The world of tablets just keep getting bigger and hopefully better with each tablet that comes out. We’ve had some disappointments so far this year as well as market leaders and everything in between. So why wouldn’t Lenovo, leader in business computing products join the world of tablets. What could be better then the tablet that actually could take steps forward to replace your laptop. Isn’t that really, what we’ve all been waiting for but each new tablet has slightly (or majorly) fallen short of. Maybe someone has actually gotten it a bit closer to that realization, though I don’t recommend getting rid or your laptop just yet. This week, Lenovo introduced NYC to it’s upcoming newest product in the ThinkPad line; The ThinkPad Tablet, to a room of eager tech writers. Between a steady show of camera flashes, and tapping on keyboards (live bloggers/tech writers), I’d say it seemed like a hit to the crowd. Certainly the G Style crew was delighted.
The ThinkPad Tablet, comes ready to go, with Android 3.1 os and wifi enabled. You can get to choose from three different models, 16gb, 32gb or 64gb each with 1 gb of memory. Powered by NVIDIA® Tegraâ„¢ 2 Dual-Core 1GHz processor with up to about 8 hours battery life (with WiFi enabled). Currently the model coming out is only wifi enabled, with 3G connection coming out later this year. The ThinkPad is 10.1†WXGA (1280×800) 16:10 IPS panel with Corning® Gorilla® Glass for the multi touch display. During the preview we got to test the strength of the actual glass used. Let’s just say if you break the screen, you must have really been trying to break it, cause it’s tough. The backing is a G Style family favorite; rubberized. For weight, it is a bit on the heavier of the tablet family starting at 1.65 lbs (think weight of Motorola Zoom and Toshiba Thrive).
For multi-media creation, the tablet has two cameras, front facing 2mp for video calls (tablet is pre-loaded with Oovoo app for video conferencing) and rear facing 5mp for still photos and video. The SocialTouch app pulls all your media into one easy to widget. For connection use there is Native USB 2.0 and micro-USB ports, full-size SD card slot and mini-HDMI output.
For apps, it comes with it’s own Lenovo Android market (which currently has 250+ apps available) as well as access to the main Android market. Just introduced, also is AppVerse. This function lets you connect with your contacts to see what they’re using and recommending in the app market. Kinda of social media sharing of apps. Want your friend to know how awesome PicPlz is, AppVerse will connect them to your recommendation. I’m hoping in the future to see this function on all Android based tablets to really create community around the apps we use. I, myself, look to my friends constantly for recommendations about new Android apps. Just for all the Angry Birds fans out there, it comes preloaded with a version to get you started gaming on your tablet (as well as some other games).
Billed as the true business tablet, this tablet has the integration and security developed in mind for IT Managers and companies. It comes loaded with Good for Enterpriseâ„¢, Cisco AnyConnectâ„¢ and Computrace® Mobile by Absolute® Software. Ability to share and distribute company-purchased apps to numerous devices through the custom, client-controlled app shop, and you can even set up bulk app purchasing. Access unique corporate preloads from the Lenovo Image Technology Center. Protect all of your confidential data with security features, including full device and SD card encryption, lost device disablement and anti-theft software. Like the rest of the ThinkPad line, the tablet comes ready to work with Documents To Go as well as application (MyScript Notes Mobile) to write notes with it’s own (purchased separately) ThinkPad Tablet Pen which allows seamless drawing, noting taking, and document editing abilities. The preloaded software, FlexT9 by Nuance delivers an integrated keyboard, input options include tracing (think Swype function), writing, tapping or a combination of all three.
As a professional, writer, conference blogger as well photographer and serious social media user, this is looking like a great investment. Although like noted it is a bit heavier, the battery is only going to last you through one work day, still the functions seem to out beat what is currently offered on the market. It’s pricing is competitive to iPad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 as well as related tablets, 16gb starts at $499.00, 32gb at $569.00 and 64gb at $669.00. The ThinkPad Tablet Pen is an extra $39.99. Right now only available for ordering online at http://shop.lenovo.com, soon will be available in several national and local technology minded retailers.
Pictured below is ThinkPad Tablet with optional ThinkPad Tablet Keyboard Folio Case ($99.00).
