Multi-touch ultrabook convertibles is the future

The recent excitement is focused around ultra-book convertibles and touch based ultra-books. Intel is going to launch over 140 Ivy Bridge-based ultra-books in the coming year, of which more than 40 will be touch-based and around 12 convertibles. These touchscreen laptops, based on Windows 8, shall bring the tapping and swiping experience found on tablets to laptop users.

An ultra-book convertible is an ultra-book that can be converted to a tablet. Intel thinks it has tremendous potential to bring many of the best attributes of these platforms together. Some of the first ultra-book convertibles are Lenovo Yoga, Toshiba Satellite U925t, Sony VAIO Duo 11 and Dell XPS Duo 12. They are secure and powerful like ultra-books and also lightweight and fast like tablets. These ultra-books come in the swivel, fold and detachable form factor. Lenovo Ideapad Yoga, which gives 8 hours' battery back-up with 8GB RAM, is an ultra-book convertible that can flip 360 degrees and can be used as a notebook or tablet. The advantage with such a design is that it allows users the experience of two devices without actually needing them. Similar products from others vendors with touch capability in Windows 8 shall soon be available. Toshiba Satellite U925T is made to sync up to tvs and access on-demand online content. Dell's XPS Duo 12 has a 12.5-inch touchscreen that rotates within its bezel and can be used like a tablet or a notebook.

Intel believes usage models are changing, as now 80% of consumers prefer touch based devices and with convergence being witnessed between smartphones, tablets and ultra-books, and notebooks, there would be greater focus on merged devices. An ultra-book convertible is a result of that only. It was believed that iPad and other tablets could usurp the dominance of notebooks and ultra-books will never take-off, but with ultra-book convertibles and multi-touch features, tablets face a stiff competition!