• Home
  • Product Reviews
  • Contact Us
  • Submission Policy – Terms of Service
Reviewboard Magazine
  • Home
  • Product Reviews
  • Contact Us
  • Submission Policy – Terms of Service
  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • RSS

Computer Hardware

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Touch Ultrabook Review

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Touch Ultrabook Review
The Review Crew
April 29, 2013

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]s it a bird… is it a TABLET… is it a Notebook?  It’s a SONY ULTRABOOK!!  Seriously… this thing is pretty cool.   In fact, it is to date probably the best implementation of touch screen and Windows 8 I’ve seen.  The Sony VAIO Duo 11 is thin enough and small enough to be a very usable field tablet, and powerful enough and feature rich enough to pull of the whole notebook thing incredibly well.  The only thing you MAY miss is a disc drive of some type…  but if you do miss that kind of thing I’d be remiss if I didn’t say “Hardcopy is so yesterday”.  With the USB 3.0 ports, the built-in SD memory card slot (not just a memory stick! Big Kudos to SONY for not going with their proprietary stick, it was the right thing to do because this ultrabook is soooo convenient to use because of it).

The SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Touch Ultrabook is the fastest booting system I’ve seen in a long time.  It has a 128G SSD drive and the thing boots up from pressing the power button to logging in… in a crazy 6 seconds.

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Touch Ultrabook In Review

When you are in tablet mode it looks like a biggish tablet, it’s still very thin, and because it has a real full blown 3rd gen i5-3337u processor and 6 Gigs of RAM… it has all the power you could need to handle all but the most daunting of tasks.  For instance, we were able to play Need For Speed: Most Wanted on it.  We had to turn the graphics down the lowest setting, but the game ran really very well on it.  So did Far Cry 3.  The Intel HD Graphics 4000 chipset really does a pretty good job.  Is this a gaming machine?  No and that’s the point I’m trying to make.  You can have a killer tablet, an awesome notebook and something that will actually play some of the most graphically intense games albeit on the low setting, but still…

When you are in notebook mode (you flip the screen up and the keyboard underneath is revealed) you have a full-ish qwerty keyboard, a little nub pointer (think IBM Thinkpad pointer) and the touch screen display.  You can go with a USB mouse or Bluetooth your choice if you need a mouse.  The touch portion of the screen in either mode is responsive and quick, and it comes with the full version of Windows 8 thanks to the full 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3337u Processor.

The Image quality was outstanding, the video was crisp and clear, the games looked terrific, and it had WiDi which was pretty nifty.  Another area the SONY VAIO Duo 11 Touch Ultrabook really shines is art.  It has an exceptional two button stylus and software (Art Rage Pro) that really gives it appeal to anyone that can draw.  With many levels of touch sensitivity you can do complex pencil sketches and charcoal prints.  Very neat stuff.

My only complaint with the SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Touch Ultrabook is the battery life.  I’m not sure I ever got 3 hours out of it even though the specs say 4 hours and 45 minutes.  So be prepared to be tethered to an electrical outlet if you are out for more than 3 hours.  The first unit we got from SONY had an issue with the display (the touch screen didn’t work after a few hours of use, you could see everything but touch was off).  After turning the unit over it was clear that the Duo 11 we received was a pre-production unit (think beta version) so no ding for that issue, the second unit we received had no such problem.  Both units suffered from the same battery issue though and because that was the case in both instances, there was no need to wonder if it was an isolated incident.

[accordion]
[acc title=”Product Specifications”]

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook  Display

  • Screen Size : 11.6″
  • Resolution : 1920 x 1080
  • Touch Technology : Capacitive Touchscreen
  • Display Technology : Full HD, IPS Technology
  • Backlight Technology : LED

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Storage

  • Storage Type : Solid State Drive
  • Storage Capacity : 128GB4

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Inputs and Outputs

  • DC-In : 1
  • USB 3.0 : 1 + 1 (Charge)
  • VGA Output(s) : 1
  • Headphone Output : 1
  • HDMI® Output(s) : 1
  • Memory Stick + Secure Digital : 1

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Environmental Information

  • ENERGY STAR® : 5.1
  • ROHS® : Compliant
  • EPEAT™ : Silver

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Weights and Measurements

  • Dimensions (Approx.) : 12.60″ (W) x 0.71″ (H) x 7.84″ (D)
  • Weight (Approx.) : 2.87 lbs. (with Internal Battery)

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Processor

  • Processor Type : Intel® Core™ i5-3337U
  • Processor Technology : Dual Core
  • Processor Speed : 1.80GHz1 with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.70GHz2
  • Processor Cache : 3MB

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Memory

  • Installed Memory : 6GB4 (2GB Fixed Onboard + 4GB Fixed Onboard)
  • Memory Type/Speed : DDR3/1333MHz

