Opinion on Lenovo YOGA

[offroadguy56]

Hello.

I'm thinking about getting a laptop for my sister for Christmas.

She's a sophomore in high school. So I'm not looking for anything super fancy. Something that will last her until the end of high school, and hopefully beyond. She did say she really likes the Lenovo IdeaPad YOGA. I can't imagine her doing anymore than video chats, typing papers, and watching youtube and netflix though.

I can't afford the YOGA 11S, but I can afford the YOGA 11 which is $400 on their website right now. My budget is $600.

I want your opinions on the YOGA 11. I don't see any troubling matters aside from the fact that it has Windows 8 RT, a Tegra 3 processor, and only 2gb ram.

How would it hold up against something similar? The YOGA 11 is still a $650 notebook. How would it compare to say, this laptop found on newegg. An Asus VivoBook X202E-DH31T.
Or perhaps another one of Lenovo's products. One of their Flex series laptops looks like a good alternative to the YOGA.

So to refresh. What do we lose if I get the YOGA 11 with it's Tegra 3 cpu and Windows RT OS? Will the YOGA last another 3 years?
How does the YOGA 11 compare to the Asus VivoBook?
If the YOGA is not a reliable option would the Flex series of laptops be a good alternative?
For the YOGA or Flex I plan on buying the cheapest package.


Thanks in advance,
Paul.


Sources:
VivoBook http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230706
YOGA 11 http/shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/yoga/yoga-11/
YOGA 11S http/shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/yoga/yoga-11s/
Flex series http/shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/flex/

 

[jaguarskx]

I am not a fan of Windows RT since it is a limited operating system. You cannot install Windows 7/8 programs on it. The programs must be written specifically for Win RT which limits your options. Therefore, I would advise against the Lenovo Yoga 11. The Yoga 11s would be fine since that runs on Win 8, but that is more than your budget.

The Lenovo Flex series is kinda like a cut down version of the Yoga since the keyboard cannot be folded all the way back against the screen to be used as a tablet. The Flex's keyboard can be rotated to the point where it can be used as a stand for the screen. I suppose it means the screen is closer to you so you can use just the touchscreen or for watching videos. In my opinion, it does not add much value. While cheaper than a Yoga 11s, it also has a lot less potential and the Celeron CPU is not exactly great either (it's "good enough").

That leaves the Asus Vivobook. I will admit I prefer a traditional laptop, however I am no longer a high school student and a never brag about having any new electronic gadgets; even a high end laptop. It will allow her to do what she needs for school and should be fine for college as well. While not the latest and greatest CPU from Intel, she can still play simple games like the Sims 3 if she wishes. However, $599 seems to be your ceiling....

While I recommend the Asus Vivobook, I don't recommend you buy it from Newegg. You can buy that same laptop (same color too) for $470 at Adorama.

http/www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=ASUS+VivoBook+X202E-DH31T


If Pink is your sister's preferred color, then you're in luck. Adorama is selling the pink version on ebay for $350 (verses $500 at their own site.)

http/www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331074427243&item=331074427243&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

 

[offroadguy56]

Thank you for your feedback. I'm doing some research on my end as well. Just wanted some opinions from real people.