Building Mobile Web Apps the Right Way: Tips and Techniques part 1

Mobile web apps are useful alternatives to native apps for mobile devices. These days, Android-based products and iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad all come packed with fantastic mobile browsers (Mobile Chrome and Mobile Safari respectively), and Opera fans can install their preferred browser, too.
From a desktop point of view, these products make browsing just about the most pleasurable experience possible. CSS3 transitions, beautifully crafted HTML5 and embellishments mean their users get the highest possible browsing experience (assuming the content being viewed has been crafted with care and consideration).

Their mobile counterparts equally do not disappoint. Fast-loading JavaScript, combined with equally impressive CSS3 and HTML rendering mean that your mobile browser can provide you with as rich an experience as a native app.
Being mobile and Web-based, there are obviously going to be performance concerns. One advantage of native over Web-based mobile apps is that you download much of the interface when you download the app originally, so you are only really loading relevant data when you use them. In addition, native apps can take advantage of the platform’s integrated development features (such as standard UIs), which can further aid performance.
Web-based mobile apps work in the same way as a website would, i.e., you load the content of a page when a user requests to view that page. We can use the browser cache to make things speedier for users with primed caches, but all graphics, images, scripts and data are loaded from your web server as opposed to being on the client’s device (in the case of most native apps).

Mobile Web App vs. Mobile Website

These days, more and more online products come with a mobile version, which is generally a slightly scaled-down version of a main website optimized for small screens (see Amazon, Twitter, and the BBC homepage, for example). A mobile version of a site often takes a site’s content and outputs it so the information can be consumed more easily on a mobile device.

CSS media queries and other feature-detection techniques can be used to determine certain characteristics of a device or browser viewport, which gives developers the option to use the same code to present content at its best for the situation in which it is being viewed.
Mobile web apps are similar in a certain respect, because you want the content to be enjoyed and digested as easily as possible.
I would argue, though, that a mobile web app differs from a mobile version of a website due to it being tailor-made for the mobile platform. The UI will generally be more customized, and will include more mobile-device-centric user interfaces, as can see from the following examples.

At a quick glance of the mobile web apps above, you can see how the user interfaces are more customized to suit the mobile platform. They use bigger hit areas optimized for fingertips, making them easier to use. The YouTube and iPlayer examples use more grid-based button layouts, presenting controls within the app in a similar way as native mobile apps do.
As an example, shown below, you can see the similarities between the two forms of apps and their UI elements by comparing the YouTube and iPlayer web apps, and the Sky Sports News native app on the iPhone.

Mobile as a Platform

We’ve all got a mobile device these days — whether it’s a smartphone like the iPhone or a touchscreen tablet like the iPad — and most of us in the industry will use many different features of our mobile devices for various purposes.
It’s now easier for a greater proportion of people to access the Mobile Web, and that should be an important consideration when you decide to launch a product in this space.
Mobile design and data delivery differs from the traditional desktop environment; let’s talk about that next.

Desktop vs. Mobile

Here’s a quick breakdown of the big differences between desktop and mobile platforms:

• Mobile device hardware is smaller and generally tends to have lower hardware resources than desktops/laptops.
• Smaller screens bring about different design considerations and challenges.
• Touchscreen technology introduces new interaction concepts that differ from traditional input devices (keyboard and mouse).
• With a mobile device, internet connectivity is not always as reliable as a hard-wired broadband connection, which means internet connectivity is a concern and data transfer could be significantly slower.

Although these sound as if they are hurdles to get over, with careful thought and consideration, there’s no reason why they should be.
Touchscreen technology is exciting. The smaller screen design will really make you think about how to get the user to interact with your mobile web app in the most satisfying way possible.
What we should really be doing is looking at the list of differences above and seeing opportunities to deliver our content in a different way.
Building mobile web apps will be a paradigm shift from traditional web development and web design.
Mobile is the platform that people can have with them all of the time. That’s an exciting concept.
In the next sections, we will discuss development/design considerations, as well as concepts and techniques for building mobile web apps.

