larger display.

The Ativ Q really comes into its own because of its dual-OS setup – Windows 8 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean come pre-loaded. You can switch quickly and easily between the two with appropriate buttons and even share files such as the photo gallery.

Strangely Samsung has gone for stock Android as opposed to its regular TouchWiz interface. We asked why this was but were given no particular reason other than to keep it somewhat separate from the firm's Galaxy devices.



This is a real benefit as you can use Windows 8 in laptop mode to get all your work done which requires full-blown software then switch to Android and use all the apps and games you love on your phone. With Windows 8 Snap View you can even use Windows 8 side-by-side with Android.

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