Lenovo Thinkpad 4G (2GB + 64GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The 2017 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet (2nd Gen) is a durable, business-focused 2-in-1 featuring a sharp, 12-inch, 2160 x 1440 IPS display, robust construction, and a unique reverse kickstand. It excels with included accessories (keyboard and pen) and unique modular "modules" for expansion, such as a battery-extending Productivity Module. Pros include excellent build quality, high-quality input devices, and repairable design. Equipped with 7th Gen Intel Core Y-series processors and PCIe SSDs, it handles general office tasks well, though it lacks power for gaming. The, however, is a major drawback, with only 5 hours and 23 minutes of runtime in tests, though the modular add-ons can increase this. Cons also include lackluster speakers and a highly reflective display. Compared to competitors like the Surface Pro, the X1 Tablet offers superior, business-grade build quality and repairability but falls short on endurance. The detachable design, combined with the modular capability, provides high versatility for professionals seeking a hybrid device.

The Windows Central review of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet (3rd Gen) praises it as a top-tier 2-in-1, featuring a sturdy magnesium-aluminum chassis, a brilliant 13-inch 3K display, and high-performance 8th Gen Intel processors. The device is highly regarded for its excellent keyboard, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, and better value proposition compared to the Surface Pro. However, it falls short with disappointing battery life, often failing to last a full workday, alongside a finicky touchpad and weak speakers.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet (3rd Gen) is positioned by The Guardian as a robust, business-focused competitor to the Surface Pro, featuring a 13-inch 3K display, durable construction, and an included top-tier keyboard. Performance is a standout, utilizing Intel 8th-gen quad-core processors that deliver high-end ultraportable power, complemented by efficient dual biometric security. However, the device is limited by a roughly seven-hour battery life, relatively quiet speakers, and the need for a dock for peripherals due to port constraints.

The TechRadar review identifies the Lenovo ThinkPad 8 as a premium 8-inch Windows tablet, highlighting its robust, high-quality aluminum construction. A key advantage is the 1920 x 1200 resolution display, which offers vibrant, high-contrast visuals surpassing competitors like the Dell Venue 8 Pro. However, it is slightly heavier and thicker than competitors like the iPad Mini 2. Equipped with a quad-core 2.4GHz Intel Atom Z3770 processor, the device provides strong performance for tasks and desktop applications. Conversely, this power contributes to poor battery life, lasting only 4 to 5 hours in real-world testing compared to over 8 hours for rivals. The review also notes the absence of crucial productivity accessories, making it less convenient for document editing. Ultimately, the ThinkPad 8 combines sophisticated hardware with noticeable shortcomings, including a buggy camera app prone to causing crashes. Despite its higher price, the review deems it a worthy, high-end investment for users prioritizing a powerful and high-resolution screen in a compact Windows device.

The Lenovo ThinkPad 8 is a compact 8.3-inch Windows 8.1 tablet featuring a high-quality 1920x1200 IPS display and a robust Intel Atom Z3770 processor, providing a capable, portable experience for professional use. Key pros include the sharp, vibrant screen and a sleek, well-built design. However, notable cons arise from subpar battery life that falls short of expectations, limited connectivity options, and the lack of an included physical keyboard. Ultimately described as a "jack of all trades," it is a strong choice for users prioritizing a premium, small-form-factor Windows device.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 is a lightweight, 650g Windows 8 device praised for its professional matte black design, exceptional 8-10 hour battery life, and high-quality 10.1-inch IPS display. Pros include a productive optional Bluetooth keyboard dock and strong build quality, making it a compelling, highly portable, and long-lasting travel companion. However, the tablet’s reliance on an Intel Atom processor is a significant drawback, leading to sluggish performance with heavy multitasking and demanding software, even while handling basic productivity tasks and media well. Furthermore, the 64GB SSD is limited, and the device requires various dongles for full connectivity. With a high starting price of roughly $729/£485—excluding the essential keyboard and folio—the tablet struggles to justify its cost compared to full-fledged ultrabooks. The precarious dock design, which allows the tablet to topple easily on a lap, further restricts its use cases. Ultimately, the device is positioned as a niche, premium tool for mobile workers rather than a primary computing device.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2, as reviewed by CNET, is lauded for its highly portable design, weighing only 1.3 pounds with a 0.34-inch profile. Key pros include a high-quality 10.1-inch IPS display and impressive all-day battery life, making it a viable, lightweight option for business travelers. However, the Intel Atom processor and 2GB of RAM result in sluggish performance during heavy multitasking and web browsing, which are significant cons for the device. Additionally, the lack of USB 3.0 and slow charging speeds are noted drawbacks. Ultimately, while it delivers a functional Windows 8 experience, the high cost of necessary accessories makes the total package expensive, prompting potential comparisons with more powerful alternatives like the Surface Pro.

