Computers Micromax Canvas Laptab LT777: A tablet that falls short as a laptop

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Micromax Canvas Laptab LT777: A tablet that falls short as a laptop

We live in a tech bubble - where our computing is dominated by a smartphone, tablet and a laptop. Most of us use three devices to accomplish three different set of tasks which are often differentiated based on productivity. Honestly, not everyone likes to carry these many devices and the so called detachable 2-in-1's running Windows is the solution from consumer electronics industry to our multiple device woes. The leading tech companies want us to use one device that converges between a laptop and a tablet.

Micromax Canvas Laptab

The idea of detachable 2-in-1's was pioneered by Intel when Microsoft radically changed Windows 8 for touch friendly devices but it had a problem. The industry was too slow to offer one really great solution and most devices were priced far higher on the price spectrum. Fast forward to 2016, things are completely different. Windows 8 is behind us and Microsoft has built a great repute for Windows 10.

The ecosystem is flourishing and OEMs are refreshing their device form factors and even 2-in-1's are pitching hard to win back heart of consumers. So it doesn't take much to believe that Micromax, which recently launched its first Windows 10 laptop is giving the category another shot by refining its older Laptab at a price that would worry even the world's no. 1 PC maker. Does Micromax Canvas Laptab live by the legacy of Intel's vision? We will find out in our review.

Specs: Windows 10 Home 64-bit | 1.83 GHz Intel Atom Z3735f | 2GB DDR3 RAM | 32GB Flash | 11.6-inch (1280 x 800) LCD | micro HDMI | micro USB | USB x2 | 9000mAh battery | 1.50 kg
Price: Rs 17,999

What is good?

After using Canvas Laptab for more than a week, I am very sure that this is primarily a tablet and laptop use is a secondary option because the tablet is an elegant piece of hardware here. It houses all the gadgetry and plethora of ports that you would need. The tablet in itself is light compared to many others that I have tested in the category. I am very sure that you are going to be using the tablet more than the keyboard dock (more on that later).

The Micromax Canvas Laptab comes with a 720p display, which is simply perfect for most cases. It's adequately bright even at 25 percent which is definitely not bad in my opinion. The viewing angles are great and this is good enough to replace those boring in-flight entertainment systems.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that Canvas Laptab LT777 runs Windows 10. The refined operating system from Redmond-based Microsoft Corporation works like a charm here. Using Windows 10 on Canvas Laptab made me believe that Windows is still the in-market OS for desktop class computing. The Canvas Laptab comes with Windows 10 build 10240 out-of-the-box and users should update it to build 10586 immediately. The update brings seamless Cortana integration which could be a neat party trick. So next time you are with a friend who wants to know the weather - simply ask Cortana to find it for you. Your friend will be surprised while you can brag of your digital native.

Another notable mention goes to the tablet mode on Windows 10, which works reliably here. The moment you undock the tablet, Continuum suggests for switching from laptop to a tablet. The apps go fullscreen and virtual keyboard pops up if you are taking note. Nothing big but sure they improve your workflow.

The Micromax Canvas Laptab LT777 will easily win award for marathon battery life among sub 11-inch tablets. The 9000mAh battery is extremely big for the hardware that comes with the device. Considering Intel Atom's low power consumption, I was easily able to get past a day of heavy use. For record, my heavy use included YouTube streaming, looping videos and playing Asphalt 8: Airborne in between. The battery is good enough for watching three back to back 720p HD movies of two hours length each.

I have nothing to complain about the hardware too. Micromax's choice of processor, RAM and memory is near perfect - something that matches or betters the competition. I haven't noticed any lag whatsoever during the week long time with this device.

What is not good?

I am not at all impressed with the keyboard dock of Canvas Laptab. Firstly the hinge on which the tablet rests didn't feel great in terms of build quality. The one-click button which detaches the tablet from the keyboard dock got recessed after few press. On the brighter side, the keyboard dock houses two USB ports which could turn really useful.

Even the keyboard's performance was underwhelming. For one the keys aren't roomy and one can't expect to type blazing fast on this one. As a person who often keeps switching between lowercase and uppercase, I tend to rely a lot on Shift key then Caps Lock. The relatively smaller shift button on the right hand side didn't help improve typing.

Also Micromax has added a Function key next to arrow keys which makes no sense for even the hardcore keyboard person. Micromax Canvas Laptab’s keyboard isn't backlit in true sense. Micromax has lit the pad on which keys rest and not the individual keys. It definitely doesn't help typing in dark conditions.

Now that Microsoft has added that Start Screen back in Windows 10, there was absolutely no need for Micromax to retain a dedicated Windows button. It clearly implies that Micromax has put no effort in redesign of this tablet. Also Windows 10's lack of tablet optimised apps can't be ruled out.

Micromax Canvas Laptab does come with 2-megapixel front and rear cameras but don't expect to post a selfie shot with it on Instagram. It is only good for video call from a room with adequate lighting.

Should you buy?

If you want a Windows 10 running tablet without burning your pocket, Micromax Canvas Laptab LT777 makes a great choice. It has got decent processing power and great display to make for a great consumption device. Even the lack of apps won't be a big issue whatsoever.

But if you want it to double up as a laptop, then this is not the one to pick. Rather buy Micromax's Canvas Lapbook which is a decent productivity machine under budget. I am very sure Micromax would be working on more laptab type devices. So for now waiting for that future iteration would be a wise decision for any buyer.