Samsung - Galaxy Book Flex Alpha 2-in-1 13.3" QLED Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD
$849.99-$100= $749.99 for the Ice Comet core i5/8gb/256gb version at Best Buy
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sams...Id=6398413
$999.99-$100= $899.99 for the core i7/12GB/512GB version
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sams...Id=6398414
Intel i5-10210U (or i7-10510U)
360° flip-and-fold design
Intel® UHD Graphics
Weighs 2.62 lbs. and measures 0.5" thin (actually 0.55")
4-cell lithium-ion battery.
HDMI output
Supports microSD memory card formats.
Backlit keyboard
Built-in fingerprint reader
So I admit, this is not a smoking Hot Deal. However, this is a new laptop that just got released this month, and considering that so far I only see it available at best Buy or Samsung.com, $100 off is not bad considering many consider even at $850 it is a decent value. It is cheaper than even Samsung EPP pricing. It is almost identical to the regular Book Flex except it lacks the pen (and pen slot but is pen compatible), the wirelesss powershare on the trackpad, has a smaller battery (but still good battery life), has 1 USB-C (TB3) and 2 USB-A instead of 3 USB-C (I personally would prefer having USB-A with USB-C). The Alpha also uses Intel Ice Comet instead of Icy Lake processor on the more expensive regular Flex.
I believe the memory is soldered but the SSD is replaceable (only 1 article mentioned this and it was a pretty early article before the actual product was released).
The lack of a "true" legitimate review is making it hard for me to pull the trigger. the only reviews are from best Buy, and most of those seem unreliable (best Buy customer reviews are not exactly from "knowledgeable computer people".
For example, one reviewer states lack of Thunderbolt 3 but Samsung website clearly states Thunderbolt port (as well as other release articles).
Another reviewer states that USB-C charging is only with a Samsung charger. samsung website clearly states that there is USB-C charhing and doesn't stipulate whether a Samsung charger is required. I wonder if the reviewer is clueless and doesn't have a PD charger with at least 45w or if this is like a Samsung Note10 that requires not only PD 45w but also PPS which is not found in many PD chargers at this time. This is probably my biggest question mark now. I refuse to buy any laptop that doesn't support a regular PD 45w charger.
I recently bought an LG Gram 13 touchscreen at Costco for $700, but I am tempted to return and get this for $50 more to have a true 2 in 1 at the expense of half a pound. However, the Alpha is a little bit thinner and in my opinion looks sleeker. To be fair, the LG gram 2 in 1 is 2.4 lbs which closes the gap even more but is more expensive.
if anyone has this laptop please comment, especially the usb-c charging.
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I found this detailed impression on reddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows1...f_th
I think this is a better value over a Surface Pro 7. Yes I know I know different form factor, but I plan on using the Flex Alpha in tablet mode most of the time. Better bigger screen and more storage for the price. HDMI out and more USB ports. Battery life extender caps at 85% as opposed to 50% on the Surface. The specs list 18.5 hours for battery life. I'll be more than happy if I get half that. I was looking for something to run my less intensive Steam games on the go. Those GPD Win devices are a complete ripoff. Hopefully this is a keeper.
I found this detailed impression on reddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows1...f_th
I think this is a better value over a Surface Pro 7. Yes I know I know different form factor, but I plan on using the Flex Alpha in tablet mode most of the time. Better bigger screen and more storage for the price. HDMI out and more USB ports. Battery life extender caps at 85% as opposed to 50% on the Surface. The specs list 18.5 hours for battery life. I'll be more than happy if I get half that. I was looking for something to run my less intensive Steam games on the go. Those GPD Win devices are a complete ripoff. Hopefully this is a keeper.
I found this detailed impression on reddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows1...f_the_new/ [reddit.com]
I think this is a better value over a Surface Pro 7. Yes I know I know different form factor, but I plan on using the Flex Alpha in tablet mode most of the time. Better bigger screen and more storage for the price. HDMI out and more USB ports. Battery life extender caps at 85% as opposed to 50% on the Surface. The specs list 18.5 hours for battery life. I'll be more than happy if I get half that. I was looking for something to run my less intensive Steam games on the go. Those GPD Win devices are a complete ripoff. Hopefully this is a keeper.
i5. 8GB. 256SSD
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https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows1...f_th
I think this is a better value over a Surface Pro 7. Yes I know I know different form factor, but I plan on using the Flex Alpha in tablet mode most of the time.
13.3" @ 16:9 = 11.59" x 6.52"
12.3" @ 3:2 = 10.23" x 6.83"
So the 13.3" screen gains an inch and a third in the long axis, but loses a third of an inch on the short axis. (Of course I wouldn't touch a Surface unless I loaded it up with 3-5 years of extended warranty, since they're basically unfixable.)
Skimming through the multiple previews (this laptop is new enough I couldn't find any real reviews), it looks like the Flex Alpha loses the pen slot and in-lid Qi charger that the Flex has, and has a smaller battery. Although its battery is still larger than most 2-in-1 laptops this size.
https://www.notebookche
Can you post a link? I am looking for a smaller lighter laptop for mostly using as a tablet. Don't need high end specs 4gb ram and a decent processor will do!
why not look for an actual tablet? ipads are dirt cheap these days and as good as tablets get.