We're used to seeing versatile, occasionally bold 2-in-1 convertible tablet/laptop takes from Lenovo. Its new lineup just unveiled at the Mobile World Congress – which includes a tablet and three different models of convertible tablet/computers – is no exception.
Miix 320
The Windows 10-running Miix 320 2-in-1 caught our attention for its blend of features at a wallet-friendly price. The Miix has a detachable form factor reminiscent of the Microsoft Surface Book, though its internals are considerably more entry-level: Up to an Intel Atom X5 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. At only US$200, it seems like a full-desktop software alternative to Chromebooks.
With a 1,920 x 1,200 FHD, 10.1-inch touchscreen display and weighing in at 1.02 kg (2.24 lbs) it's also a very portable device. By Lenovo's claim, its battery offers up to 10 hours of local video playback. It's relatively decked out in expansion ports: USB Type-C x 1, legacy USB 2.0 x 2, micro HDMI and a microSD slot. An LTE connectivity option rounds out its versatility.
Yoga 720 and Yoga 520
Lenovo also announced the two latest additions to its Yoga line of convertibles, the Yoga 520 and 720. Neither sport the rather jewelry-like "watchband hinge" seen on some of the other devices in the Yoga line, such as the Yoga Book and Yoga 910, but instead have more standard-looking 360-degree hinges.
The Yoga 720 will be available in 13-inch and 15.6-inch sizes. Entry level displays are Full HD, but there is an 3,840 x 2,160 UHD upgrade option as well. Both sizes are available with up to 7th generation Intel Core i7 processors, up to 16 GB of RAM, and up to 1 TB of HDD storage (or up to 512 GB SSD). All 720 models sport a fingerprint reader for easy logins, as well as an active stylus that works with Windows Ink for note taking and sketching.
By Lenovo's estimate, the 13-inch 720 gets up to eight hours of battery life, or an hour less for the larger size (and that's with the FHD display, not the more power-hungry UHD version). On the 15-incher, you have the additional choice of upgrading from the on-processor Intel graphics to NVIDIA GTX 1050.
The Yoga 520 (which will be called the Flex 5 in the US) has a similar hinged convertible build, except that it's only available in one 14-inch size and no UHD display option. It is available with up to 7th generation Intel Core i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics, 16 GB of RAM and several storage options: Up to 512 PCIe, 1TB SATA HDD, or up to128G PCIe +1TB SATAHDD. The fingerprint reader and active stylus are optional extras.
The Yoga 720 ships in April. The 13-inch version starts at $860 while the 15-inch size starts at $1,100. The Yoga 520/Flex 5 ships in May and starts at $800.
Tab 4
Lastly, Lenovo unveiled the Tab 4, the latest edition of its mid-ranged Android tablets. It is available in either 8-inch or 10-inch versions; both are available in Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi plus LTE variants. They sport full HD displays, glass fronts and backs, Android 7.0 Nougat and Qualcomm MSM8917 chipsets. There is also a Plus option, with a Snapdragon 625 processor instead.
The Tab 4 was released alongside two accessory packages to customize the tablet in two very different directions. The Kids Pack ($20 for the 8-inch model, $25 for the 10 inch) includes scratch protective stickers for the glass build, a blue light filter, a shock resistant bumper, and a built-in Lenovo Kids account that provides child-friendly content and safety tools for parents.
The Productivity Pack ($50) for the Tab 4 consists of a protective Bluetooth keyboard case and a Productivity Interface mode, which adds a taskbar for shortcuts like switching between apps and multi-window support.
The Tab 4 ships in May. The entry-level 8 and 10-inch versions start at $109 and $149, respectively.