Why it matters to you
You have yet another option in the ever-growing Windows 10 notebook market as Huawei sets pricing and availability for its newest machines.
Huawei is known best by some smartphone users as the maker of Google’s Nexus 6P smartphone and a number of its own branded budget and midrange devices. The Chinese company is branching out, however, and looking to make its name in more markets. The Windows 10 notebook market is one such space, and the company initiated its project last year with the underwhelming MateBook 2-in-1. Now, the company is introducing three new MateBook machines, and it has just released pricing and availability information on the first wave of them, with a second wave of configurations to be announced at a later date.
Huawei MateBook X
First up is the MateBook X, a more traditional clamshell notebook that skips the 2-in-1 functionality to focus on being thin and light while incorporating legitimate seventh-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. We reviewed the MateBook X TW-W09 and gave it a solid three out of five stars for providing solid build quality, an excellent keyboard, and a great display. Only a modest battery life held it back from a higher score.
The MateBook X’s claim to fame is an all-metal chassis that squeezes a 13-inch 3:2 aspect ratio display with a moderately high 2,160 1,440 (200PPI) resolution into a very narrow frame. The machine boasts an 88-percent screen-to-body ratio and 4.4mm bezels, keeping the chassis relatively small in spite of the taller screen. In addition, Huawei managed to keep the machine fanless for completely silent operation, which did drop performance a bit when the CPU was pushed too hard. The MateBook X will come in three colors, Prestige Gold, Space Gray, and Rose Gold.
Here are the specifications for the MateBook X:
Screen size:
13 inches
Screen resolution:
2,160 x 1,440 (200PPI) 3:2 aspect ratio
Processor:
Intel Core i5-7200U or Intel Core i7-7500U
Graphics:
Intel HD Graphics 620
System memory:
4GB or 8GB LPDDR3
Storage:
256GB or 512GB SSD
Audio:
Dolby Atmos Sound System
Connectivity:
2 x USB-C ports
3.5mm stereo headset jack
Wireless:
2 x 2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Battery:
41.4 watt-hour lithium polymer
Dimensions (inches):
12.5mm x 286mm x 211mm
Weight:
2.31 pounds
The MateBook X will be available in two configurations to start. The machine will run $1,100 with a Core i5-7200U, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB, and $1,300 for a Core i7-7500U, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB solid-state disk (SSD). The $1,100 model is Space Gray, and the $1,300 model is Prestige Gold.
Pre-sales will be available June 30 through July 7, 2017 at Amazon and Newegg, with shipping to commence over the summer.
Huawei MateBook E
The MateBook E is the follow-up to the original MateBook 2-in-1, and will offer a 12-inch 2K (2,160 x 1,440) display at 216PPI with a screen-to-body ratio of 84 percent. An advanced Folio Keyboard will be available, and the tablet will sport an adjustable hinge allowing up to 160 degrees of movement. Color options will include blue, brown, and pink.
Powered by seventh-generation low-power Intel Core m3-7Y30 or i5-7Y54, the MateBook E will utilize a 33.7 watt-hour battery and offer fingerprint scanner support for Windows 10 Hello. The MatePen will provide for Windows 10 Ink support, and a new multi-functional MateDock 2 will provide for easy expandability.
Here are the specifications for the MateBook E:
Screen size:
12 inches
Screen resolution:
2,160 x 1,440 (216PPI), 3:2 aspect ratio
Processor:
Intel Core m3-7730 or Intel Core i5-7Y54
Graphics:
Intel HD Graphics 615
System memory:
4GB or 8GB LPDDR3
Storage:
128GB/256GB SSD
Audio:
Dolby Audio Premium
Wireless:
2 x 2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Ports:
1 x USB-C
3.5mm stereo headset jack
Keyboard:
Huawei Folio Keyboard
Camera:
Front camera: 5MP
Battery:
33.7 watt-hour lithium polymer
Dimensions:
6.9mm x 278.8mm x 194.1mm
Weight:
1.41 pounds without keyboard, 2.43 pounds with keyboard
The MateBook E will also go on pre-sale at Amazon and Amazon on June 30 through July 7, 2017 for the initial configurations. Pricing will be set at $800 for a Core M3, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD, in Titanium Gray. Or you can pay $1,000 for a Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, clad in Champagne Gold.
Huawei MateBook D
Finally, Huawei is going after the larger format notebook market with the MateBook D. Offering a 15.6-inch display with a narrow 6.2mm bezel and 83-percent screen-to-body ratio, the machine will measure 16.9mm in width. It will utilize a seventh-generation Core i5 or i7 processor, and Nvidia GeForce 940MX discrete graphics will be offered as an option.
The all-aluminum alloy chassis will be available in three colors, Space Gray, Champagne Gold, and Aurora Blue. Audio will be provided by the on-board Dolby Atmos Sound System powering speakers co-designed with Dolby. A 43.3-watt-hour battery will power the machine.
Here are the specifications for the MateBook D:
Screen size:
15.6 inches
Screen resolution:
1,920 x 1,080 (142PPI)
Processor:
Seventh-generation Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7
Graphics:
Intel HD Graphics 620, Optional Nvidia GeForce 940MX
System memory:
4GB/8GB/15GB
Storage:
Up to 1TB hard disk drive (HHD), up to 256GB SSD
Some configurations with dual drives, HDD and SSD
Audio:
Dolby Atmos Sound System
Wireless:
2 x 2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Ports:
2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
HDMI
3.5mm stereo headset jack
Battery:
43.3 watt-hour lithium polymer
Dimensions (inches):
16.9mm x 358mm x 239mm
Weight:
4.19 pounds
Pricing for the MateBook D will start at $700 for a Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. The machine will go on pre-sales on June 30 through July 7, 2017 at Amazon and Newegg.