Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 Review
The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 arrived on the market with a promise of business-focused functionality wrapped in a sleek, portable package. It aimed to bridge the gap between a traditional laptop and a touchscreen tablet. But did it succeed? This in-depth review will explore its features, performance, and overall user experience to determine its true value in today’s competitive tablet landscape.
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 boasts a robust build, a hallmark of the ThinkPad lineage. Its magnesium alloy chassis feels substantial and reassuringly rigid, promising protection against the inevitable bumps and scrapes of daily use. The slightly textured back provides a secure grip, preventing accidental slips. While not the slimmest tablet on the market, its heft contributes to a feeling of quality and durability that many users will appreciate. The subtle ThinkPad branding adds a touch of understated elegance. The power button and volume controls are conveniently located on the side, easily accessible with a single hand. The overall design is functional and professional, avoiding unnecessary embellishments. This understated aesthetic appeals to those who prioritize practicality over flashy design trends.
Display and Multimedia
The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 features a 10.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While the resolution may seem modest compared to modern tablets boasting higher pixel densities, the IPS technology ensures vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and excellent clarity. Text appears sharp and images are crisp, making it suitable for both everyday tasks and media consumption. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, but may struggle a bit in direct sunlight. The display’s anti-glare coating helps to mitigate reflections, improving visibility in various lighting conditions. The integrated speakers, while not exceptionally powerful, produce clear audio suitable for casual listening. For a more immersive multimedia experience, however, headphones or external speakers are recommended.
Performance and Battery Life
The ThinkPad Tablet 2’s performance depends heavily on the specific configuration chosen. Earlier models were equipped with less powerful processors, resulting in occasional lag during demanding tasks. However, later models offered significant performance improvements. While not a gaming powerhouse, the tablet handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing with ease. The battery life is generally good, providing several hours of use on a single charge. The exact duration varies depending on usage patterns, screen brightness, and active applications. For users who require extended battery life, power-saving modes can help extend the tablet’s operational time. However, heavy multitasking or demanding applications will inevitably drain the battery more quickly. Overall, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 offers acceptable performance and battery life for its intended use case.
Operating System and Software
The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 initially shipped with Windows 8, a significant departure from the Android-dominated tablet market. This decision aimed to cater to business users who required the familiarity and compatibility of a Windows environment. While Windows 8 had its detractors, its integration with Microsoft Office made the tablet a viable option for productivity tasks. The transition to Windows 8.1 further improved the user experience. The ability to run full Windows applications offered a significant advantage over many other tablets at the time. This meant users could seamlessly transition their work from a desktop or laptop to the tablet without significant compromises. The inclusion of a physical keyboard dock further enhanced productivity, creating a more traditional laptop-like experience.
Connectivity and Features
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional cellular data connectivity. The inclusion of a microSD card slot allows for easy expansion of storage capacity. The micro-USB port enables data transfer and charging. Many models also include a USB 2.0 port, expanding connectivity options further. The addition of a mini-HDMI port allows for output to external displays, making presentations or media consumption on a larger screen possible. The optional keyboard dock significantly enhances productivity by providing a comfortable typing experience, transforming the tablet into a functional laptop replacement in many scenarios. These features contribute to the tablet’s versatility and suitability for a wide range of tasks.
Camera and Imaging
The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2’s cameras are adequate for basic tasks, but not exceptional. The rear-facing camera captures reasonably clear images in good lighting conditions, suitable for capturing documents or quick snapshots. However, low-light performance is less impressive, with images often exhibiting noise and a lack of detail. The front-facing camera is sufficient for video conferencing, although the image quality is not comparable to higher-end tablet cameras. Overall, the camera capabilities are functional but not a standout feature of the device. Users expecting professional-grade photography or videography should look elsewhere.
User Experience and Overall Impression
The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 provides a solid user experience for its intended target audience. Business users will appreciate its robust build, productivity-focused software, and connectivity options. The inclusion of a full version of Windows allows for running desktop applications, enhancing its versatility. The optional keyboard dock further boosts productivity, providing a comfortable typing experience and transforming the tablet into a mini-laptop. However, casual users may find the relatively low resolution display and less-than-stellar cameras to be limiting factors. The weight of the tablet, while contributing to its robust feel, might be considered a drawback for some users seeking maximum portability. Overall, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 offers a practical and dependable tablet experience, particularly for those seeking a blend of portability and productivity within a business-centric environment.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Robust and durable build quality
- Full Windows operating system for desktop application compatibility
- Optional keyboard dock for enhanced productivity
- Good battery life for typical usage
- Wide range of connectivity options
Weaknesses:
- Lower resolution display compared to modern tablets
- Average camera performance
- Weight can be a consideration for some users
- Performance can be limited depending on the processor configuration
The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 holds a unique place in the history of tablets. It represented a bold attempt to bring the functionality of a Windows laptop into a more portable, touchscreen format. While some of its specifications may seem dated by today’s standards, it remains a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to building robust and dependable devices. The device’s strengths lie in its build quality and software capabilities, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize these features. However, its weaknesses, particularly in camera performance and display resolution, should be considered before purchase. Ultimately, its legacy is one of a pioneering device that attempted to redefine the boundaries of tablet functionality.
Considering its age, the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 is a noteworthy device. It’s a reminder of a time when the lines between tablets and laptops were still being actively blurred. Its unique blend of features, while not perfect, created a niche market for those seeking a business-oriented tablet with Windows capabilities. The device demonstrates a design philosophy that emphasized practicality and durability over purely aesthetic considerations. This legacy continues to influence Lenovo’s product line, even today.
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 deserves recognition for its attempt to bridge the gap between laptop and tablet functionality. Its robust build and Windows operating system appealed to a specific market segment. It wasn’t without its flaws, but it helped pave the way for future hybrid devices. In conclusion, the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 remains a compelling case study in the evolution of tablet technology.
The strengths of the ThinkPad Tablet 2 continue to resonate, demonstrating the importance of durability and software functionality in a mobile computing device. It serves as a valuable reminder of the design choices made in the early stages of tablet evolution.
Ultimately, the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 provides a valuable lesson in the intersection of design, functionality, and market demand.