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Hardware

  • Camera : Front and Back 2.4 MP Full HD web cameras powered by Exmor® R for PC and microphone
  • Keyboard : QWERTY, 83 keys with 1.2mm stroke and 18mm pitch
  • Backlit Keyboard : Yes

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Wireless/Networking

  • Bluetooth® Technology : Bluetooth Standard (4.0 + HS)
  • Ethernet Protocol : 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T
  • Wi-Fi® Adapter : Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6235 (802.11a/b/g/n)
  • WiDi Ready : Yes – Intel® Wireless Display Technology9
  • NFC : Yes

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook General

  • Security : Symantec™ Validation and ID Protection Service (VIP), Intel® Anti-Theft Technology14, Trusted Platform Module (TCG ver. 1.2 certified)
  • Action Buttons : ASSIST, Volume (+/-), Rotation Lock, Windows
  • Pointing Device : Optical Pointer

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Software

  • Operating System : Genuine Windows 8 64-bit
  • Supplied Software : Microsoft® Office trial, VAIO Care™, PlayMemories Home™, ArtRage® Studio Pro
  • Anti-Virus Software : Kaspersky® Internet Security 30-Day Trial Offer12

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Graphics

  • Graphics Processor : Intel® HD Graphics 4000
  • Graphics Video RAM : Internal6
  • Maximum Resolution VGA : 1920 x 1200
  • Maximum Resolution HDMI : 1920 x 1080

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Audio

  • Sound System : Intel® High Definition Audio with Dolby® Home Theater® Technology v4

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Service and Warranty Information

  • Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year
  • International Service : Yes5
  • Toll-Free Phone Support : 888-476-69728
  • Priority Phone Support : 239-768-76058

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook Power

  • Battery Type : Internal Lithium Polymer Battery (VGP-BPS31 4960mAh)
  • Battery Life : Up to 4 hours and 45 minutes10

SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Ultrabook In the Box

  • Internal Lithium Polymer Battery (VGP-BPS31 4960mAh), Digitizer Pen (VGP-STD1/B), AC Adapter, Power Cord

[/acc]
[/accordion]

All in all the SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Touch Ultrabook is amazing, it is worth every penny (currently they are going for about $1,200 USD for the unit we reviewed) and I would personally own one.  We are nominating the SONY VAIO Duo 11 Convertible Touch Ultrabook for the 2013 Reviewboard Magazine Editor’s Choice Award.  We give the VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook 4 out of 5 stars.  Good job SONY.

Related ItemsDUO 11reviewsonyUltrabookVAIO
Click to add a comment
Computer Hardware
April 29, 2013
The Review Crew
Related ItemsDUO 11reviewsonyUltrabookVAIO

More in Computer Hardware

  • Fusion3 Design F400 Industrial 3D Printer
    Read More
    Fusion3 F400 Industrial 3D Printer Review

    Fusion3 F400 Industrial 3D Printer The Fusion3 F400 Industrial 3D Printer is a very inexpensive industrial 3D printer...

    Reviewboard Magazine February 2, 2017
  • Read More
    3 Reasons Why You Should Not Buy The Nintendo Switch

    3 Reasons Why You Should Not Buy the Nintendo Switch The Nintendo Switch is the latest iteration...

    Reviewboard Magazine January 9, 2017
  • Crucial-BX200-960GB-Review
    Read More
    Crucial BX200 960GB SSD Drive Review

    Crucial BX200 960GB SSD Drive Review The Crucial BX200 960GB SSD Drive should be considered and excellent...

    Reviewboard Magazine April 18, 2016
  • Razero Blade Chrome Review
    Read More
    The New Razer Blade Review 512GB Version

    The New Razer Blade is one beasty machine. Razer is definitely targeting the gamer croud, but also...

    Reviewboard Magazine March 15, 2016
  • 10 things you should know about windows 10
    Read More
    10 things you should know about Windows 10

    Windows 10 is the newest version of the Microsoft flagship operating system.  I’ve heard good things about...

    Reviewboard Magazine January 18, 2016
  • Read More
    D-Link DCS-935L HD Wi-Fi Camera Review

    The D-Link DCS-935L HD Wi-Fi Camera Review D-Link has been making wifi routers, networking devices, and cameras...

    Robert England July 6, 2015
  • Read More
    Acer C720 Chromebook Review

    The Acer C720 Chromebook Review The Acer C720 Chromebook was a bit dated when we got it....

    Philip Ferreira July 6, 2015
  • Read More
    Maingear Force Intel 8-Core Extreme Gaming Computer Review

    Maingear Force Intel 8-Core Extreme Gaming Computer Review Maingear is a PC manufacturer based out of New...

    Brade Smith July 1, 2015
  • Read More
    Seagate 5TB Enterprise 3.5 HDD Self-Encrypting Hard Drive Review

    Seagate 5TB Enterprise 3.5 HDD Self-Encrypting Hard Drive Review I’ve been working on a number of reviews...

