Update: The official site (Thank you eDstaR) does state it has a fully laminated screen with touch support, so it’s now safe to assume it’s the Thinker i35 just with a different name and Core 6Y30. Plus double the storage. I would have preferred a Core M3-8100Y. These Chinese tech brands have been hit very hard to have to go with older CPUs due to the 14nm shortage and Intel’s higher pricing.
Like many, I’m still waiting for the successor to the Alldocube Thinker i35, one of the best Windows 10 laptops out of the Chinese brands I typically review. Well, it’s not the Thinker i35 II which I saw it originally listed at a while again but the Alldocube Kbook 13.5″ it’s basically a downgraded version of the Thinker i35 as far as I can tell from this listing on Gearbest.
The same top-end 3000 x 2000 IPS Surface Book display with 3:2 aspect ration. But it seems it has lost touch support as it’s not mentioned anywhere. 8GB of RAM and big 512GB of storage. The big change is the CPU has been downgraded from the Core M3 7Y30 to the 6Y30 as seen in the Chuwi Aerobook. This is really now an Aerobook competitor with the same spec only a much better screen (if it’s fully laminated).
Full Spec USB 3.1 Type-C
Like the Aerobook this KBook 13.5 has a USB 3.1 Type-C with power delivery support, video, and data output. But in the box, it has a D/C charger and for ports a 3.5mm jack with mic support and USB 3.0 x 2.
My guess is Allldocube hasn’t changed much from the Thinker i35 so expect the same keyboard. It’s okay, but there were a few of the early units with some missed keystroke issues. I also hope that it does come with a touchscreen just like the Thinker i35 and they just forgot to mention it! But that’s doubtful.
The Price?
It’s on pre-alert status. But the price is listed as $479, but expect a small drop and possible flash sale once it’s finally in stock.
Many thanks to Tim for the tip-off!
Alex
What a backwards step… No touch screen, older CPU…Same keyboard…
I feel like the i35 is going up in value If you can still get it. I’m not buying the intel shortage aspect, I think the Chinese just want to make more money by buying older stock for their products. This will backfire on them heavily.
eDstaR
Chris, this looks to be nearly identical build to the older Alldocube Thinker i35, just a slightly lesser processor, larger ssd and some different markings on the screen portion. It DOES have touch and is fully laminated according to Alldocube’s own website:
THINKER i35 SPECS: https://www.alldocube.com/en/parm/windows-parm/thinker-parm.html/
vs.
KBOOK SPECS: https://www.alldocube.com/en/parm/windows-parm/kbook-parm.html/
I just purchased a brand new Thinker on Banggood’s site yesterday though. Figured for $445 (app price) that they had (still might) I couldn’t go wrong…and I kinda needed one since, you see, placing your Cube Thinker on your car’s roof and getting on the motorway is not a good idea.
Cuberdon75
What a year it’s been! Not only has there been no progress but things keep REGRESSING.
Or we get total nonsense served by the likes of Chuwi, who stuff their best processors in novelty, tiny form factors that very few people want.
Just surreal.
Paul M
I think the use of older processors shows that there’s still a shortage of chips from Intel.
Chris G
Yes sadly, it’s made this year very disappointing as we are getting advancements in build, features and design but dated old chipsets. The 14nm shortage is the culprit and also increased pricing due to low supply.
Mike
Hmm, looks like a downgrade from the i35. Would the original Thinker still be a good/better deal sub $550?
Chris G
Yes if this version doesn’t support touch and the screen isn’t fully laminated.
Blackburn
Surely it must have touch if the Thinker i35 has it? This is the same laptop just worse CPU and double the SSD capacity.
Chris G
Seems not as they don’t mention it anywhere which is a shame. I just hope it’s fully laminated, but really should be touch with that amazing screen.