Have you joined the 3:2 club yet?

[pianowizard]

The 3:2 aspect ratio is becoming popular for tablets, detachables and even laptops. Have you gotten one yet? I bought my Surface 3 (10.8" 1920x1280) in May, and today my 12-inch HP Pavilion X2 (12.0" 1920x1280) came in. 1920x1280 is a superb resolution, noticeably more useful than 1920x1200 and MUCH better than 1920x1080. It's great on the HP's 12.0" screen (192.3 DPI) though things look a bit small on the Surface's 10.8" (213.7 DPI); nevertheless, I use Windows 10's default scaling on both. These are not my first 3:2 devices, because back in 2013 to 2014 I had a Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ eReader with 8.9" 1920x1280, and an Apple PowerBook G4 laptop with 15.2" 1440x960. But this Surface and Pavilion are my first 3:2 Windows machines.

Apple was the first to adopt 3:2 (15:10), in 2001. The rest of the industry thought they could outdo Apple by going wider (16:10), and then even wider (16:9). Now everyone is realizing that Apple got it right all along! If you have never tried 3:2, you are missing out. It really is the sweet spot, as it feels both reasonably tall and reasonably wide. I find 4:3 unreasonably narrow (unless it's QXGA), and 16:9 unreasonably short (unless it's QHD or higher).

[exTPfan]

Waiting for a 3:2 laptop (not convertible) with a trackpoint.

[TPFanatic]

Is 1920x1280 really more usable than 1920x1200? It's like saying 1280x800 is more usable than 1366x768. How is a difference of 80 pixels noticeable especially on a 12" screen? I guess I need to see it for myself.

[Thinkpad4by3]

Is 1920x1280 really more usable than 1920x1200? It's like saying 1280x800 is more usable than 1366x768. How is a difference of 80 pixels noticeable especially on a 12" screen? I guess I need to see it for myself.

Hey, look at 1440x900 vs 1400x1050. 100 pixels doesnt seem like alot until you realize that it makes a huge difference.

[TPFanatic]

Is 1920x1280 really more usable than 1920x1200? It's like saying 1280x800 is more usable than 1366x768. How is a difference of 80 pixels noticeable especially on a 12" screen? I guess I need to see it for myself.

Hey, look at 1440x900 vs 1400x1050. 100 pixels doesnt seem like alot until you realize that it makes a huge difference.

That's 150 line and 14.2% increase in vertical res between WXGA+ and SXGA+, or WSXGA+.

It's only an 80 line and 6.25% increase in vertical resolution from 1200 to 1280. On a 12" screen that high a res is already nearing the threshold of usability.

[Ibthink]

No and I don´t think I will buy a 3:2 device until it (maybe) becomes the industry standard. I have little interest in tablets and there are not many 3:2 notebooks. And the 3:2 notebooks that do exist are not made for me.

If there would be a 15" Workstation laptop with 3:2, maybe I would buy one. But I don´t see that happening in the near future.

[Puppy]

Dissapointing: Consumer Reports no longer recommends Microsoft Surface devices: too unreliable

[pianowizard]

It's like saying 1280x800 is more usable than 1366x768.

And indeed I have said exactly that more than once. I have used 1280x800 and 1366x768 numerous times, even now actually, and having those 32 extra rows of pixels (4.17% of 768) makes a difference.

It's only an 80 line and 6.25% increase in vertical resolution from 1200 to 1280.

Actually, it's a 6.67% increase, because dividing 80 by 1200 is 0.0667. That's even more than the abovementioned 4.17%. You got 6.25% because you divided 80 by 1280, which calculates the percent reduction from 1280 to 1200.

On a 12" screen that high a res is already nearing the threshold of usability.

I don't follow your logic. Are you saying that, on a 12" screen, you would probably need to scale things up? For instance, if you scale up by 25%, the effective resolution for 1920x1280 would be 1536x1024 and 1920x1200 would be 1536x960, so the effective difference would become 64 instead of 80? But in this scenario, the percent increase from 960 to 1024 would still be 6.67%.

No and I don´t think I will buy a 3:2 device until it (maybe) becomes the industry standard.

Huh? If 3:2 is useful to you, why does it matter how many others are also using 3:2? You feel more comfortable being a follower than a trendsetter?

