ThinkPad Tablet
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tablet computers |
| Founded | August 2011 |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
| Products | ThinkPad Tablet |
| Website | www |
The ThinkPad Tablet represents Lenovo's offering in the tablet computer market, specifically designed for professional users running on the Android platform. Lenovo's tablet lineup includes both the ThinkPad and IdeaPad series; with ThinkPad Tablets catering to corporate environments, whereas IdeaPad devices target personal and home use. These tablets are distinct from Lenovo's X Series convertible laptop/tablet hybrids, which operate on Microsoft Windows.
Description
Introduced in August 2011, the ThinkPad Tablet signified Lenovo’s debut into the high-end business tablet segment under the ThinkPad brand. It incorporates robust security features such as anti-theft mechanisms, remote disablement capabilities, encryption for SD cards, multi-layered data encryption, and support for Cisco Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections.
This device is compatible with enterprise-grade software including IBM's Lotus Notes Traveler. Its stylus facilitates note-taking with handwriting recognition that converts input into text. Moreover, a drag-and-drop utility utilizes touch controls to move files seamlessly between USB peripherals, internal memory, and SD cards.
Slashgear highlighted that the ThinkPad Tablet’s stylus and design set it apart from competitors like Apple's iPad.
With the release of the Windows 8-powered ThinkPad Tablet 2 in October 2012, Lenovo phased out the original ThinkPad Tablet and transitioned all subsequent ThinkPad tablets exclusively to Windows operating systems.
Design and development
David Hill from Lenovo described the ThinkPad Tablet as "the weapon of choice for business success," emphasizing that every design aspect underwent extensive scrutiny, down to details such as logo positioning.
Digitizer pen
Incorporating a digitizer pen within the tablet’s compact frame presented significant design challenges. Lenovo evaluated factors including pen barrel thickness, battery placement, digitizer hardware, ergonomic comfort, and storage limitations. User trials employing dowel rods and pencils helped determine the optimal pen length at 120 mm.
Folio keyboard
The ThinkPad Tablet debuted alongside an optional keyboard folio accessory equipped with a Lenovo keyboard and an optical TrackPoint. PC World praised this folio as the standout feature of the device.
Engineered to emulate the typing experience of a ThinkPad laptop, the folio’s full-sized keyboard was modeled after that of the ThinkPad X1. To maintain a slim profile without increasing bulk, Lenovo implemented optical sensor technology for cursor control rather than a conventional strain gauge TrackPoint, delivering both traditional TrackPoint functionality and touchpad familiarity.
ThinkPad Tablet Dock
The ThinkPad Tablet Dock serves as a charging station supporting only vertical positioning of the tablet.
Its rear panel includes audio output, microphone input, a micro USB port, and compatibility with the ThinkPad 20V power adapter. Along one side is a full-size USB port.
Security
Lenovo addressed eight critical security concerns prevalent in tablets through the ThinkPad Tablet:
- Encryption: Both internal storage and removable SD cards are secured via Android OS encryption features.
- Anti-malware: Comes pre-installed with McAfee anti-malware software and supports enterprise-managed security solutions.
- Data leakage prevention: Enables IT administrators to deactivate USB ports, SD card slots, cameras, and microphones; certified by Good Technology for encrypted email and data safeguarding.
- User authentication: Supports locking via Android PINs as well as Active Directory credentials.
- Application control: Factory images allow customization of applications; IT departments can establish restricted App Stores. Includes Citrix Receiver for accessing corporate-hosted business applications.
- Anti-theft and recovery: Features Absolute Computrace with Persistence technology allowing remote wiping of data if device is lost or stolen.
- Rooted device detection: Automatically identifies rooting attempts and alerts IT for enforcement actions or device retrieval.
Business-oriented capabilities
Matt Kohut identified the ThinkPad Tablet as the first tablet designed specifically for business use, emphasizing Lenovo's ability to deliver a comprehensive range of services aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing security. Notable distinctions included a standard one-year warranty with the option to extend up to three years, exceeding the usual warranty periods offered by most tablets, which typically range from three months to two years.
Lenovo incorporated ThinkPad Protection, which covered typical accidental damage—a benefit rarely available even as an optional extra from other manufacturers. Additionally, the tablet allowed companies to deploy customized images to preload corporate applications and enforce security protocols, along with personalized asset tags for efficient device tracking.
Technical specifications
The ThinkPad Tablet was equipped with:[1]
- Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual-Core clocked at 1 GHz
- Operating system: Android 3.1, with upgrade capability to version 4.0
- Display: 10.1-inch IPS multitouch screen with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels
- Weight: starting from
- Battery endurance: up to eight hours of use
- Storage capacity: available up to 64GB
- Connectivity options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 3G capabilities
- Ports included: USB 2.0, micro-USB, and mini-HDMI
- Additional components: SD card reader, SIM card slot (on select models), built-in microphone, and headphone jack
- Cameras: front-facing 2 MP and rear-facing 5 MP
- Sensors integrated: accelerometer, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor
Critical assessments
PC World praised the ThinkPad Tablet for including a full-sized USB port, an SD card slot, an optional keyboard portfolio case, and a digitizer pen as significant benefits. However, it noted drawbacks such as the device's 14mm thickness and its understated appearance. The tablet was recognized for effectively combining professional functionality with entertainment features while incorporating vital security and management tools. Its display utilized Corning Gorilla Glass with IPS technology, delivering a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees.
Bootloader restrictions
Some versions come with a locked bootloader, which renders the device unusable if the Android operating system or Recovery Menu becomes corrupted. Lenovo’s only solution in these cases is to replace the motherboard, citing the presence of DRM-protected software and proprietary elements within the Android firmware as justification for this limitation.
Hardware concerns
Users have reported persistent issues involving malfunctioning power buttons and micro-USB ports on certain units.
External links
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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