Lenovo Thinkpad Helix Cellular (8GB + 180GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The TechSpot review of the 2014 Lenovo ThinkPad Helix concludes that while the device offers a strong, high-quality 11.6-inch 1080p display, excellent stylus functionality, and good battery life, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive experience. Major criticisms include the sub-par, awkward, hinge-less keyboard dock and significant performance throttling when used in tablet mode, which together severely hinder usability. Despite featuring solid enterprise-focused hardware, the review deems the device disjointed and recommends alternatives like the Surface Pro over this, the "bland" ThinkPad model.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 is a fanless, business-oriented 2-in-1 featuring an Intel Core M-5Y71 processor, a high-quality 11.6-inch Full HD IPS display with Wacom support, and a fast M.2 SSD. While it operates silently, the device suffers from significant thermal throttling under load, which restricts performance by about 20% when used without the mandatory Ultrabook Pro Keyboard dock. The build quality is mixed, showing some chassis flex, and the glossy display proves difficult to use in direct sunlight. Pros include the silent design, excellent display, and a premium keyboard dock that extends battery life to over 10 hours. Cons involve the high price, inconsistent build, and poor performance stability.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix (2nd Gen) is a refined, fanless 11.6-inch 2-in-1, powered by an Intel Core M processor to deliver a silent, lightweight (1.81 lb) user experience. A significant pro is the Ultrabook Pro Keyboard, which enables a versatile multimode design and extends battery life to approximately 12 hours, paired with a vibrant 1080p display and business-ready features. However, the device suffers from cons including a plastic exterior with noticeable structural flex and underwhelming performance compared to competitors, leading to a high price for moderate computing power.

The PCMag Australia review highlights the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix (2nd Gen) as a refined hybrid, featuring a slimmer, fanless design with a 11.6-inch full HD display and a high-quality, battery-boosting Ultrabook Pro keyboard. Key pros include the improved versatility and enhanced endurance, although the review notes disappointing, flexible build quality and a creaking chassis. Performance is considered a drawback, with the Intel Core M processor offering only mediocre benchmark results compared to competitors, making it less suitable for intensive tasks. While the device offers good business features like NFC and a fingerprint reader, the review concludes it faces stiff competition in terms of performance and construction. For more details, visit PCMag Australia.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is a premium 11.6-inch, 1080p detachable Windows hybrid aimed at business professionals, featuring a unique "rip and flip" hinge that allows the tablet to be attached in reverse. It supports extensive input options, including a 10-point touchscreen, Wacom digitizer pen, and a classic ThinkPad keyboard with TrackPoint. A primary advantage of the Helix is its dual-battery setup, which offers over 7.5 hours of endurance, paired with a solid keyboard dock that adds USB 3.0 ports and a mini-DisplayPort. The performance, driven by Intel Core i5 processors, is robust, and the overall build is durable. However, the device faces drawbacks including a high price point, heavy weight when docked, and occasional fan noise under heavy loads. Additionally, the tablet-only configuration offers limited port selection and the high-resolution display can make interface elements small without scaling.

The TechRadar review of the 2015 Lenovo ThinkPad Helix positions it as a robust, business-focused 2-in-1, featuring a sturdy "Ultrabook Pro Keyboard" dock and a vibrant, bright 11.6-inch Full HD IPS display. Utilizing fanless Intel Core M chips, the device offers strong, silent performance and superior battery life, enhanced by dual batteries in both the tablet and keyboard. However, the device is criticized for a high price point that doesn't fully match its performance, combined with a relatively thick design and a finicky touchpad.

The IT Pro review describes the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix as a top-tier Windows 8 hybrid with a versatile "Rip and Flip" 11.6-inch design, although it is slightly heavier than some conventional Ultrabooks at 1.72kg with the keyboard dock. Performance is praised for handling demanding tasks, with the dual-battery system delivering an impressive 7 hours and 44 minutes of video playback and the 1080p IPS display offering high brightness. Key drawbacks highlighted include the high £1,300 price tag, a top-heavy design prone to tipping on laps, and a lack of built-in Ethernet or SD card slots, alongside a, at times, clunky cooling flap design.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is a premium Windows 8 "rip and flip" convertible featuring an 11.6-inch 1080p display, a superior AccuType keyboard, and a Wacom stylus for precise input. While providing robust performance and a dual-battery system lasting 7-8 hours, the device is criticized for using an older Ivy Bridge processor and having a top-heavy design that is unstable on laps. Despite its high £1,100 ($1,679) price tag limiting its value for average consumers, it remains a solid, secure choice for enterprise users requiring a versatile machine.

The 2013 Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is an 11.6-inch Windows 8 hybrid featuring a "rip and flip" 1080p display, serving as a powerful tablet and functional ultrabook for professionals. It boasts a bright, high-quality screen and, when docked, achieves over 8 hours of battery life alongside a superior keyboard with a TrackPoint. However, the $1,649 device is top-heavy and prone to tipping, suffers from inconvenient port placement on the tablet base, and can run hot during intensive tasks. Laptop Mag

The Expert Reviews evaluation of the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix highlights its "rip and flip" design as a standout engineering feat that effectively bridges the gap between a tablet and a business Ultrabook. Key pros include an impressive 11.6-inch 1080p IPS display with 400-nit brightness, a dual-battery system offering nearly 10 hours of life, and a superior, tactile keyboard dock. However, a significant con is its top-heavy design, which makes it prone to instability on laps. The review notes the high launch price and a, "fiddly" all-in-one touchpad as further disadvantages compared to competitors like the Surface Pro. Despite these flaws, the device's build quality, versatility, and inclusion of a Wacom stylus are praised for professional use.

The Computing UK review highlights the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix as a highly capable, business-oriented 2-in-1 hybrid with a unique "Rip and Flip" design, allowing the 11.6-inch tablet to be used in multiple modes. It offers robust security, including Intel vPro and TPM, aimed at enterprise users, though it lacks a fingerprint reader. Powered by Core i5 or i7 processors, the device delivers strong performance and a 9 to 10-hour battery life, thanks to a dual-battery system in the tablet and keyboard dock. The dock also provides superior typing and added cooling for increased processing power. Despite its strengths, the 1.67kg unit is quite heavy, leading to a top-heavy feel that can be unstable. Other noted drawbacks include a clumsy plastic hinge cover and the absence of an SD card slot. The high price point positions it as a premium option for business professionals.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix (2nd Gen) is an 11.6-inch detachable-hybrid laptop aimed at business users, featuring a 1080p screen and a fanless Intel Core M processor for a slimmer profile. While highly portable, the tablet's construction was criticized for having noticeable flex and a creaking, less-than-premium feel. The device features a versatile docking system, particularly with the Ultrabook Pro Keyboard, which adds a secondary battery and useful ports, though the tablet itself is somewhat sparse on connectivity. Performance is adequate for daily office tasks but uninspiring compared to rivals of its time, such as the Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000 Series. The review summarizes the device as a major redesign that ultimately falls short of expectations due to mediocre performance and questionable build quality. Despite the flaws, the ThinkPad Helix 2nd Gen offers a strong combination of high-resolution display, long battery life (with the dock), and functional, detachable mobility.