Keep File Sizes Small

When you don’t have sufficient WiFi coverage, data connection will usually be slower or non-existent. For any mobile product — whether it’s a native app that relies on data transfer, a mobile web app, or a mobile version of a site —  concerns regarding internet connectivity means you should try to cut down on the amount of data that your user has to download.
Quicker experiences are generally more satisfying and are therefore more usable. We can speed things up by keeping files smaller in size and reducing the number of files we serve to users.
Remember:

• Slower download speeds = longer loading times
• Smaller and fewer files = quicker loading times

It’s our responsibility to balance the above equations so that we create a beautiful-looking product that still functions responsively.

Dealing with Image Performance

We want to try to get rid of as many images as we can. For the images we keep, we want them to be as lightweight as possible.
If images are a necessity for particular parts of your mobile web app design, then there are a couple of extra steps we can use to trim off any excess fat from your files.

Use Adobe Fireworks for Transparent PNGs

I have to admit that I don’t really use Fireworks that much these days, as Illustrator and Photoshop more than meet my design requirements, but Fireworks does have one powerful ace up its sleeve. If you want to use PNGs with alpha transparency, then unfortunately, Photoshop will only allow you to export 24-bit PNGs (PNG-24), which are heftier than 8-bit PNGs.
Using Fireworks, we can save in 8-bit PNG, even when the image requires alpha transparency. In my experience, this can remove 20% or more off the file size with little to no loss in quality.
All you have to do is open up your 24-bit PNG, then, in the PNG compression settings panel in Fireworks, set it to 8-bit with alpha transparency, and then export. Voila, you have much smaller images to use!

Using ImageAlpha

If Fireworks sounds like too much of a bother, check out ImageAlpha. Once installed, all you need to do is drag your images into its main window and then tweak the export settings to remove excess data from the images.

Both techniques are very quick to implement. I would recommend using them for all projects, not just for mobile devices, because they’ll speed up web page loading times for your users due to reduced file sizes.
To learn more about using PNGs in web designs, see the Web Designer’s Guide to PNG Image Format.

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Microsoft admits causing confusion with Surface RT moniker

Microsoft has admitted to causing confusion among customers with the naming of the 'Surface RT' tablet

The Microsoft Surface RT was launched last year as Microsoft's flagship Windows device, but the company has now admitted to confusing customers with the RT moniker.
During an interview with Australian news site ARN, Jack Cowett Microsoft Surface product manager stated, "We think that there was some confusion in the market last year on the difference between Surface RT and Surface Pro."
Cowett continued, "We want to help make it easier for people, and these are two different products designed for two different people."
The Microsoft Surface Pro runs the Windows 8 operating system as a more powerful sibling featuring a Full HD display.
Last month the Microsoft Surface 2 was unveiled as a thinner, lighter version of Microsoft's original Surface RT tablet.
The new tablet, running Windows RT 8.1, will drop the RT moniker and is due for launch on 22nd October in both 32GB or 64GB sizes starting at £359.
Cowell says changes have been made to suit consumer feedback, "We've added a second angle for the kickstand, so it's much more comfortable to use on your lap."
The Micrsoft Surface Pro 2 running Windows 8.1 will also launch next month in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB starting at £719.

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Apps on iPhone 5s crash twice as much as other iPhone 5 devices

According to a study, apps on Apple's new iPhone 5s crash twice as much as other Apple iPhone 5 devices

The study, carried out by mobile app management platform Crittercism, looked at hundreds of millions of app launches and says that programs crash around 2% on the iPhone 5s in comparison to less than 1% on the iPhone 5 and 5c.
Reported up by AllThingsD, an inteview with Crittercism CEO Andrew Levy revealed, "Anytime there is new hardware or software release, we see issues. Inevitably, over time, those issues get resolved."
Levy suggests the reasons for the iPhone 5s crashing double as much as Apple's other two devices is due to developers not being able to beta test the compatability of iOS 7 with the new hardware.
The iPhone 5s comes with a new 64-bit A7 chip and an M7 coprocessor, compared to the 5c's internal hardware which is nearly identical to the iPhone 5.
Apple launched iOS 7 last month and has since pushed out two updates for the new OS.
The new operating system has also received complaints due to the new transition, zooming, animation, and parallax scrolling features which have reportedly been making some users sick.
Levy states that higher crash ratios are expected when new devices and new operating systems are launched but since Apple are now aware of the situation, it should be fixed in the near future.