The PCMag review highlights the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 as a lightweight (1.3 lbs), 10.1-inch Windows 8 slate designed for business, featuring a quality IPS display, excellent battery life, and a convenient, integrated stylus. Key performance limitations, or "cons," stem from the underpowered Intel Atom processor and 2GB of RAM, which restrict the device to basic productivity tasks and hinder multitasking. Despite the high cost of optional accessories like the keyboard—which lacks a secure latching mechanism—the tablet is positioned as a solid, portable tool for corporate users needing basic functionality.

The Lenovo ThinkPad 10 is a highly versatile business tablet, described by TechRadar as a capable bridge between a portable slate and a functional thin-and-light laptop when paired with accessories. It offers solid performance for Windows multitasking, a vibrant 1,920 x 1,200 IPS display, and operates quietly and coolly. Key advantages include an extensive accessory ecosystem with a superior Ultrabook keyboard, a functional desktop dock, 10-hour battery life, and practical business features like a digital pen and full-size USB 2.0 port. Despite these strengths, the base model’s 2GB RAM and 64GB storage are noted as significant limitations, often requiring a costlier upgrade for better performance. Additionally, the Ultrabook keyboard's touchpad is described as unresponsive, and the device lacks the raw power of high-end competitors like the Surface Pro 3. For more details, visit TechRadar.

Engadget's review of the Lenovo ThinkPad 10 describes it as a 10.1-inch Windows 8.1 tablet that balances high-end design with business-oriented features. Key pros include its thin, light build, a sharp 1,920 x 1,200 IPS display, and a precise Wacom digitizer pen. However, the matte plastic back is prone to smudges, and the optional accessories, such as the finicky Ultrabook keyboard dock, add significant cost. Performance-wise, the Intel Atom Z3795 processor is suitable for light productivity but lags behind Core i5 alternatives like the Surface Pro. Despite the slower speed, the tablet offers strong battery life, lasting nearly 10 hours in tests. Limitations noted by Engadget include the lack of a built-in pen silo in the tablet alone and the inclusion of only a single USB 2.0 port. Ultimately, the ThinkPad 10 is considered a solid, portable business tool, though its high price tag makes it a difficult recommendation compared to competitors. The review notes that the "Quickshot" cover is a clever accessory, but the overall experience is hampered by the expense of necessary add-ons.

The Lenovo ThinkPad 10 is a 10.1-inch Windows 8.1 business tablet featuring a sharp 1920 x 1200 IPS display and a highly accurate active stylus. While designed for portability at only 1.3 pounds, the tablet suffers from muted display colors and lacks pre-installed software to maximize the pen's potential. Performance is driven by an Intel Atom processor, which, along with strong battery life lasting over 8 hours, makes it suitable for standard, mobile office tasks. However, the device is hindered by slow file transfer speeds from its 64GB flash memory and the lack of micro-USB charging. The optional Ultrabook Keyboard Dock provides a comfortable typing experience, though it is marred by a finicky, inaccurate touchpad. Ultimately, while a strong contender for business, it faces stiff competition from alternatives like the Dell Venue 11 Pro. Laptop Mag

The Lenovo ThinkPad 10 is a portable, business-focused Windows tablet featuring a bright, 10.1-inch 1920x1200 IPS display and a durable, thin design, according to Trusted Reviews. Powered by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700, it handles office tasks well and boasts an impressive 8.5-hour battery life. However, the device faces criticism for its high price, uncomfortable, sharp corner design, and a flimsy USB port cover.