    Philip Ferreira June 18, 2015
  • Read More
    Buffalo AC433 Dual Band Wireless Mini USB Adapter Review

    The Buffalo AC433 Dual Band Wireless Mini USB Adapter is a lot smaller than I thought it...

    Reviewboard Magazine April 17, 2015
  • Read More
    Buffalo MiniStation Air One Terrabyte HDW-PDU3 Review

    The Buffalo MiniStation Air – 1 TB is so promising.  What a great idea – basically it is...

    Philip Ferreira January 21, 2015
  • neatconnect-review-2014-1
    Read More
    NeatConnect Review

    I remember when the first Neat products came out. They were on television and they were revolutionary....

    Brade Smith November 12, 2014
Scroll for more
Tap

Social Media

  • 67763followers
  • 82945likes

Facebook

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • FREE 1 Year Costco membership For 2018 Costco Membership
    Free ContentOctober 31, 2017
  • FREE 1 Year SAMS Club membership for 2018 Sams Club Membership
    Free ContentOctober 31, 2017
  • 2014 Exmark 60 Inch LazerZ X-Series Zero Turn Commercial Mower Review
    Lawn and GardenApril 12, 2014
  • 2014 Exmark VTX730EKC524 52 inch Vantage X-Series Stand On Mower Review
    Featured ArticlesApril 10, 2014
  • Magellan 6630T-LM GPS Review
    Magellan Roadmate 6630T-LM GPS Review
    AutomotiveApril 3, 2017
  • Fusion3 Design F400 Industrial 3D Printer
    Fusion3 F400 Industrial 3D Printer Review
    Computer HardwareFebruary 2, 2017
  • Is BP Paying Julian Assange from Wikileaks not to publish Oil Spill Secrets?? You decide.
    Free ContentJuly 20, 2010
  • Etymotic Research Music Pro Earplug Review
    Etymotic Research Music Pro Adaptive Earplug Review
    Audio-VideoJanuary 26, 2017
  • 2016 IQAir New Edition GC Multigas Review
    Health and BeautySeptember 2, 2016
  • 3 Reasons Why You Should Not Buy The Nintendo Switch
    Computer HardwareJanuary 9, 2017
  • 2017 Reviewboard Magazine Holiday Buyer’s Guide
    Product ReviewsOctober 31, 2017
  • FREE 1 Year SAMS Club membership for 2018 Sams Club Membership
    Free ContentOctober 31, 2017
  • FREE 1 Year Costco membership For 2018 Costco Membership
    Free ContentOctober 31, 2017
  • Cangshan N1 Series 60010 22-Piece German Steel Forged Knife Block Set
    Cangshan N1 Series 22 Piece German Steel Knife Set Review
    HouseholdMarch 13, 2018
  • LG Signature Wallpaper OLED 65 Inch TV Review
    Audio-VideoJanuary 12, 2018
  • 2017 Gift List For Nerds
    Product ReviewsDecember 5, 2017
  • Restaurant / Food Service Equipment Reviews Coming Soon
    Product ReviewsNovember 20, 2017
  • Coming Soon – How to make your floors look new!
    Product ReviewsOctober 31, 2017
  • devinci spartan carbon x01 eagle
    Devinci Spartan Carbon | X01 Eagle Review
    Sports and RecreationOctober 17, 2017
  • Jura z6 Coffee Center
    Jura Z6 Review – The Best Coffee Machine In The World
    Featured ArticlesJune 16, 2017
  • Jane Ross says:

    I would feel like a complete idiot doing this and…

Reviewboard Magazine

Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem?

Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet.

Tweets

Follow @@review_board

Reviewboard Magazine
@@review_board

  • @PopeyesChicken in south portland has no food left... are you guys going out of business or is this the worst run P… https://t.co/rJMktuwDoE
    about 5 days ago
  • @Uber_Support just preordered an @uber for 3pm. DRIVER SHOWED AT 2PM because the app took my phones time (EST) inst… https://t.co/xlMlIJPcUn
    about 4 months ago
  • @FlexiSPYLtd Would really like to see if you answer the question @incrediblesme asked you in the DM. Your support… https://t.co/wFKmM6p98n
    about 4 months ago
  • Why does @ATT think it is appropriate to treat people poorly? Their Customer Loyalty department has been recorded y… https://t.co/tuWCk3N9ZB
    about 4 months ago

2017 Album of the Year

Milo - IDK - Who Told You To Think?!?!?!? Buy Whole Album On iTunes
http://www.reviewboard.com/wp-content/uploads/11-Idk.mp3

Copyright © 2017 by Random Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Totally Wicked eLiquid Website E-Cigarette Distributor Review
Aluratek CINEPAD 10 inch Multi-touch Capacitive Tablet with Android 4.0 Review