Dissapointing: Consumer Reports no longer recommends Microsoft Surface devices: too unreliable

Here's my experience with my Surface 3, which runs Windows 10 Pro 64bit. I've had it for exactly 3 months and have been using it several times a week, more often than for most of my previous laptops. The Surface 3 has frozen once, and there were twice when it failed to auto-rotate when I held it in portrait orientation. Three glitches over as many months does seem a bit higher than for most of my previous laptops. I don't know how much of this is due to the tablet itself or Windows 10. Windows 10's reliability on my desktop computers hasn't been stellar either.

In terms of mechanical reliability, anything with lots of moving parts should be handled with care. I can imagine that with age, the kick stand will get loose. The connection between the Type Cover and the tablet seems fragile, and so I always detach the Type Cover extremely cautiously. But many users probably aren't as cautious.

[Ibthink]

Huh? If 3:2 is useful to you, why does it matter how many others are also using 3:2? You feel more comfortable being a follower than a trendsetter?

For me 3:2 would likely be as useful on a 15" Notebook as 16:9 is. With a 15,6" 4K screen, I can be pretty productive as it is. Aesthetically 3:2 might be more pleasing, because it could eliminate the huge bottom screen-bezel.

It does matter because the choice of 3:2 devices is still extremely limited. Its basically narrowed down to some Convertibles and a few 13" Consumer Ultrabooks. Not what I am looking for. I don´t care if I am a trendsetter or not, I only buy a device that fits my needs and wants. Currently, there is no 3:2 device that does. I can only see this changing if the format becomes the industry standard and replaces 16:9.

[pianowizard]

It does matter because the choice of 3:2 devices is still extremely limited. Its basically narrowed down to some Convertibles and a few 13" Consumer Ultrabooks. Not what I am looking for. I don´t care if I am a trendsetter or not, I only buy a device that fits my needs and wants. Currently, there is no 3:2 device that does. I can only see this changing if the format becomes the industry standard and replaces 16:9.

Let's say the Retro Thinkpad uses 3:2 and is perfect in all other ways, but it's released when 3:2 is not yet the industry standard. You won't buy it? That's what I was questioning you about.

[Saucey]

I really wish that another computer manufacturer would get the 3:2 display from the ChromeBook Pixel.
I love mine, and the Pixel 2 somehow had even a better color gamut as well as much better battery life.
Originally I was kinda scared to shell out $450 for a device that didn't do much then web browse, but it surprisingly did well.

As far as tablets go, just the Nexus 7 and Yoga 8 I just sold...
For my next tablet purchase, I might go for the iPad Pro, unless the Surface get some sorts of AR tech. The TP Helix 1st gen just been a bother, but I think it was used hard prior to me obtaining it.

I'm considering gutting the hot running Pixel and destroying a scrap TP 600E & adding a TP USB keyboard...

[Thinkpad4by3]

I really wish that another computer manufacturer would get the 3:2 display from the ChromeBook Pixel.
I love mine, and the Pixel 2 somehow had even a better color gamut as well as much better battery life.
Originally I was kinda scared to shell out $450 for a device that didn't do much then web browse, but it surprisingly did well.

As far as tablets go, just the Nexus 7 and Yoga 8 I just sold...
For my next tablet purchase, I might go for the iPad Pro, unless the Surface get some sorts of AR tech. The TP Helix 1st gen just been a bother, but I think it was used hard prior to me obtaining it.

I'm considering gutting the hot running Pixel and destroying a scrap TP 600E & adding a TP USB keyboard...

Go for it! No harm in destroying a dead 600E. Now if you destroyed a Thinkpad 700P,755CDV or Thinkpad Reserve Edition, we might have some problems, but really, its a 600E. Just kill it. Also, why not get an IBM Travel USB leyboard that uses the T4x keyboard.

[Saucey]

Go for it! No harm in destroying a dead 600E. Now if you destroyed a Thinkpad 700P,755CDV or Thinkpad Reserve Edition, we might have some problems, but really, its a 600E. Just kill it. Also, why not get an IBM Travel USB leyboard that uses the T4x keyboard.

The 600E doesn't work, I already gutted the motherboard to differentiate from the two 600's that are working.
I guess I could move on if my Pixel dies during the process, it's been running super hot so I will see if I could retrofit a different fan, or just add a heat spreader.
The CDV I do have doesn't boot, but it just needs a mobo.

