The innovative Huawei MateBook X Pro, a Windows 10 Surface Book-like device has surfaced at the Microsoft Store in Sydney and online.
Microsoft makes the Surface range as reference devices. OEMs including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo all have their takes on Surface Pro, Laptop and Book – normally providing their individual touch to them. Huawei MateBook X Pro
In Huawei’s case it is an amazingly high 91% screen-to-body-ratio (almost no bezels), a choice if Intel 8th generation Core 15-8250U or i7-8550U, NVIDIA GeForce MX150/2GB GDDR5 and of course the sadly missing from the Surface Pro/Book a USB-C and a separate Thunderbolt 3 port – yes!!!
One could say that with its 13.9” 3000×2000 (3K) LPTS screen and Dolby Atmos ‘moving audio’ that it has risen above the surface (OK no more Surface puns).
The Huawei MateBook X Pro is an impressive 360° device
Screen |
13.9”, 3000×2000, 260ppi, 3:2 ratio 100% sRGB 450 nits and 1500:1 178° viewing angle and eye comfort mode (Blue light reduction) |
CPU |
i7-8250U i7-8550U |
GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce MX150 with 2 GB GDDR5 Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
RAM Storage |
8 or 16GB LPDDR3-2133Mhz 256 or 512GB PCI NVMe SSD |
Comms |
Wi-Fi AC, dual-band, 2×2
MU-MIMO, Wi-Di, Miracast, Hotspot BT 4.1 |
Camera | Recessed popup (from keyboard) 1MP for video conference and Windows Hello |
Keyboard |
1.2mm throw, back-lit, water resistant Fingerprint reader It is fully Windows Ink capable – there is no mention of a stylus |
Ports | USB-C x 1 (5Gbps) Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps) 5V/2A 3.5-mm stereo headset jack |
Sound |
Dolby Atmos Sound System Quad digital microphones for up to a 4-metre range Quad speakers |
Battery |
57.4W for around 15 hours use 65W USB (20V/3.25A, 15V/3A, 12V/2A, 9V/2A, 5V/2A; fast charge and supports all USB-C power delivery devices |
Windows | Windows 10 Home |
Size | (304.03 x 216.91 x 14.47mm x 1.32kg |
Options | Bluetooth Mouse Leather Case Backpack USB 3.0 A/M TO RJ45 Cable AG (Anti-Glare) Film |
Colours Price | Mystic Silver or Space Grey i5 8/256GB $1,899 i7 16/512GB $2,599 Microsoft Store has these in stock and is offering $200 off the i5 and $300 of the i7 for orders to Monday 26 November. |
GadgetGuy’s take. Huawei MateBook X Pro
I first saw the MateBook a couple of years ago in use by the Canberra Raiders (who were pretty rough on the poor things) and asked why this great device was not on the retail shelves. Huawei was finding its feet then, and the answer was “When we are ready”. I am glad they are.
What is not to like? My favourite x360° hinge (vastly more useful), amazing 3K screen, great battery life and above all USB-A, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3!!!
Gamers will love the extra boost that the GeForce MX150 can give or CAD designers the fact that it can run dual 4K monitors (via Thunderbolt).
Overall it’s a very nice, well-specified package that should severely dent sales of Surface Book and a lot of other ultralight/x360 laptops.