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Lenovo in takeover talks with HTC?

Lenovo is rumored to be in takeover talks with HTC.

 

he Chinese laptop maker is reported to have held a “secret meeting” with HTC in August.

The phone maker is expected to report the first quarterly loss in its history when it announces its financials in the coming weeks.
Executives from Lenovo is understood to be keen to buy the HTC brand in a similar fashion to how Microsoft recently bought Nokia’s mobile business.
Read more: T3 Gadgets Awards 2013: HTC One wins Phone of the Year
The Chinese company has a history of buying existing brands and turning them around.
In 2005, Lenovo bought IBM’s personal computer business. It now forms a large part of the Chinese company’s business. It also bought budget-PC maker Medion in 2011 and continues to use the brand for some products.
Lenovo currently makes smartphones, however its presence outside of China is limited.
In July, analysts warned that mid-sized smartphone makers like HTC were at risk of market consolidation.
Read more: Microsoft buys Nokia’s phone division
Speaking to Bloomberg at the time, IDC analyst Kevin Restivo said: “The market is becoming less about speeds and feeds, and more about price. More people don’t need to be overwhelmed by a phone, so long as it’s good enough.”
He warned that mid-sized companies like HTC, Nokia and BlackBerry were likely to become the Compaqs, IBMs and Gateways of the smartphone world – bought by bigger companies in the market.
Nokia was subsequently bought by Microsoft while BlackBerry – another name mentioned at being squeezed out of the market or bought by a bigger player – is also currently for sale.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3: Specs showdown

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3: Camera

Samsung Galaxy S4
The 13MP rear camera is capable of full HD 1080p video recording, and the front facing 2MP camera is an improvement on the S3's 1.9MP effort (though curiously, a return to the 2MP camera that the Samsung Galaxy S2 had on it's front). The new UI provides easy access to a variety of digital camera modes, such as; Dual Shot, which lets you take two photos and then merge them together; Drama Shot, which lets you take a series of burst photos and then merge them together; Sound Shot, which attaches a 9-second sound clip to a photo; and many more as well. Samsung has put a great deal of thought into their on-board camera functions.
Samsung Galaxy S3
The Galaxy S3 has a reasonable but outdated 8MP/1080p camera - exactly the same as that on the HTC One X. In burst mode, the camera takes continuous shots at a rate of 6fps, then picks the best shot based on smile detection, blink detection, contrast and blurring. According to Samsung, the camera also has zero shutter lag along with an improved shot-to-shot time. You'll be able to set up rules for photos to be automatically placed in groups based on faces, contacts or location. There's also Face Zoom which means that you can tap on a face when lining up a crowd shot and the camera will zoom in automatically.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3: Power

Samsung Galaxy S4
The S4 is making a big splash with a monster Exynos 5, 1.6GHz octo-core CPU, propped up by a solid 2GB of RAM. Like the Galaxy S3, the S4 comes with 16GB of storage as standard, with options for 32GB and 64GB, and a Micro SD card slot for an additional 64GB.
Samsung Galaxy S3
Samsung's quad-core 1.4GHz Exynos processor powers the Galaxy S3, and it's bolstered by 1GB RAM. There is barely any lag when switching between home screens and firing up apps. Flash memory is available in 16, 32 and 64 GB versions, and there's also a micro SD card slot should you wish to expand the memory.

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Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3: Specs showdown

he Samsung Galaxy S4 has been unveiled in New York, but how has it improved over last year's critically acclaimed Samsung Galaxy S3?
The time of reckoning is at hand, Androids - Samsung's latest greatest smartphone the Galaxy S4 is here. Lets say that you're not interested in an Apple iPhone 5, and the Android credentials of the HTC One and Sony Xperia Z aren't doing anything for you either. The question is, should you ditch that old, tired looking Galaxy S3 for it's newer, shinier, bigger brother? We've layed out the facts and stats to compare the two.