[Ibthink]

Let's say the Retro Thinkpad uses 3:2 and is perfect in all other ways, but it's released when 3:2 is not yet the industry standard. You won't buy it? That's what I was questioning you about.

If its perfect for me and if its affordable enough, of course. But then I would buy it regardless of the screen format.

I think you misunderstood me. I never meant to say that I won´t buy 3:2 because its not the industry standard, its because unless it becomes the industry standard, there won´t be any 3:2 device that I am interested in. Lets see how many 3:2 laptops (not convertibles) are made by HP, Lenovo and Dell: Zero. Not interested in non-upgradable/repairable Surface devices and the Matebook X is really a Macbook 12" competitor, which is far away from what I want.

If there was a 15,6" ThinkPad Workstation with a 3:2 display in a somewhat thinner and lighter package than my current P51, it would be an instant buy. But so far, the biggest 3:2 screen is still 13,5". Which provides exactly the same physical screen height as my P51.

[600X]

I briefly joined the 3:2 club when I bought my Chromebook Pixel a while ago. Those were glorious months, but I do need sRGB and the Pixel 2 is still too expensive. I've switched back to a T440s and have recently ditched it again for a E7440. I've sworn myself this: the next device that replaces my E7440 is going to have a 3:2 display, otherwise I will not buy it.

[Khipata]

Go for it! No harm in destroying a dead 600E. Now if you destroyed a Thinkpad 700P,755CDV or Thinkpad Reserve Edition, we might have some problems, but really, its a 600E. Just kill it. Also, why not get an IBM Travel USB leyboard that uses the T4x keyboard.

Which model is 700P? Never heard of it. Perhaps you meant 700T? Or 750P? I have both.

[Thinkpad4by3]

Go for it! No harm in destroying a dead 600E. Now if you destroyed a Thinkpad 700P,755CDV or Thinkpad Reserve Edition, we might have some problems, but really, its a 600E. Just kill it. Also, why not get an IBM Travel USB leyboard that uses the T4x keyboard.

Which model is 700P? Never heard of it. Perhaps you meant 700T? Or 750P? I have both.

Whoops, got them mixed up.Both of them make my point.

I think tablet I think 'P' not T. Maybe they should have called it the X220P!

[pianowizard]

I really wish that another computer manufacturer would get the 3:2 display from the ChromeBook Pixel.

Two other manufacturers have currently available 3:2 Windows laptops, which are larger than the ChromeBook Pixel though with lower pixel densities:

Google ChromeBook Pixel: 12.85" 2560 × 1700 (239.2 DPI)
Microsoft Surface Laptop: 13.5" 2256 x 1504 (200.8 DPI)
Huawei MateBook X: 13.0" 2160 x 1440 (199.7 DPI)

As far as tablets go, just the Nexus 7 and Yoga 8 I just sold...

These tablets are 16:10, not 3:2 (15:10). One is 1920x1200, and the other is 1280x800.

unless it becomes the industry standard, there won´t be any 3:2 device that I am interested in.

How could you possibly be certain that there won't be such a device next month, or next week, or tomorrow? I agree it's unlikely, but "there won't be" implies 100% certainty.

the Matebook X is really a Macbook 12" competitor, which is far away from what I want.

Why does everyone have to consider Apple the gold standard? That piece-of-junk MacBook isn't worth competing against.

[ajkula66]

unless it becomes the industry standard, there won´t be any 3:2 device that I am interested in.

How could you possibly be certain that there won't be such a device next month, or next week, or tomorrow? I agree it's unlikely, but "there won't be" implies 100% certainty.

Honestly, as rarely as I agree with Ibthink, I'm in the same camp. My own needs call for a decent 14-15" unit with a good quality panel, and W7 support. I could probably live with something larger, but definitely not smaller.

[Summilux]

Haven't joined the club, but I wouldn't mind if the Classic TP were to be fitted with one such displays. That or 4:3. But we'll more prolly have to make do with 16:9 anyway

[NonesensE]

Haven't joined that club, I haven't even left the 4:3 camp yet

[ZaZ]

1920x1280 is a superb resolution, noticeably more useful than 1920x1200 and MUCH better than 1920x1080.

Count me in the I don't think it makes much of a difference camp and I'd rather have a better screen than more pixels. I wouldn't say a glare producing touch screen is my idea of better, though there's more than one right answer. I can do FHD on my 14" notebook for a while before it starts to hurt, I'm sure an 11" FHD unscaled would cause eye strain for me much sooner.

