Lenovo has released details of its ThinkPad-branded Windows 8 tablet, which has been scheduled for an October release and comes with NFC and a pen stylus for handwriting and sketching.
Set to replace the current ThinkPad Tablet, the ten inch tablet runs the forthcoming Windows 8 operating system and is powered by an Intel Atom processor and should be good for ten hours battery life.
The display comes in the shape of a 1,366 x 768 IPS panel and there’s a 2MP camera on the front and an 8MP number on the back.
Measuring 262.6 x 164 x 9.8 mm and weighing 650g, the tablet also packs an NFC radio, optional 3G / 4G, micro-HDMI output, fingerprint reader and a pen, which can be stored in a handy slot on the tablet’s side.
For wordsmiths, there’s an optional ThinkPad style keyboard, and Lenovo will be offering a dock with three USB ports, HDMI-out and an Ethernet jack, with a digital compass, ambient light sensor, GPS and a vibration motor rounding off the feature set.
There’s ne’er been even a squeak about pricing, but Lenovo insist that the tablet will be available in October 2012, coinciding with the launch of Windows 8 start.
ThinkPad Tablet 2 specs:
- Processor: Intel Atom (unspecified)
- OS: Windows 8 Pro
- Display: 10.1-inch IPS, 1366×768, optional digitiser/pen
- Ports: miniHDMI, audio, microSD slot, USB 2.0, docking connector
- Sound: stereo, dual-array microphone
- Wireless: Wi-Fi, 3G HSPA+, LTE (AT&T only), Lenovo Mobile Access (pay as you go)
- Connectivity: Optional Tablet 2 keyboard and dock
- Camera: Front 2MP, Rear 8MP
- Dimensions: 10.3 x 6.5 x .39 inches; 1.3 lbs.
Here’s the press release:
Lenovo Announces New ThinkPad Tablet 2 for Windows 8
Debuts premier table built for professionals and designed for life
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – AUGUST 9, 2012: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today unveiled its first tablet specifically designed for Windows 8, the ThinkPad Tablet 2. The multi-use tablet boasts differentiators that matter, including an optional digitizer and pen for precision input, 3G wireless with Lenovo Mobile Access pay-as-you-go plans and 4G models, along with security features like a Fingerprint Reader, IT manageability technologies, and corporate-level service and support.
“Customers want a versatile device that fits their lifestyle and the many ways they use technology,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president and general manager, ThinkPad Business Unit. “Our new ThinkPad Tablet 2 marries incredible hardware and software to give consumers a great device for office, home or travel while also offering companies and IT managers the oversight they need to help secure and manage their company’s networks and data. “For the next generation of Lenovo PCs, designed to be great with Windows 8, we’re working closer than ever with Microsoft Corp. and our silicon partners. Today we are excited to reveal the fruit of this collaborative co-engineering, the ThinkPad Tablet 2, a joint effort between Lenovo, Microsoft and Intel.”
ThinkPad Tablet 2: New Power to Create
Technology like the multi-use ThinkPad Tablet 2 helps manage the increasing overlap between personal and work life today. Based on the upcoming Intel® Atom Processor-based mobile platform and Windows 8 Pro, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 works the way users do across their varied environments. It has an exceptionally thin and light design measuring 9.8 mm thin and weighing less than 600 grams (1.3 pounds), all in a 10.1-inch screen. The versatile tablet supports multiple input methods: multi-finger touch and an optional digitizer and pen, especially good for note taking, capturing signatures and completing forms. The optional ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock can be paired with the tablet for more PC-like computing in the office. With an array of ports including a full-size USB port, workers easily can attach existing devices like monitors and printers.Suited for commuting and in field scenarios, the tablet offers virtually anywhere connectivity and productivity with 3G and 4G wireless models. The tablet serves lifestyle computing uses just as well as business tasks with its package of communications and entertainment features: HD display, front and rear-facing cameras for video conferencing and uploading photos, noise canceling microphones, HDMI port and wireless video streaming.
While users will like the tablet for its aesthetics and powerful features, IT managers will particularly enjoy its security-enhanced and manageability technologies. With the optional Fingerprint Reader, passwords are biometrically stored. The encrypted internal and external storage meet the highest levels of security requirements. Using Windows 8 Pro and the Intel x86 architecture, IT managers can provide for VPN access, utilize existing Windows management tools, manage application deployment and block users from installing certain apps. In addition, Lenovo Services offer a complete suite of packages, including sealed battery warranties, accidental damage protection and custom imaging.
Availability
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 will be available when Windows 8 launches in October.
