Just ordered Huawei MateBook 13

[Puppy]

Traitor here I was trying to give Lenovo the last chance, but it is hopeless. The component lottery (crappy slow Lenovo SSD vs proper Samsung) and terrible displays in premium price T4.0s models is something that Lenovo won't change. I am not going to throw 3000+ Euro for the only i7 configuration with overpriced 1TB SSD because of decent HDR display I don't need anyway.

Notebookcheck has posted recently ThinkPad T490s and X390: Brighter, more accurate and better contrast that was promising, but it is still Lenovo again:

We also encountered one drawback: long response times. They result in clearly visible ghosting (very noticeable when you move the cursor or windows).

Today I found a 10% "Easter sale" for Huawei MateBook 13, the only configuration available here - i5 and 256 GB SSD = 790 Euro. Any discounts are very rare over here and the 3:2 display aspect ratio is so tempting Of course, it is just a second portable machine next to main desktop PC.

[Thinkpad4by3]

Traitor here I was trying to give Lenovo the last chance, but it is hopeless. The component lottery (crappy slow Lenovo SSD vs proper Samsung) and terrible displays in premium price T4.0s models is something that Lenovo won't change. I am not going to throw 3000+ Euro for the only i7 configuration with overpriced 1TB SSD because of decent HDR display I don't need anyway.

Notebookcheck has posted recently ThinkPad T490s and X390: Brighter, more accurate and better contrast that was promising, but it is still Lenovo again:

We also encountered one drawback: long response times. They result in clearly visible ghosting (very noticeable when you move the cursor or windows).

Today I found a 10% "Easter sale" for Huawei MateBook 13, the only configuration available here - i5 and 256 GB SSD = 790 Euro. Any discounts are very rare over here and the 3:2 display aspect ratio is so tempting Of course, it is just a second portable machine next to main desktop PC.

If you can either convince Huawei to add a trackpoint or find out how to put one in myself, I'd get one.

[Puppy]

If you can either convince Huawei to add a trackpoint or find out how to put one in myself, I'd get one.

Yes, I'll miss trackpoint, but Bluetooth mouse is acceptable. The more expensive i7 + 512 GB SSD configuration has touchscreen, but it isn't available over here and Amazon DE has German keyboard layout models only.

[shawross]

A 16 x 10 ratio screen in a Yoga would be worth a serious consideration as a travel companion.

[Omineca]

If you can either convince Huawei to add a trackpoint or find out how to put one in myself, I'd get one.

Yes, I'll miss trackpoint, but Bluetooth mouse is acceptable. The more expensive i7 + 512 GB SSD configuration has touchscreen, but it isn't available over here and Amazon DE has German keyboard layout models only.

Post a review when you get it. A ThinkPad user's perspective would be interesting.

[WarhawkCZ]

This isn't the. Pro version, is it?

[Puppy]

This isn't the. Pro version, is it?

No, I wouldn't spend more than 1000 Euro on Huawei brand, the Pro is ~1700 Euro The combination of a good price (790 Euro in CZ) and interesting features has done it. The Pro version is too big (13.9") for my taste. Matebook 13 has full size keyboard from edge to edge similar to my favorite ThinkPad X31.

[WarhawkCZ]

The missing thunderbolt port is a bummer.

I am wondering what you are going to say after few weeks. You've been criticising thinkpads for several years and I also think you idealized an ideal laptop.

[Puppy]

I am wondering what you are going to say after few weeks. You've been criticising thinkpads for several years and I also think you idealized an ideal laptop.

No 800 Euro ThinkPad will ever come with a good display. I don't need Thunderbolt nor anything better than integrated GPU. 16 GB RAM would be nice and I'll probably miss the BIOS HDD password feature that is better option than BitLocker due its simplicity.

And again, it is just second portable machine. Nothing can beat self assembled PC these days (price, performance, no component lottery).

[WarhawkCZ]

Please share your experience as soon as possible. My GF has been looking for a new laptop and this is an attractive solution. However,she also needs some kind of a docking mechanism. USB-C would do in case it works.
Can this thing run two external lcd screens (FHD) ?

[Puppy]

Please share your experience as soon as possible.

It is out of stock right now (Datart), expected on May 20th I already got email that I can cancel the order.

[Puppy]

Got it yesterday evening It is big challenge after having several ThinkPads but keep in mind it is a 790 Euro laptop, not a 3000+ Euro workstation.

Build quality
Surprisingly good. Both case and display lid are very sturdy, no creaks, no wobbling on table. You have to remove two annoying stickers.

Screen
The screen is amazing . The resolution 2160x1440 is perfect with 125% zoom, I could also use 100% later I think but now I feel more comfortable with the 125%, the default 150% is too big. No backlight bleeding at all, contrast is also very good, but not the best one thought (still far better than most of ThinkPads have).The 3:2 aspect ratio is the strongest feature for me, I use my X220 docked with 4:3 monitor so I finally have portable computer with useable screen. The more I use it, the more I realize how stupid the 16:9 aspect ratio is for work. No more taskbars on right edge, there is enough vertical space again. You can never get such screen in ThinkPad.

Keyboard
The biggest challenge for a ThinkPadder, but there are no longer good laptop keyboard layouts anymore It has 1.2mm key travel so it is better than MacBook, the feel is good, not soft and definitely not 'mushy' like the terrible Dell XPS 13 keyboard, and not noisy. Keyboard layout is actually better than current 6-row one on ThinkPads, navigation keys (Home/End/PgUp/PgDn) are clustered on cursor keys via [Fn], I still like it more than having PgUp/PgDn and Home/End on the opposite side of the keyboard. The Czech layout has long left Shift, no useless key between (short) left [Shift] and [Z] many other laptops, including ThinkPads, have. You can set two levels of backlit or turn it off. There is also Fn-Lock to have the F keys available.