 

Should you swap your S3 for an S4? Lets take a look.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3: Build

Samsung Galaxy S4
The confusing colours of last year's Galaxy handset are gone, in favour of a more simple choice - black or white. The Galaxy S4 weighs in at 130 grams, and measures 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9mm, making it a pretty large handset as things go, managing to pack a whole load of tech into a slimmer body.
The exterior buttons are similarly positioned in comparison with the Galaxy S3, and the same polycarbonate has been used, so the build quality feels about the same as well.
Samsung Galaxy S3
Available in 'Marble White', 'Pebble Blue' (pebble... blue?!) and 'Titanium Grey', the Galaxy S3 is all about the curvaceous body. It's more resemblant of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus than the Samsung Galaxy S2, both in size and contours. Although the plastic finish on the back feels more premium than its predecessor. Measuring 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6mm, the S3 is a touch wider and fatter than it's younger brother, and it's comfort in the hand is rather a subjective issue. At 133g, the S3 is not particularly heavy given it's size, but it's a tad heavier (3g) than the 130g Galaxy S4.

Samsung Galaxy S4 vs Samsung Galaxy S3: Screen

Samsung Galaxy S4
This is the bit that many have been waiting for - the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a 5-inch, full HD, super-AMOLED display that is more than a match for any of it's close rivals, and beats the S3s screen hands down. The pixel density is quite astonishing - an amazing 441ppi, which is the same as the Sony Xperia Z and a little less than the HTC One. As is usual with Samsung's super-AMOLED displays, there glare is minor, if not non-existant, and the viewing angles are extremely wide. Make no mistake, this is a very impressive display.
Samsung Galaxy S3
The S3's enormous 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen still looks and feels as enormous as it did a year ago. The maximum resolution of 720 x 1280 at 306 pixels per inch still looks good, but it's nowhere near the best display on the market anymore, and it is looking dated next to the latest competition from Apple, HTC, Nokia and Sony. That said, it's not like we're looking at a Nokia 3210 - a year is a long time in smartphone technology, but the S3's AMOLED display still holds up pretty well.

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Samsung Galaxy S5: Release date, price, specs, news and rumours

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is set to be one of the biggest smartphone launches of 2014 – even with little known at this point what Samsung even has planned

 

Samsung’s current flagship handset, the Samsung Galaxy S4 went on sale in April 2013. It came packed with a huge number of features and contributed to the opinion that Samsung, rather than Apple, is the main driver of innovation in the smartphone market today.
It also doesn’t hurt that Samsung sold an estimated 20 million Samsung Galaxy S4s within two months of it hitting shelves.
This is an article about the Samsung Galaxy S5. We’ll be rounding up all the latest news and rumors about the handset in the run up to its unveiling next year.
For other Samsung news, check out our Samsung News Hub.

Samsung Galaxy S5 specs

Relatively little is known about the Samsung Galaxy S5’s specs. However, one thing that we do know is that it will come with a 64-bit processor.
Speaking to Korea Times, Samsung’s co-CEO Shin Jong-Kyun has promised the company will match the processor found in Apple’s new iPhone 5s.
It’s probably not an idle threat either. While it hasn’t been confirmed yet by either party, it is widely suspected that Samsung manufactures the A7 processor that powers the iPhone 5s.
Aside from the processor, little is known at the moment. We'll update as soon as we know more.

Samsung Galaxy S5 looks

At the end of August, a rumor broke that claimed Samsung is looking to move away from using polycarbonate back covers for its phones.
According to ET News, the company has sent engineers to Vietnam to investigate the feasibility of making smartphones with aluminium and magnesium backs.
The report claimed that some figures at the Korean manufacturer are concerned that the recent introduction of a plastic-backed ‘budget’ iPhone – the iPhone 5c – could make buyers think all plastic-backed smartphones are budget devices.
Perhaps we can find a clue in the recent Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - on that handset Samsung has replaced the traditional polycarbonate with a new faux-leather, stitched rear cover.

