What's this? Overall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise score, out of a total of 100. Scores are comparable between the 10- to 12-inch detachable laptops, 11- to 13-inch convertible laptops, 11-inch laptops, and 13-inch laptops. They are also comparable between the 14-inch laptops and 15 to 16-inch laptops. Scores for the 17 to 18-inch models are not comparable to other size categories.
Price range:
$789.00 - $1,116.38
Summary:A 12.5-inch convertible laptop tested with Windows 8, Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz processor, 4GB of memory, Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics, a touchscreen, and a 500GB hybrid drive.
The Lenovo Thinkpad Twist-33474HU is a 12.5-inch laptop with an LCD resolution of 1366 x 768. It has 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive. It has an Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz processor and Intel HD Graphics 4000 video adapter but no dedicated video memory, so it's not well suited for high-performance video gaming. But it lacks an optical drive for burning CDs or DVDs. It comes with Windows 8 pre-installed.
The Thinkpad Twist-33474HU has a built-in memory card reader for digital photography, a touch screen, a multitouch touchpad, and 2 USB ports. It has HDMI out for connecting to an HDTV. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11n, so it's compatible with the latest high-speed routers.
The Thinkpad Twist-33474HU measures 12.3 inches wide by 0.8 inches high by 9.3 inches deep and it weighs 3.4lbs. It's backed by a 12 month warranty, with 12 months of tech support.
About This Brand
IdeaPad is Lenovo's consumer laptop line and includes the midrange U- series and the high-end Y and Z series. Lenovo's new convertible ultrabook is called Yoga. The IdeaPad S series is its line of netbooks. The Essential series is Lenovo's budget line of laptops and desktops. Lenovo ThinkPads are its business notebooks; ThinkCentre are business desktops. IdeaCentre is Lenovo's brand of midrange consumer desktops and all-in-ones.
Display size (in.) The diagonal measure of the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen.
Display size (in.)
12.5
Processor Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks.
Processor
Core i5-3317U
Memory (GB) Also known as RAM, memory is a temporary storage area for data. Its size is an important factor for performance. We recommend at least 2GB of memory, or 4GB if you plan to run several large applications at the same time.
Memory (GB)
4
Storage (GB) The amount of storage, a permanent area for the operating system, programs and data such as documents, music, and media files. Storage can be a hard drive, an SSD (solid state drive), or hybrid drive.
Storage (GB)
500
Video memory (MB) The amount of dedicated memory built into a graphics adapter. Most models have integrated graphics, which have no dedicated memory but are still suitable for most applications, including photo editing and watching movies. Others have discrete graphic adapters, which typically have 256 MB or more video memory, to deliver smoother and more realistic graphics for 3D games.
Video memory (MB)
NA
Blu-ray or DVD Has either a Blu-Ray drive (B), which lets you watch Blu-Ray movies and read/write to CDs and DVDs, or a DVD drive (D), which lets you read/write to CDs and DVDs.
Blu-ray or DVD
None
Wi-Fi The type of built-in 802.11 wireless networking supported. Computers with 802.11n also support 802.11g routers. Some models with 802.11n also support the 5GHz "high band," a standard suitable for apartments and other crowded areas.
Wi-Fi
Yes
WiMAX One of the standards used by cell phone service providers that they call "4G". Based on the IEEE 802.16e wireless standard, mobile WiMAX is a wireless broadband Internet connection like Wi-Fi, with comparable data speeds. But its range is much greater, measured in miles rather than feet, which in theory should provide continuous broadband coverage over greater distances. If supported you usually have to sign up with a service provider and pay an extra fee.
WiMAX
No
Memory-card reader At least one flash memory-card slot (CF, SD, XD, MS, etc.)
Memory-card reader
Yes
Built-in webcam A built-in webcam for videoconferencing.
Built-in webcam
Yes
eSATA port Has an eSATA (external Serial ATA) port for connecting an external hard drive. This includes ports that may be on the keyboard dock of detachable laptops.
eSATA port
No
Thunderbolt port Has a Thunderbolt port for connecting peripherals such as an external hard drive. This includes ports that may be on the keyboard dock of detachable laptops. Thunderbolt is a new high-speed port that can connect to DVI, HDMI and VGA through the use of adapters.
We have both the version described here and also the i7/SSD version. <br /><br />Obviously the i7/SSD version is faster. probably mainly due to the SSD. I may replace the drive in the i5 version with an SSD to bring it up to speed.<br /><br />The machines are well made, light and portable. If you want an ultrabook that is mainly used as a laptop but can also be used for other purposes then this is a good choice.<br /><br />In other reviews the keyboard is praised as one of the best available, showing its thinkpad heritage. I have reasonable sized hands and do not find it small.<br /><br />I find it slightly strange noting, for example, the lack of a DVD drive. It is a feature of all ultrabooks and as such is not a defecit of any particular member of that family. Similarly with a non removable battery, it may not be a desirable feature but it is almost universal for this form factor.<br /><br />The version reviewed is generally significantly cheaper than the other ultrabooks, you can often find sales taking it down to $200 below MSRP.<br /><br />Overall it works well at its aimed duty. The biggest single detriment for people who are truly mobile is the battery life of 4-5 hours, which is not enough for all day useage.
1 person has reviewed this model.
Display size (in.)