Touchpad
Touchpad is big and similar to Lenovo T440 "clickpad". I use external Bluetooth mouse as I don't like it in general. Yes, I miss trackpoint here.

Noise
I haven't detected any coil whine usign any power settings. The fan (two fans) are noisy when you reach constant 50% CPU or more, but there is no annoying high-pitched noise like the X220 have. Fans runs quite often, it is a typical ultrabook.

Software
There is no crapware (trial AV, Google Chrome etc) preinstalled. Windows 10 Home Build 1809 installed on March and Huawei application for updating drivers and BIOS, similar to Lenovo System Update. It had updated four drivers and BIOS. There is fingerprint reader integrated in power button and it works very well. When you push it, it scans the fingerprint during restoring from hibernation, so you don't have to touch it second time when the login screen appears. SSD (WD) has two C (Windows) and D (Data) partitions which I don't like, you can remove the D easily in Windows Disk Management. There is additional 14 GB system restore partition.

My overall impression is very good. Of couse it would be nice to have 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, touchscreen, Thunderbold 3 ... but again, it is 790 Euro laptop. I got much more than any ThinkPad would deliver in similar price level. If you need more, you can always spend your money on Microsoft Surface Laptop.

Is it a good replacement for any ThinkPad? No, it always depends on your preference. I don't expect it will last 7 years like my X220, but I use it as a second portable laptop, not the main workstation machine.

[pianowizard]

Nothing can beat self assembled PC these days (price...

Even price? I have to disagree, at least for Dell's and HP's sale prices in the US. The CPU alone, if purchased separately, would often cost more than half of the entire system.

ScreenThe 3:2 aspect ratio is the strongest feature for me,..The more I use it, the more I realize how stupid the 16:9 aspect ratio is for work.

Welcome to the 3:2 club! I am still so very happy with the 3:2 screens of my Microsoft and HP detachables, which are both 1920x1280. For laptops, 16:9 is okay only for 15.6" - 18.4" IMO. For 32" (31.5" viewable) or larger desktop monitors, 16:9 is actually ideal because 4:3 or 5:4 would make the screen too tall.

Keyboard
The biggest challenge for a ThinkPadder, but there are no longer good laptop keyboard layouts anymore It has 1.2mm key travel so it is better than MacBook, the feel is good, not soft and definitely not 'mushy' like the terrible Dell XPS 13 keyboard

I bet you will adjust to the keyboard eventually. Using it daily is completely different than playing with it for a couple minutes at a computer store.

BTW, I will be in Prague on May 8. If you're available then, it would be fun to get together!

[Puppy]

Even price? I have to disagree, at least for Dell's and HP's sale prices in the US.

I see, US sale prices, there is nothing like that over here. The 10% sale I got was exceptional.

I bet you will adjust to the keyboard eventually. Using it daily is completely different than playing with it for a couple minutes at a computer store.

I hope so

BTW, I will be in Prague on May 8. If you're available then, it would be fun to get together!

Nice, sure! The May 8 is public holiday (Liberation Day) here.

[Puppy]

I'll probably miss the BIOS HDD password feature that is better option than BitLocker due its simplicity.

No, it is there in BIOS

[WarhawkCZ]

Great review Puppy. What about docking? How do you connect to an external screen? What adapters are needed ?

[Puppy]

Great review Puppy. What about docking? How do you connect to an external screen? What adapters are needed ?

I use it as second portable computer so I haven't connected it to monitor, keyboard etc. The included MateDock2 has USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 3.0 Type-C, VGA, and full-size HDMI with support for up to 2160p30, my monitor has DisplayPort only, no HDMI. There are many docking solutions available, see this thread https://www.reddit.com/r/MatebookXPro/c ... _external/

Option1: USB-C dock with a 2/2 lane configuration (like the included Huawei Matedock 2)
= 2 high speed lanes for alternate mode (displayport traffic) + 2 high speed lanes for USB 3.1 Gen1 traffic
- enables you to run two FHD displays @60Hz / one display 4K @30Hz and USB 3.0 devices (up to 5Gbit) at the same time
- >90% of all docks have this configuration

[Puppy]

You can also buy warranty extension provided by the reseller, not the Huawei itself. Basically it works as an insurance of post-warranty repair cost. 4yrs extension costs 120 Euro here which is worth imho because thin ultrabooks tend to fail due to heat issues.

[Puppy]

Wondering whether Microsoft will do the same stupid thing to MateBook users

Google 'blocks Huawei access to Android updates' after Trump blacklisting
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ ... ist-report

[w0qj]

Just saw your posting...

1) How about buying the smallest SSD while ordering from Lenovo, and buy your own aftermarket (bigger) SSD? At least you get an extra drive for storage!

2) Display lottery... perhaps we've been very lucky, or we're not bothered by it, but we've never had any issues with any of our ThinkPad LCD screens!
Actually very satisfied. ymmv

...Lenovo ... The component lottery (crappy slow Lenovo SSD vs proper Samsung) and terrible displays in premium price T4.0s models ...

[Puppy]

1) there are no configuration options over here, we can buy preconfigured models only. So to get a better display means to pay for overpriced Lenovo 1 TB SSD and i7.

2) basically all are garbage, except the overpriced HDR ones