Why You Can Trust CNET Get an HP SlateBook x2 tablet and keyboard for $394.99 shipped
With its high-resolution screen and battery-boosting keyboard dock, this could be the beginning of the end for your laptop.
First things first: Sorry for my big blunder yesterday regarding the bonus-deal portable speaker, which does NOT have Bluetooth. Somehow my brain believed otherwise, and because the comments system is disabled, I didn't realize the error until early this morning. I apologize profusely if you ordered this thinking it was a Bluetooth speaker. (If you did, and don't want the speaker now, let me know and I'll see what can be done.)
Second, speaking of the comments system, I miss hearing from y'all! (I especially wanted to get your feedback on this Republic Wireless update.) Not sure when it'll be up and running again, but I'm sure it'll be soon. If nothing else, you can ping me on Twitter with questions, comments, etc.
On to business. I am thoroughly enamored with the idea of replacing my laptop with a tablet, and although various software limitations won't allow me to do that just yet, I think it's a viable solution for a lot of users.
If you concur, and you want Android (as opposed to Windows or iOS) to be the brains behind that solution, check this out: For a limited time, you can get the HP SlateBook x2 tablet and keyboard dock for $394.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code LOGICBUY15HP at checkout. Regular price: $479.99.
(You can knock off nearly $10 more by starting at Ebates, which is currently offering 3 percent cashback on all HP Home purchases. Not familiar with cashback services? Here's a primer.)
The SlateBook is a 10.1-inch tablet running Android 4.2. Its key specs include a 1.8GHz Nvidia Tegra 4 quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. You get 16GB of storage and a microSD slot for adding more, but there's no GPS. The real showstopper: the 1,920x1,200-pixel display.
It also comes with a keyboard dock, with adds not only a full set of QWERTY keys, but also an extra-wide touch pad, various expansion ports (including a USB port, which would allow for the addition of a mouse), and, best of all, a secondary battery.
I haven't used the x2 myself, and I'll admit that Eric Franklin's review points out a few low points related to the screen and keyboard. He also dings the $480 price tag, though at $395, the x2 seems more palatable.
But riddle me this: Today only, Woot has the refurbished Asus VivoTab RT 10.1-inch tablet for $279.99, plus $5 for shipping. It offers more storage but a lower screen resolution and no keyboard -- though the dock is available from Amazon for $60. Which would you choose, and why?
(I know, I know -- at the moment you can't post answers to those questions. Just something to ponder, I guess.)
Bonus deal: Game time! If you've been wanting to check out Blizzard's Diablo III, one of the few games that rarely sees a price break, now's your chance: Diablo III (PC/Mac) is on sale for $19.99, down from its regular $39.99. This sale price is good through March 23, giving you plenty of time to prepare for the launch of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls on March 25.
Bonus deal No. 2: Software developers make pretty decent money, which is why anyone looking for a new line of work should seriously consider coding. Can't afford classes? No problem: StackSocial has the Name Your Own Price Learn to Code Bundle. By beating the average price (currently $12.91), you get eight online courses (a combined value of $893!) covering everything from HTML to Java to iOS -- and 10 percent of your contribution goes to charity. Awesome! I'm loving this deal; haven't seen anything quite like it before.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
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