Samsung Galaxy S5 operating system

Will Samsung do the unthinkable? Could it drop Android in favor of the Tizen mobile operating system – co-developed by itself and Intel?
A year ago, such a situation would have been unthinkable.
However, following a period of tension between Samsung and Android-developer Google earlier this year – including not a single mention of Android at the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 – it isn’t as unfeasible as it once was.
Indeed, Samsung co-CEO Boo-Keun Yoon revealed that Samsung plans to connect all of its devices together with the new operating system. That includes its mobile phones.
While he stopped short of suggesting that the company will drop Android, it certainly won’t be easy reading for Google.
That said, we doubt Google would dump Android with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S5. What is more likely is that you’ll see two versions of the Samsung Galaxy S5 on sale: an Android-powered version and a Tizen-powered version.

Samsung Galaxy S5 camera

At the beginning of September, reports began emerging that Samsung is working on a slimline 16 megapixel smartphone camera with optical image stabiliser (OIS) technology.
At the time of writing, there is only one smartphone in Samsung’s range that comes with OIS, and that is the less-than-slimline Galaxy S4 Zoom.
According to GSMarena, who broke the story, the new lens has been designed to fit in its slimline range of smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy S5 release date

There has been no word – rumor or otherwise – about when we will be able to get our grubby little hands on the Samsung Galaxy S5.
However, Samsung is usually consistent when it comes to launching new models of its phones. As such, it is a pretty safe bet that Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S5 in March 2014.
As for when you’ll be able to get your hands on it? If we were betting people, we’d say the last Friday of April – so Friday, April 25th.

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Facebook introduces alpha testing program for Android

Facebook announces Facebook for Android alpha testing program following the announcement that 1 million users actively use Facebook for Android beta

In an official blog post, Facebook has introduced the Facebook for Android alpha testing program following feedback received by users of the Android beta testing program launched back in June.
Christian Legnitto, mobile release engineering leader, states "In addition to quality reports, we get over 1,000 direct pieces of feedback from beta testers per day, including feature requests, bug reports, and posts in our feedback group."
With over 260,000 testers reportedly joining the option Facebook group for feedback exchange this has lead to the introduction of Facebook for Android alpha testing program.
Learn how to become an alpha tester at the bottom of this article.
Legnitto writes, "We started out with beta as we knew it would be a good balance between testing and usability, but we'd love to get feedback as early as testers want to give it."
The Facebook for Android alpha testing program will be at an even earlier stage in it development.
Users can join the alpha program by joining the Facebook for Android Alpha Testers Google group, allow alpha downloads by clicking "Become a Tester" in the Play Store, download Facebook from the Play Store to update your app, turn on automatic updates (alpha will be updated multiple times per week), and finally report problems and give feedback by using the "Report a Problem" menu item.

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3D printer prints prototype 'pizza'

GONE are the days of freeze-dried space meals.
One day astronauts may actually press a couple of buttons on a machine that will print a delicious home cooked dinner for them.

3D printed pizza

Sound crazy? Well it's not. The future is here, with the prototype release of a 3D printer that can print food in the US this week.
The video shows the printer creating a kind of 'pizza pie', complete with dough, tomato sauce and cream cheese, which is then cooked on a heated surface.

The prototype 3D printing machine making ‘pizza’. Source: NewsComAu

While it may not look as good as this pizza, it's a huge step for technology. The printer is in the early stages of development and the process is still imperfect, but the technology is expected to improve quickly. Perhaps it will soon be able to create a roast lamb dinner, with hasselback potatoes, sautéd greens and mint sauce?

