Here's a small user-experience report for a similar Atom-powered machine from Asus. I bought it because I am trialling a life built around a dumb-phone, a large tablet/laptop, and AWS based primary computing power for sci-kit, ML etc.
I have the Asus T100HA and intend to run Linux on it, replacing my previous Macbook. As a custom keyboard user, I don't mind the tabletable form-factor. Yet I understand why Apple has stayed away from this FF as there are too many unresolved issues (minor ones, for the most part).
The core hardware is not bad at all, for the CPU, RAM & screen. Opera works great, Chrome too. The keyboard has some flex, is a bit small (but serviceable), and the tablet's magnetic attachment to the keyboard is a bit jiggly (expected). Windows is still the biggest failing of this category - endless updates that brick your machine for hours at a time, powershell is an embarrassment etc.
The SD-card in theory lets you repurpose the computer from ereader to music/media machine to work/github etc. I particularly like detaching the keyboard when flight attendants say laptops must be put away, it's a party trick that makes for a great advertisement of this niche.
Even in 2017, the options for media are very limited on airplanes, and I've been travelling a lot, so I REALLY appreciate this feature.
I popped off the shell once, and the core computer is pleasingly compact and well laid out. Heat is not an issue with the Atom chips (it was with the Macs I've used post Intel).
I do hope Chrome/Android/Linux become serviceable on this platform. Windows is certainly trying, but their baggage holds them back.
I have the Asus T100HA and intend to run Linux on it, replacing my previous Macbook. As a custom keyboard user, I don't mind the tabletable form-factor. Yet I understand why Apple has stayed away from this FF as there are too many unresolved issues (minor ones, for the most part).
The core hardware is not bad at all, for the CPU, RAM & screen. Opera works great, Chrome too. The keyboard has some flex, is a bit small (but serviceable), and the tablet's magnetic attachment to the keyboard is a bit jiggly (expected). Windows is still the biggest failing of this category - endless updates that brick your machine for hours at a time, powershell is an embarrassment etc.
The SD-card in theory lets you repurpose the computer from ereader to music/media machine to work/github etc. I particularly like detaching the keyboard when flight attendants say laptops must be put away, it's a party trick that makes for a great advertisement of this niche.
Even in 2017, the options for media are very limited on airplanes, and I've been travelling a lot, so I REALLY appreciate this feature.
I popped off the shell once, and the core computer is pleasingly compact and well laid out. Heat is not an issue with the Atom chips (it was with the Macs I've used post Intel).
I do hope Chrome/Android/Linux become serviceable on this platform. Windows is certainly trying, but their baggage holds them back.