Huawei MateBook 2-in-1 Hybrid With Windows 10 Launched at MWC 2016

Huawei at its pre-MWC 2016 on Sunday announced that it is entering the PC business. The Chinese conglomerate unveiled its MateBook, its first 2-in-1, or laptop-tablet hybrid. The retail price of the MateBook starts at $699 (roughly Rs. 48,000). The MateBook runs Windows 10 Pro.

The MateBook, which has a metal unibody, resembles the Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 hybrid device and offers similar hardware specifications. In fact, Huawei claims that the MateBook is nearly 20 percent thinner than the Surface Pro 4, and about 20 percent lighter. The MateBook, in addition, also houses a fingerprint sensor. The company is also offering a keyboard priced at $129 (roughly Rs. 8,800), a MatePen stylus which is priced at $59 (roughly Rs. 4,050), and a MateDock which is priced at $89 (roughly Rs. 6,100).

As for the specifications, the MateBook comes in three models: HZ-W09, HZ-W19, and HZ-W29. It sports a 12-inch IPS TFT display with 2160x1440 pixels screen resolution. It is powered by 6th-generation Intel Core M3 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. Those users who opt for the top-of-the-line model will get the MateBook with Intel Core M7 clocked up to 3.1GHz, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.

Other features of the MateBook include 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO connectivity option with 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual band support. The MateBook also has a 5-megapixel rear camera which supports fixed-focus feature. The MateBook also houses an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and hall effect.

The MateBook sports a headset jack, a USB 3.0 Type-C port, and 33.7Wh battery. The company says that the device can power up to 60 percent battery in one hour. The two-in-one device houses a Type-C power port. The company says that it is providing USB Type-C to Micro-USB cable.

"With this landmark device, Huawei is demonstrating our industry-leading design and manufacturing expertise by bringing a beautifully crafted flagship product to market that is redefining the new style of business - connected computing across all devices in almost every scenario," said Richard Yu, CEO, Huawei Consumer Business Group.

"Huawei has successfully channeled its comprehensive experience and excellence in building premium mobile products into the needs of the modern business environment by introducing a highly efficient device, seamlessly capable of integrating work and entertainment functions."