Huawei’s MateBook X Pro illustrates the curious way that we talk about laptop sizes (and other screens), defining them by their display measure. It’s 11.97 inches wide but packs a screen that measures 13 inches from corner-to-corner, making it a 13-inch laptop. Huawei has further compounded the confusion by inserting a 13.9-inch display into a chassis that measures just 11.96-inches wide. So, basically, it’s a 14-inch laptop in a 13-inch body.
Huawei has never paid attention to the critics who say that its devices crib too many design features from Apple. Last year’s MateBook X was a, uh, loving homage to Apple’s suffix-less MacBook, and the Pro clearly draws plenty of inspiration from its Californian namesake. But Huawei wasn’t content to simply rip off Jonathan Ive’s work and pass it off as its own: The company has also done its best to improve upon it.
On the left-hand side, you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack and a pair of USB-C ports; one for power, the other Lightning-compatible. Down the right side, however, is a traditional USB-A port that just about fits without breaking the device’s clean lines. It’s a wonderful little addition for all of us who don’t want to spend big on replacing all of their existing USB accessories.
Pros
- Well-engineered USB-A port is a welcome addition
- Beautiful 14-inch display in a 13-inch frame
- Good battery life
Cons
- It’s expensive in Europe and may be pricey over here
- We still don’t know if and when it’ll actually arrive in the US
- Webcam placement will annoy some people
- Potential trackpad issues that we need to examine further
Summary
Huawei’s fourth laptop looks like a MacBook Pro clone, but manages to add in features that make it better for pros on the go. A traditional USB A port and a 14-inch display in a 13-inch body are both big pluses, plus excellent audio that makes it a cut above some others. You may not be so thrilled with the pop-up webcam, or the fact that it’s hard to pick up in the US.
Source: Engadget
