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LG is preparing a competitor for the Microsoft Surface Pro

by Mark Tyson on 27 November 2014, 11:50

Tags: LG Electronics (066570.KS), Surface, PC

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LG insiders have admitted that the firm is planning to launch a new hybrid PC which will be directly comparable to the well regarded Microsoft Surface Pro 3. CNet reports that the upcoming tablet-like device will employ an Intel Core processor and be paired with a detachable keyboard.

Only a week ago we saw another major PC manufacturer pay tribute to Microsoft's industrial design by launching a new range of tablet PC hybrids with many things in common with the Surface Pro 3. HP updated its ENVY X2 convertibles range to share 'Surface-isms' such as a kickstand and click-in detachable keyboard cover. However HP's new range utilises low power Intel Core M chips for fanless, extra-long battery life operation and are a little cheaper than Microsoft's Surface range. HP also offers larger screen options than Microsoft with both 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch ENVY X2 models being made.

LG's Tab-Book

Turning back to the news about LG, the South Korean tech company admitted that its 11.6-inch hybrid 'Tab-Book' with 11.6-inch screen didn't set the market alight following its early 2013 launch. "Sales records of the Tab-Book were so-so," admitted an LG Electronics spokesperson. With LG's recent strengthening of smartphone sales – its G3 range particularly – the firm sees its tablet sales performance as unsatisfactory.

LG's Tab-Book was a slider style hybrid. Shortly following the Microsoft Surface launch there seemed to be an explosion of variations on the hybrid theme with twist screen, sliders, detachable and even an easel style extending screen device. However Microsoft has persisted with its Surface convertible and it has started to make serious profits from this range, as it showed in its latest results.

Not a common sight

We don't have many details on the upcoming LG hybrid specs. We just have word that it will be powered by an Intel fourth-generation core processor, it will employ an SSD drive and probably offer a touchpad on the detachable keyboard. With LG's smart industrial design, cutting edge in-house screen technology and expertise in miniaturisation let's hope it can make a worthy and well priced rival to Microsoft's Surface Pro 3.



HEXUS Forums :: 4 Comments

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Having seen a workmates Surface Pro 2 i was pretty impressed - I think they cracked the tablet/laptop hybrid on this version. Unfortunately the price is a killer so hopefully LG will get this down and then I can think about an alternative replacement for my work laptop :)
I said this on the recent HP competitor and I'll say it again here.

This is the best they can do? Sony did better than this a year ago and the Surface Pro 3 looks better than this
suedenim
Having seen a workmates Surface Pro 2 i was pretty impressed - I think they cracked the tablet/laptop hybrid on this version. Unfortunately the price is a killer so hopefully LG will get this down and then I can think about an alternative replacement for my work laptop :)
I'm replying on a docket SP3, it's driving two external displays.

It's a great device, and the price would be justified if they just included the keyboard as standard.

What's really good, is that they've finally succeeded in kicking the OEMs up the arse to make some good hardware.
I completely replaced my desktop last month with Surface Pro 2 and docking station. Its been a long time since I've been genuinely impressed by a piece of kit and whilst expensive it really is fantastic to have such power and full windows in a small package. I can onyl imagine the Pro 3 is even better.