Hands-on with MSI's S20 Slidebook Windows 8 convertible Ultrabook (update: video)

We just had the opportunity to get some hands-on time with MSI's latest creation, the S20 Slidebook. This ultra light (2.3 pounds / 1kg) and thin (0.78-inches / 19.8mm) convertible Ultrabook runs Windows 8 (of course) and packs an Intel Core i5 processor (Ivy Bridge), 4GB RAM and a 128GB mSATA SSD. In front, you'll find a gorgeous 11.6-inch 1920x1080-pixel IPS display with a 10-point capacitive multitouch layer plus an HD front-facing camera. This glass panel is surrounded by a glossy white plastic bezel that incorporates the MSI logo and the Windows button. The back cover is made of a silver magnesium alloy with matching plastic antenna covers for the built-in WiFi b/g/n, WiDi and Bluetooth 4.0 radios. Most of the ports are on the right edge along with the power / lock key and LED indicators -- this includes the power input, a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, a mini-HDMI output and a pair of USB 3.0 connectors. A gigabit Ethernet port lives on the left side and the backside is home to the SD card reader, orientation lock button and volume rocker.

Of course, what sets the S20 apart is its ability to transform instantly from a tablet into a usable laptop. The screen slides up and tilts forward to reveal a quality chiclet keyboard with excellent key travel and decent spacing. You're not limited to any specific angle here -- the display can be left flat or angled almost perpendicular to the keyboard. Take a look at our gallery below and hit the break for our hands-on video.

Gallery: MSI S20 Slidebook Windows 8 convertible Ultrabook hands-on

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Filed under: Laptops, Tablets

Hands-on with MSI's S20 Slidebook Windows 8 convertible Ultrabook (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.