Samsung Ativ Q

(This article has been amended to fully describe the functionality of the keyboard.)

WHEN the Samsung ATIV Q was unveiled last month in London, critics were intrigued by this hybrid device that combined the features of both laptop and tablet, and ran on two different operating systems – Windows 8 and Android 4.2.2.

The ATIV Q comes with an attached full-QWERTY keyboard that can slide out. It also houses an S Pen, allowing users to choose exactly how they want to use the device.

That said, with a screen size of 13.3 inches and a high-definition resolution of 3200x1800 pixels, the device does seem more suited as a laptop.

If the idea of a carrying around an extra-large touchscreen tablet does appeal to you, the device is still quite portable, although slightly on the hefty side at 1.3kg.

In any case, the ATIV Q does come equipped with a flexible hinge that allows users to manipulate the device into a laptop, tablet or a propped-up screen.

The hinge might seem a little flimsy – several times, I was terrified of breaking it accidentally – but it is quite tough, though I wouldn’t recommend flipping it too many times in one day.

With two operating systems on it, the ATIV Q does need some pretty solid specs, and it comes equipped with a 1.6GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor. It also has Intel HD 4400 graphics, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, with a microSD slot for added expansion.

And of course, between Android and Windows, users can also take advantage of separate cloud storage servers for apps or files.

Switching between the two systems is easy – just swipe the side of the respective homescreens, from left to right and back again.

You can also move favourite apps between one OS to another, creating the ultimate app-sharing experience.

By far the best thing about the ATIV Q is the excellent display screen. At 275ppi, it produces HD quality images, making it a pleasure to play games, watch videos and even do a bit of reading.

Samsung claims you can get up to nine hours of use out of a full charge, although if you use it to watch videos or play games, expect that time to be reduced a fair bit.

While this device might seem a bit too much in tablet form, as a laptop or ultrabook, it is an excellent choice. And should you choose to take it around with you, it might be a little uncomfortable, but not impossible.

The device has yet to be made officially available in Malaysia, and the price has yet to be announced.

However, if you are looking for a new high-powered laptop, you might want to keep an eye out for this one.