Judging by analysts' reports, the global market is experiencing a gradual but steady increase in consumer interest in 2-in-1 hybrid tablets running Windows 10. One of these devices will be discussed in this review. By the way, the device was released in 2017 by Cube (AlldoCube after rebranding), which is on the list of the most well-known suppliers of affordable tablet PCs. The model, called AlldoCube KNote, has a convertible design, is equipped with an 11.6” display, an Intel Apollo Lake N3450 processor and 6 GB of RAM.
Appearance and design features
The transformer has a rather elegant body, in the design of which it is easy to notice common features with the Samsung Galaxy Book. The back of the KNote is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. The transformer body is thin - only 8.6 mm, but it is assembled quite decently. Due to the rounded edges, the device fits quite well in the hand. The weight of the device is 766 grams, which would not be so small for a regular tablet. But when you connect a keyboard, the final weight will be approximately on par with the most compact ultrabooks.
The display on the front panel is surrounded around the entire perimeter by a frame of optimal width, at which the user could hold the tablet in his hands without worrying about accidentally touching his fingers touch screen.
Most of the main connectors are located on the left side:
- DC connector for connecting a power adapter;
- USB Type-C port in a single copy;
- slot for installing MicroSD memory cards.
On the right side there is only one connector – a 3.5 mm audio jack for headphones and an external microphone.
Interfaces for connection are the bare minimum, however, thanks to the presence of a separate power connector, using With special USB Type-C adapters, the port can be “converted” into Ethernet, HDMI or a full-size USB connector 3.0 Type-A. You can expand the number of USB ports using a USB hub.
The tablet is also equipped with two sound speakers, the grilles of which are located on the left and right side edges.
On the top edge on the left side there is a mechanical power button and volume rocker.
On the bottom edge you can find a 5-pin magnetic connector designed to connect a proprietary keyboard.
Connectable keyboard
The mechanical keyboard cover is not included in the standard package and must be purchased separately. This is despite the fact that the potential of the transformable device is fully revealed precisely due to the proprietary keyboard. The design of the cover allows you to freely switch the device to the most convenient mode: for example, a tablet can be transformed into a laptop in one motion, with a full keyboard and a protective case. The upper part of the cover acts as a stand, with the ability to adjust the display angle up to 270°.
On the inside of the cover there is a keyboard block that provides comfortable typing due to the soft but clear key travel, as well as sufficient distance between the full-size buttons. Accordingly, the user will not have to get used to the new keyboard for a long time in order to achieve maximum speed when using the touch typing method. At the bottom of the keyboard unit there is a touch-sensitive touchpad, with two built-in keys that act as the left and right mouse buttons.
Sound and cameras
The device is equipped with two sound emitters, which have an average volume reserve and do not differ in volume, depth and detail of sound. The built-in speakers were clearly not designed for those who like to listen to high-quality audio: for such purposes it is advisable to use good headphones. But the speakers do a good job while watching movies and TV series.
The front 2-megapixel camera, due to the low quality of the resulting images, is suitable for video communication in instant messengers. On either side of the front camera are holes for two built-in microphones. The main camera produces pictures of very mediocre quality, with a resolution of 5 MP.
Display
The transformer is equipped with a high-quality IPS screen manufactured by JDI, the diagonal of which is 11.6”. A widescreen display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and FullHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) is perfect for consuming content. For example, to watch YouTube videos in full screen. The touchscreen responds to almost any capacitive pen, however, it does not recognize the angle of the stylus and the degree of pressure. Therefore, AlldoCube KNote can be used for taking handwritten notes, but not for drawing.
The protective glass and capacitive touch panel, supporting up to 10 simultaneous touches, are a single design, This ensures high accuracy of response to input, transmission of a more contrasting image and a reduction in the number of glare The display has wide viewing angles and displays clear images with rich color reproduction. The minimum level of glare and a high brightness margin provide the necessary conditions for comfortable work outdoors in daylight.
Software
AlldoCube KNote comes with a full-fledged Windows 10 desktop OS. That is, the device can run not only software from the application store, but also any third-party software, including Adobe Photoshop and so on. Initially, the device comes pre-installed with an operating system with two language packs: Chinese and English. At the same time, the user has the opportunity to independently download any necessary localization (including Russian) when connected to the Internet.
Additionally, a special night mode is integrated into the system, the use of which can significantly reduce eye strain. This feature will be especially relevant for users who spend a lot of time working on the device at night, in the absence of an external light source.
Hardware platform
The AlldoCube KNote convertible PC uses a 4-core Intel Celeron N3450 processor based on Apollo Lake architecture. The Intel N3450 has a good balance between energy efficiency and performance levels. Depending on the required power to perform a particular task, there is a dynamic change of operating frequencies in the range from 1.1 to 2.2 GHz. In addition, the SoC has an integrated graphics subsystem Intel HD Graphics 500, the maximum operating frequency of which reaches 700 MHz.
This model is not suitable for processing large volumes of high-definition video, or for running the most modern games with maximum graphic settings. However, the device has more than enough performance to work with Microsoft Office, watch 1080p video, basic photo editing, web surfing, launching games from the app store, as well as old 3D games with low hardware resource requirements. At the same time, the device demonstrates good interface responsiveness and smooth operation.
Memory
What is important for multitasking, AlldoCube KNote is equipped with an impressive amount of RAM – 6 GB LPDDR3. This ensures the ability to comfortably work with several applications at the same time and switch between them without delays or freezes.
The role of internal storage is performed by an eMMC format drive with a capacity of 128 GB. For most users, there will be enough free space not only to install software, but also to store a collection of photos and audio tracks. eMMC modules are inferior in read and write speed to SSD drives, but are superior to classic hard drives in a number of parameters, ranging from more compact dimensions and increased read/write speeds, ending with the absence of noise during operation and reduced energy consumption.
If additional space is needed, a MicroSD card with a capacity of up to 128 GB can be installed in the corresponding slot. To store large amounts of information and gain access to them, it is possible to connect external HDD/SSD drives via a USB-C port.
Autonomy
Like other similar devices, AlldoCube KNote has a low power consumption - 4W. The transformer is equipped with a separate power connector and is designed to connect a DC power adapter with an operating voltage of 12V/2.5A. Autonomous operation of the device is ensured by a built-in 4000 mAh battery, the charge of which is enough for 7 and a half hours of video playback at 50 percent screen brightness. In other words, the user can count on approximately 8 hours of battery life of the transformer under moderate loads.
Wireless communications
High-speed Internet access is provided using a dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac module operating in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. If there is no Wi-Fi coverage, you can use a 3G/4G modem to gain access to the global network. Connecting wireless devices, such as Bluetooth speakers, is done using the Bluetooth 4.0 wireless interface.
Advantages and disadvantages of AlldoCube KNote
Pros:
- nice design;
- assembly, metal case;
- high-quality display;
- a solid amount of RAM;
- the ability to transform for use in several modes;
- support for a plug-in keyboard with ergonomic keys;
- the presence of a universal, symmetrical USB-C port;
- There is a separate connector for charging.
Minuses:
- keyboard case not included;
- minimum number of available ports.
Review results
A device of the AlldoCube KNote level is not capable of replacing a game console or a powerful PC for professional video rendering. On the other hand, thanks to its design features and compact dimensions, the transformer is excellent suitable for use in almost any conditions: on a business trip, on vacation, in a cafe, at home or in office. AlldoCube KNote is a universal portable assistant that is a worthy alternative classic ultrabooks designed for office tasks, browsing the Internet and consumption multimedia.
