Lenovo is expanding the X1 line beyond Carbon to Yoga and now also to tablets. Their new ThinkPad X1 tablet is aimed at enterprise users who want a full PC in a 12-inch tablet form factor. Lenovo has a few tricks up their sleeves though to make this tablet a little more interesting.
To begin with, Lenovo is using the new Intel Skylake Core M processor. That's the same type of processor found in the entry-level Surface Pro 4, and it is much better spec'd for 2016 than the previous generation, which underperformed. Intel Core M lets Lenovo make a tablet without a fan, and also allows them to skip the more anemic Intel Atom processor, which would be the only other option.
The 12-inch display resolution is a bit different at FHD+ (basically 2K at 2160x1440), and that is due to the 3:2 aspect ratio making this an ideal notepad since this has an active pen. Many of us prefer the 3:2 ratio and the X1 Tablet makes good use of the new real-estate. Other main features include:
- USB-C port (fully spec'd for video and charging)
- USB 3.0
- Mini DisplayPort
- microSD and a 3.5mm headset jack
- Built in kickstand
Optionally, users can grab a physical keyboard that connects up to the tablet through contacts at the bottom and three modules to expand the tablet's function. Those modules include one with a 3D Intel RealSense camera for scanning of real-world objects. There is also one to add more ports and battery and one for presenters with a pico projector. All very cool – and useful – features.
Since this is a ThinkPad X1, you can also range this device out just like a laptop including 16GB of RAM, 1TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage and LTE-A cellular connectivity, which is awesome.
Overall, the ThinkPad X1 Tablet is an excellent extension of the X1 name to something beyond just a laptop. While tablets have mixed uses for consumers, an enterprise focused one when combined with the power of Windows 10 could be beneficial to many companies and businesses.
Look for the ThinkPad X1 Tablet to hit store shelves in February starting at $899. The RealSense module will be available in May for $149. The extended battery module will also cost $149 while the projector will cost $279.
More Lenovo hands-on at CES
