11 Dec Working on the Road with Intel 2in1
Working remotely can be a challenge, which is why having the right gear is essential. Our main gear consists of our computers, hard drives, and camera equipment, and because the majority of our work relies on electronics, they need to be in tiptop shape and meet a specific set of requirements.
My computer is currently on the brink of burnout, so when we were contacted to see if we would like to try out the new Intel 2in1 Levono Yoga 900, I was excited to see how it would compare to my current computer.
Here are the main characteristics we consider when purchasing new equipment: are the quality and speed up to par, is it able to actually perform the tasks we need it to accomplish, is it compatible with our current programs and equipment, how long does the battery power last, is it lightweight and compact so it can travel easily with us.
To test out the computer, we took it to a couple of coffee shops and also brought it with on our trip to the Caribbean. I’ve been working on a MacBook Pro for the past 5 years, so I have to admit, I wasn’t sure how the Levono Yoga 900 would compare. But, I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised with just how much I enjoy working on the Levono.
One of the features I absolutely love is the flexibility of the computer—it can bend a full 360º, which means it can completely transform into a tablet giving you the best of both worlds, all in one. The monitor is a touch screen and is touch sensitive in both modes (laptop and tablet), and it is another one of my favorite features of the computer. I can’t tell you how often I use the touch screen!
The computer is also super lightweight and thin, which is perfect because we don’t want heavy and bulky equipment to weigh us down. Another fun feature is the Cortana virtual assistant, which is similar to Apple’s Siri—it’s convenient to be able to ask questions and have the computer help you find what you need.
Since most of our programs run on Mac operating systems, I was concerned that they wouldn’t transfer over to the PC operating system, but no need to worry. The main program we use for editing is the Adobe Creative Suite and since we are subscribers to the Adobe Creative Cloud, we can download the programs on any computer no matter what operating system it uses.
The action center is also a nice feature. It is essentially a tab that opens on the side of your screen that allows you to quickly access key tools such as recent emails, notifications, airplane mode, wifi and quiet hours. If you perform various types of work on your computer, the virtual desktops are also a handy feature to have. The virtual desktops are basically like having dual monitors all on one screen, and they allow you to organize different programs to show up on different desktops. I have one set up for photo/video editing, another for social media and website work, and was thinking about a third for writing—it helps keep me organized and efficient.
Thankfully, the Levono Yoga 900 is super easy to use and it is very intuitive. The only difficulty I found wasn’t with the computer itself, but rather with me. It can be hard to transition and flip flop from a Mac to a PC, as simple controls are slightly different. In the beginning, I often found myself trying to copy something with Command+C rather than Control+C, and other little nuances of a similar nature. But once I was able to switch my mind from Mac world to PC world, everything was very easy to operate and understand.
Overall, the Levono Yoga 900 is a great computer to travel with and to use while working on the road (and at home, too!). My favorite feature is that it has a touch screen and can switch from laptop to tablet in seconds. We have really enjoyed using the computer and think it makes a great addition to any traveler’s backpack!
What computer and other gear do you use when you travel?
#spon: I’m required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel. This could include Intel providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.
