14 DAY TRIAL // The multi-mode tablet market is getting quite crowded these days, but Lenovo is hoping to be capable of still providing something of interest, so it has officially launched its ThinkPad 8-inch business tablet.
The tech giant has teased the device at CES 2014 and the tablet is scheduled to arrive in stores sometime later this month.
The new ThinkPad 8 (the thinnest and lightest in the ThinkPad bunch) sports an 8.3-inch IPS display panel with 10-touch points and 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution.
Like a lot of 8-inchers being launched today, the ThinkPad draws power from a processor from the Bay Trail family (Z3770 quad-core to be more precise) coupled with 2GB of RAM and backed up by 128GB SSD (with possibility of expansion via microSD).
Furthermore, Lenovo has added two cameras on board (8MP autofocus camera on the back and 2MP HD webcam), Bluetooth 4.0, 802 11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi with worldwide 3G and 4G/LTE mobile network options.
Customers can use the Bluetooth functionality to wirelessly pair the keyboard or the built-in micro USB 3.0 and microHDMI port to connect a fully-fledged keyboard or an external monitor.
Because this is a tablet dedicated to the business crowd, Lenovo has bundled in some security-centered features like the TMP 2.0 (a secure cryptoprocessor) and Mobile Device Management and VPN (which starts automatically when the user is working with corporate data).
Users can expect to get their full day’s work without having to pop in for a recharge, as Lenovo promises up to 8 hours of battery juice via the 20.5 Wh battery. The tablet runs Windows 8.1 Professional out of the box.
We previously mentioned this is a multi-mode tablet and we have outlined one of the possible models of use (by coupling a keyboard), but this is not the only way to take advantage of the ThinkPad 8.
The slate comes equipped with a Quickshot Cover and users can flip its hood over the tablet. As a result, they will be able to use the device in Tent Mode. The cover can also be quickly peeled back when users need to take photographs.
Configurations for the ThinkPad 8 start at $399 / €293 and Lenovo has also posted the first official teaser for the slate, you can check out below.