It won’t look or taste as good as this pizza. Source: ThinkStock

3D printing was invented in 1984 by Chuck Hall of 3D Systems Corp, but the real boom in this technology has occurred over the past 10 years as the printers continue to become more affordable and can therefore be used in a variety of industries.
Here are some photographs of other objects that have been printed by 3D machines. 3D printers can make machinery, nanotechnology, clothing, footware, jewellery, eyeware and now food. What will they print next?
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Adam Long creates designs on a computer and uses the latest technology including laser cutters and 3D printers to engineer anything from toys to the sunglasses he is wearing. Source: News Limited

A woman admires a 3D printed handgun which was created and fired by Finnish journalist Ville Vaarne. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

These robots made from 3D printers can play soccer. Source: News Limited

Emma Clapham in 3D print spring racing hat. Picture Ian Currie. Source: News Limited

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What laptop should you buy? part 2

WHAT'S A HYBRID?
A hybrid is any laptop that can double as a tablet. More than ever consumers want to be able to use their devices as a touch display when they need, and word process with a proper computer on demand. These models solve that conundrum.
High end: Acer Aspire R7
Price: $2099

Acer R7 Source: Supplied

Upside: This machine has a 15.6-inch screen, runs on an Intel Core i7 processor with 12GB RAM and 1TB storage. It has SD card, HDMI and two USB ports.
Downside: Hybrid machines are all the rage but in some cases you're left asking whether the combination works. Its point of difference is its screen that has a hinge allowing four modes: easel, display (where you flip the screen to display it to people sitting across the table), notebook and pad.
That gives it remarkably versatility, but in pad mode you're carrying around a giant, 2.5kg tablet and who wants to do that? Another design issue is the position of the trackpad that has gone to the top of the keyboard making it awkward to use.
Mid range: Acer Aspire S7
Price: $1899

Acer Aspire S7 Source: Supplied

Upside: If you judge an Ultrabook by its cover, you're going to judge this highly. It's just 12.9mm thick, weighs 1.3kg and has a back panel of white Gorilla Glass. The keyboard gives that pleasing click of proper keys, and is well spaced thanks to a design combining number and function keys.
Our review model had a 13.3-inch touchscreen and ran an Intel Core i7 chip, with 4GB RAM and 256GB storage. The slim design still allows for a full-sized SD card and HDMI ports, plus two USB slots. Acer says the improved design gives this a 33 per cent boost in battery life, giving it up to seven hours. Looks, in this case, are not deceiving.
Downside: The computer looks very cool until you notice all your fingerprints.
Mid range: Toshiba Portege Z10t
Price: $1199

Toshiba Portege Z10t Source: Supplied

Upside: This is the sort of hybrid device likely to appeal to many consumers. Think of it either as a 11.6-inch tablet with a keyboard dock or a Ultrabook with a detachable screen. It's powered by your choice of a Celeron or Core i5 processor. The screen/tablet has Micro HDMI, USB and SD card connections. Pop it into the keyboard and you gain an extra full HDMI port, another USB and a VGA port to connect it to a larger screen. Road warriors will love its size and 800g weight.Downside: The keyboard buttons are small and require adjustment. One downside is that the screen sits in the dock at a straighter than normal angle and you'll find you want to keep pushing it back.
Low end: Windows Surface 2:
Price: Starts at $529

Surface 2 shows Microsoft is listening to its consumers. Source: Supplied

Upside: Its predecessor, the Surface RT, was met with a bunch of complaints, most of which have been addressed in this model. The Surface 2 runs an Intel 4th generation Haswell chip which Microsoft claims has resulted in a 75 per cent increase in battery life of about seven hours. The battery has increased in size by 25 per cent too, so that might also help. Features a Tegra 4 processor, and a full HD 1080p screen.
The Surface 2 is lightweight and slimmer than the RT. It's made for handbags. Microsoft has also added another angle to the kickstand, allowing it to sit on your lap without risk of falling to the floor and getting damaged.
The app store now features 100,000 apps, a darn site huge improvement from the 10,000 it used to sport. Works well for gamers, delivering smooth playback without any lag or stuttering. Lets you use Xbox 360 controller in conjunction with the device, which is handy, particularly if you're a portable gamer. You can use it as a laptop and a tablet, also comes with a new DJ cover and soft MIDI controller deck designed to work as a portable music solution for any aspiring musicians or DJs. Has a bespoke desktop stand so you can choose the angle you want the device to sit at.
Downside: The Surface 2 runs on a scaled back Windows 8.1 operating system, so users aren't going to be able to see the full potential of the OS. The previous model Surface RT experienced miserable sales, so convincing the market that it has listened might be a challenge for Microsoft. Hopefully consumers will give them a second chance. The price starts at $529.

