I’ve seen a lot of portable computers over the last month, as friends assemble the accoutrements freshmen students need fledging on to college.
Ive driven to Fry's, best buy, and other retailers to help; young students and their parents what’s really needed in a portable computer for college bound students.
A Surprising number of my friends have been seduced by tablet computers but opted to buy hybrid notebooks. Their reason-- which I agree with totally-- is simple: college classes still require students to take notes. It’s that simple fact that moves most parent buying notebooks for their kids away from iPads and other tablets and squarely into the realm of hardware that comes with a keyboard.
A problem i have with the majority of hybrid two-in one notebooks is this: very few manufacturers pay attention to keyboard design or how this primary form of data input “feels” to a user.
There are some exceptions to this, however, and not surprisingly Lenovo is right at the top of my list for shipping the best portable keyboards. Lenovo’’s second generation Yoga 12 second generation convertible notebook has the best keyboard I've ever encountered or used on this class of portables.
Of the three parent’s i’ve watched buy convertibles for their college bound children, two have instinctively understood the importance of a great keyboard.
Keyboard design was once an important part of portable computer marketing and companies like Lenovo and Toshiba helped build first class reputations marketing this feature.
Portable computer purchase decisions should not be based on which systems keyboard sucks the least, and I hope manufacturers take a long look at market and design keyboards that can honestly differentiate their products from me too marketing strategies.
Am I willing to make a purchase based on my strongly held convictions? you bet!
the next time anyone sees me, i’ll probably be toting a $890 second generation Lenovo Yoga12 Second generation in my messenger bag.Jim Forbes on August 17, 20
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