Lenovo has unveiled a new ultrabook in Singapore today called the Flex 14. The ultrabook gets its name from the fact that its screen can flex back to use the keyboard as a shelf to prop it in video watching mode. The machine looks a lot like the Yoga 11, but the Flex runs Windows 8 rather than Windows RT and is cheaper.
The screen of the Flex 14 can rotate through 300° of travel. The machine retails for S$999, which equates to $780 in US. Lenovo equips this ultrabook with a manual switch that allows you to turn off the keyboard to prevent accidental button presses when used in video mode.
The screen measures 14 inches and features 1366 x 788 pixel resolution. Graphics are handled by an Nvidia GeForce GT 740M GPU and the machine has 8 GB of RAM. The hard drive features 500 GB of storage and the machine uses an Intel Core i5-4200U processor.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Flex 14 boasts a sleek and modern design, making it an attractive option for both professionals and students. The ultrabook’s hinge mechanism is robust, allowing for smooth transitions between laptop and video modes. The build quality is solid, with a durable chassis that can withstand daily wear and tear. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys that provide good tactile feedback. The touchpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, enhancing the overall user experience.
Performance and Usability
Under the hood, the Flex 14 is powered by an Intel Core i5-4200U processor, which offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency. The 8 GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing significant slowdowns. The Nvidia GeForce GT 740M GPU provides decent graphics performance, making the Flex 14 suitable for light gaming and multimedia tasks.
The 500 GB hard drive offers ample storage space for documents, media files, and software applications. However, users who require faster data access speeds may consider upgrading to an SSD. The ultrabook also features a variety of connectivity options, including USB 3.0 ports, HDMI output, and an SD card reader, making it easy to connect to external devices and peripherals.
Display and Multimedia
The 14-inch display of the Flex 14, with its 1366 x 788 pixel resolution, delivers clear and vibrant visuals. While the resolution may not be as high as some premium ultrabooks, it is sufficient for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. The screen’s ability to rotate through 300° makes it versatile, allowing users to switch between laptop mode and video mode with ease.
The Flex 14 is equipped with stereo speakers that deliver decent audio quality. While the sound may not be as rich as that of high-end laptops, it is adequate for casual listening and video watching. The ultrabook also includes a built-in webcam and microphone, making it suitable for video conferencing and online communication.
Battery Life and Portability
One of the key advantages of the Flex 14 is its portability. Weighing in at just under 4 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to carry around. The ultrabook’s slim profile allows it to fit comfortably in most laptop bags and backpacks, making it an ideal choice for users who are frequently on the go.
The battery life of the Flex 14 is impressive, offering up to 8 hours of usage on a single charge. This ensures that users can work, study, or enjoy multimedia content without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet. The energy-efficient components, such as the Intel Core i5-4200U processor, contribute to the extended battery life, making the Flex 14 a reliable companion for long days of productivity.
The Lenovo Flex 14 is a versatile and affordable ultrabook that offers a good balance of performance, portability, and usability. Its unique design, combined with solid build quality and decent hardware specifications, makes it a compelling option for a wide range of users. Whether you need a reliable laptop for work, study, or entertainment, the Flex 14 is worth considering.
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