ThinkPad Tablet 2
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Lenovo |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
| Products | Tablet computers |
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 is a tablet computer introduced in 2012 and launched by Lenovo in 2013.
This model followed the original Android-based ThinkPad Tablet and was one of the initial devices released alongside the touch-centric Microsoft Windows 8 operating system. Its positive reception paved the way for subsequent models such as the ThinkPad 8 (2013) and both editions of the ThinkPad 10 (2014), all of which operate on Windows rather than Android.
Launch
In celebration of the ThinkPad’s 20th anniversary, Lenovo unveiled several new products, including the Tablet 2, during an event held in New York. Although the device was planned for release on 26 October 2012 to coincide with Windows 8's debut, its availability was postponed to December 2012, with shipments continuing into late January.
Design
The Verge characterized the Tablet 2 as a stylish and well-constructed device featuring a magnesium chassis and a black polycarbonate exterior, weighing approximately 1.3 pounds. Its design philosophy aligns more closely with tablets such as the Kindle Fire HD rather than laptop models like the MacBook Air.
Specifications and performance
The Tablet 2 is equipped with an Intel Atom Z2760 "Clover Trail" SoC running at 1.8 GHz, featuring dual cores and a 1 MB cache. It includes 2 GB of 800 MHz LPDDR2 RAM and offers storage options of either 32 or 64 GB eMMC. Operating on full Windows 8 (32-bit), it supports all compatible desktop applications. Reviews have praised how effectively Windows 8 operates on this hardware.
The device sports a 10.1-inch IPS screen with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, delivering a brightness level of 400 nits and a resolution of 1366×768 pixels. Graphics processing is handled by the PowerVR SGX545 integrated within the Intel Atom SoC. It supports five-point multi-touch input and comes with an optional stylus featuring digital pen capabilities that can be securely stored on the tablet’s side. Lenovo also provides an optional Bluetooth keyboard housed within a folio-style case.
Connectivity options include a full-sized USB 2.0 port (non-powered), a micro-USB port used for charging, a mini-HDMI output for external displays, a combined headphone/microphone jack, and an optional docking station that adds extra USB ports, HDMI connectivity, Ethernet, and rapid charging functionality. Physical controls consist of buttons for Windows, power, volume adjustment, rotation lock, and reset. Certain models offer cellular connectivity through 3G or 4G networks, along with integrated Near Field Communication (NFC).
The rear camera is an 8-megapixel unit with LED flash capable of recording video at 720p resolution, complemented by a front-facing 2-megapixel camera. A noise-canceling microphone enhances video conferencing experiences.
Battery capacity is provided by a 30 Wh lithium polymer unit capable of delivering up to ten hours of web browsing or video playback, approximately 150 hours of MP3 audio playback, and standby time extending to around 25 days.
Reviews
David Pierce from The Verge commended the ThinkPad Tablet 2 for its solid build quality and impressive battery longevity while performing all typical tablet functions efficiently. He noted its distinctive advantage in running desktop applications such as Photoshop or Steam, setting it apart from devices like iPads. Although it does not replace full Windows laptops such as the Acer Aspire S7 or Lenovo Yoga 13, it excels among Windows tablets concerning battery life, performance, and construction quality, outperforming competitors like the HP Envy X2 and Acer Iconia W510.
Mark Taormino of Examiner.com highlighted that Windows 8 tablets support Microsoft productivity software including Word and Excel—addressing a significant gap in educational markets where these applications are essential. He underscored the attractiveness of having a Microsoft operating system on tablets for students who require robust productivity tools.
Khidr Suleman from IT PRO praised the responsive stylus input and precise handwriting recognition offered by the ThinkPad Tablet 2. He found the device comfortable to handle and noted that Windows 8 ran smoothly overall but experienced occasional lag during full HD video playback and app transitions, attributing these issues to early software versions likely to be fixed.
According to Notebook Review, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 suits casual users or mobile professionals seeking lightweight portability combined with all-day battery life. It appeals to those needing greater productivity than what an iPad or Windows 7 netbook can provide. However, limitations imposed by the Intel Atom processor and integrated graphics hinder full exploitation of Windows 8’s capabilities. Productivity benefits are notably enhanced when paired with the $120 keyboard dock accessory.