While shipments of Android tablets and iPads are falling, Windows slates are slowly gaining traction, making progress in the consumer and enterprise markets. In the first quarter of the year, Windows saw shipments rise by 11 percent year-over-year, which is no small feat. So, obviously, we can expect to see more and more Windows tablets hitting store shelves in the coming period.
The latest Windows tablet to join the pack is Lenovo's new business-oriented ThinkPad 10. It comes with a powerful x86 processor, which allows it to run the full-fledged version of Windows -- Windows 10 nonetheless -- and well-known programs such as Office. And Lenovo is making available dedicated accessories for it, which can turn it into a small laptop replacement. Here is what you need to know about it.
ThinkPad 10 features a 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 by 1,200, and is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom Z8500 or Z8700 processor. It can be had with 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM, depending on the configuration, as well as 64 GB or 128 GB of internal storage. The display can be optioned with an anti-glare film, which should help with outdoors visibility, or the four-way Privacy film, which is designed to increase privacy. So far so good.
Road warriors can configure ThinkPad 10 with 3G or 4G LTE cellular connectivity. Wi-Fi 802.11ac comes standard, as do the microHDMI port, microSD card slot, USB 3.0 port and, of course, Bluetooth 4.0. There is a 5 MP camera on the back, with an LED flash, and a 1.2 MP shooter on the front.
Battery life is quoted at 10 hours, which is more than decent for a Windows 8.1 tablet (or any powerful tablet for that matter), thanks, in part, to a 32 Wh battery. Those who will want to use it at a desk will have the option to get ThinkPad Tablet Dock, which helps with peripherals like printers and, of course, connecting a monitor.
ThinkPad 10 measures 256.5 x 177 x 9.1 mm (10.1 x 7.0 x 0.35 in) and weighs 617 grams (1.36 pounds), which makes it heavier than other high-end large tablets. Surface 3, which is similar, comes in at 267 x 187 x 8.7 mm (10.52 x 7.36 x 0.34 in) and 622 grams (1.37 pounds).
Just like Surface 3, ThinkPad starts at $499. It will however be available later in the year, with worldwide availability slated for August -- by that time, Windows 10 will most likely be available. The following accessories will be available at launch:
- Pen Pro stylus -- $40;
- QuickShot Cover -- $45;
- Ultrabook Keyboard -- $119;
- Folio Keyboard -- $110;
- Tablet Dock -- $129;
- Protector Case -- $55;
- Protector Should Strap -- $10;
- 3M four-way Privacy film -- $70;
- 3M anti-glare film -- $30;
- Kensington MiniSaver Lock -- $50;
- microHDMI to VGA adapter -- $40
- Folio Wrap -- $30;
- DC Charger -- $50.
It is worth noting that Lenovo touts ThinkPad 10 will come with a fingerprint reader and dTPM encryption. Oh, and the QuickShot cover will automatically open the rear camera after the user flips its corner, which is a nice touch.