Multi Flip Sony Vaio 13-inch
Price: TBA

Sony Vaio 13-inch Source: Supplied

Upside: This computer is a laptop and a tablet all in one. It has a release mechanism below the screen that allows you to rotate and flip the screen. The stylus can be used in conjunction with programs like Adobe Photoshop and other editing software. It contains a Haswell i7 processor and boasts a 1920 x 1080 display (The 15 inch model has a higher resolution). It also has an hdmi port, SD card slot and two usbs as well as a rear facing camera.
Downside: The computer does not have a storage spot for the stylus pen so you'll have to store it in your handbag or pocket, which can be a little frustrating. It's not exactly the thinnest hybrid on the market, and it's quite heavy so not exactly the easiest thing to carry around. The price has yet to be confirmed.

OTHER LAPTOPS:
High end: Lenovo Elite Performance W530
Price: $3999

Lenovo Elite Performance W530 Source: Supplied

Upside: The computer takes less than 30 seconds to boot up thanks to its RapidBoot and BootShare technologies. Lenovo claims its battery takes as little as 30 minutes to charge up to 80 per cent. Some models offer 4G mobile connectivity. Features a core i7 and 32GB of RAM and RAID 0 or 1 storage and a Nvidia Quadro GPU. It can run Windows 7 or 8.
Downside: This is one heavy beast, weighing in 2.4kgs. It's also damn pricey, costing $3,999. You can also choose one of the less "blunged up" models. Prices start at $1,349.
Low end: Lenovo B590
Price: $499

Lenovo B590 Source: Supplied

Upside: This is the kind of computer you want to perform basic tasks like web browsing, word processing and other business requirements. It runs quietly and has excellent battery life of up to nine hours.
Comes equipped with an Intel Core i3-3110M, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. Sports 4 USB ports, a VGA, LAN and HDMI cables and a DVD drive. Bluetooth compatible. Its 1366 x 768 display is not heavily reflective, making it good for outdoor use and mobile offices.
Downside: Not a computer who want to play high resolution games or watch movies. Cased in plastic, tends to get dirty easily, fingerprints are quite visible. No docking port. Not the kind of computer to store music, films or big files on as it only contains 4GB of storage. That means this isn't a computer for photographers, videographers, graphic designers or other professions that deal with massive file sizes every day.
Mid range: LG Z360
Price: $1399

LG Z360 Source: Supplied

Upside: LG'S Z360 laptop will appeal to those looking for a lightweight, attractive Ultrabook. Its plastic case helps keep that weight down to 1.5kg, while inside it offers a bright, full high-definition 13.3-inch screen, an Intel Core i5 chip, full-sized HDMI connection, and two USB ports. One unusual addition to its connections is two Micro SD memory card slots, which make it easy to load phone photos but mean you're going to need a USB adaptor to upload pictures from a camera. It offers 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage. We liked the extra column of Windows keys, which helped navigate Windows 8.
Downside: The trackpad doesn't give you any sensation when clicking, forcing you to look down, it also lacks a touchscreen.
High end: ASKS N750
Price: $2299

ASKS N750 Source: Supplied

Upside: It has a 17.3-inch, full high-definition screen, uses an Intel Core i7 processor, has 4GB RAM and 1TB storage. There are four USB ports plus an HDMI and SD card slot. It's an attractive and functional design, with an aluminium shell and a bevel around the edge of the keyboard.
One of its selling points is the inclusion of four speakers, designed by Bang & Olufsen, plus a subwoofer you can plug in. Another benefit of its size is the space on the keyboard, which includes a full numeric keypad and an extra-large trackpad.
Downside: Tipping the scales at 3.3kg and measuring 41cm wide, this desktop replacement is not the sort of machine you'd want to carry every day. Unlike the smaller model in this range, there is no option for a touchscreen.

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