[jdk]

Matebook X here. Purchased for the display alone.

If you want to get your feet wet with 3:2, Chuwi LapBook 12.3” is 3:2 and costs $329 with Windows 10. Same panel (supposedly) as the Surface Book. Amazing value.

[Puppy]

Matebook X here. Purchased for the display alone.

Nice! I also think about it. I have some questions

• Are Home/End/PageUp/PageDown on cursor keys via Fn?

• Can I lock F keys?

• Can I enable VT-x and VT-d hardware virtualization features in BIOS?

• Is HDD password feature in BIOS?

Thanks in advance.

[Thinkpad4by3]

Matebook X here. Purchased for the display alone.

WHAT?? WHAT ABOUT THE TRACKPOINT?? HOW SHALL YOU SURVIVE WITHOUT A TRACKPOINT??

Here is an ASCII Trackpoint to place on your MateBook X.


_______
/░░░░░\
|░░░░░░|
\░░░░░░/
|█████|
|█████|

I suck at ascii art.

[Puppy]

WHAT?? WHAT ABOUT THE TRACKPOINT?? HOW SHALL YOU SURVIVE WITHOUT A TRACKPOINT??

Yes it is sad but BlueTooth mouse is the way to go. If Lenovo is not interested anymore, me too I even can't get T470s WQHD over here because the only configuration 20HF000XMC available has overpriced 1 TB SSD and WWAN, $3500 total (without ADP) for broken keyboard layout, outdated CPU generation and 16:9 video player. I asked local Lenovo office if there will be more WQHD configurations and got no anwser yet (while I know they have 512 GB SSD and no WWAN configurations for corporate customers).

So what? Look elsewhere ... time for a change. The 3:2 hi-res screen and fanless design is so tempting

[jdk]

Nice! I also think about it. I have some questions

• Are Home/End/PageUp/PageDown on cursor keys via Fn?

• Can I lock F keys?

• Can I enable VT-x and VT-d hardware virtualization features in BIOS?

• Is HDD password feature in BIOS?

Thanks in advance.

1) YES. Home corresponds with Fn-Left; End corresponds with Fn-Right; PageUp corresponds with Fn-Up; PageDown corresponds with Fn-Down
2) YES. There is a default installed app called MateBook Manager that allows enabling Fn-Lock.
3) No way to enable/disable them, but Task Manager reports Virtualization is Enabled and Systeminfo claims that it meets Hyper-V requirements.
4) POST and SETUP passwords can be set in BIOS. I think POST corresponds with the HDD Password.

WHAT?? WHAT ABOUT THE TRACKPOINT?? HOW SHALL YOU SURVIVE WITHOUT A TRACKPOINT??

Lenovo is already leading us down that road. It's easier to teach my hands how to use a new keyboard than to teach my eyes how to overcome a crappy display.

[Puppy]

Thanks. What configuration do you have? I haven't found Space Gray color and 512 GB SSD.

[jdk]

Thanks. What configuration do you have? I haven't found Space Gray color and 512 GB SSD.

Space grey, 256gb i5.

[TPFanatic]

It's like saying 1280x800 is more usable than 1366x768.

And indeed I have said exactly that more than once. I have used 1280x800 and 1366x768 numerous times, even now actually, and having those 32 extra rows of pixels (4.17% of 768) makes a difference.

It's only an 80 line and 6.25% increase in vertical resolution from 1200 to 1280.

Actually, it's a 6.67% increase, because dividing 80 by 1200 is 0.0667. That's even more than the abovementioned 4.17%. You got 6.25% because you divided 80 by 1280, which calculates the percent reduction from 1280 to 1200.

On a 12" screen that high a res is already nearing the threshold of usability.

I don't follow your logic. Are you saying that, on a 12" screen, you would probably need to scale things up? For instance, if you scale up by 25%, the effective resolution for 1920x1280 would be 1536x1024 and 1920x1200 would be 1536x960, so the effective difference would become 64 instead of 80? But in this scenario, the percent increase from 960 to 1024 would still be 6.67%.

Whether you need scaling or not, the difference of 2 odd PPI between x1280 and x1200 on a 12" LCD will not be noticeable. Sexy flat and thin bezels may be wooing everyone here tired of their Thinkpads but my preferred screen size is 15.4" WUXGA.