This entry is a little different from the last couple we’ve already looked at, in that with it being a Lenovo product it’s more business focused than consumer. However, it’s still available to the public and therefore it can be included with the other examples in this tablet group.
The ThinkPad 10 has a fairly impressive specification. The 10.1" WUXGA IPS multitouch screen has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200, and the Intel Atom Z3795 processor running at 1.59GHz far outperforms the other examples we’ve looked at so far. There’s also an outstanding 4GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 memory, and 128GB eMMC of storage with Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit edition pre-installed.
As you can see then, the ThinkPad 10 is a cut above the rest, and it doesn’t stop there either. There’s a front 2MP camera accompanied by a rear 8MP camera, both with green LEDs and auto-focus. 802.11 a/b/g/n wi-fi, Bluetooth 4.0, mini-HDMI, full-sized USB 2.0 and a micro-SD card complete the connectivity. There’s also a digital pen that slides out from a recessed area.
The build quality of the Lenovo ThinkPad is superb. The Gorilla-glass front with matteblack surround and rear casing is superb to hold and view. It’s light too, only weighing 590g, and it measures 256 x 177 x 8.95mm, so it’s pretty slim as well.
As far as performance is concerned, the ThinkPad takes nearly everything you can throw at it on the chin. It’s fast, incredibly responsive and as good a work PC as any laptop. The battery life is excellent too, with our model lasting just shy of ten hours off a full charge.
Although the specifications are extremely good, as is the design and ‘feel’ of the tablet, the obvious point left to consider is just how much all of this costs. Sadly, the Lenovo ThinkPad 10 isn’t the sort of casual tablet most of us would happily chuck to the side of the sofa. At around £700 it's by far the most expensive tablet we’ve ever had in our hands, so we were extremely careful with it.
Naturally this is the business side of things taking over, in terms of the pricing and specifications. Still, £700 is a lot of money for a tablet, even if you’re a business. For that amount you’re more likely to give your employee a laptop instead of a tablet.
Regardless of the price though, this is an exceptional 10.1" tablet. If you happen to be a millionaire, then there’s a good chance you’ll want a Windows 8.1 tablet that can match a desktop, and this will do nicely. Otherwise, it’s something we can only dream about and pick up in a few years’ time as a refurb model for several hundred pound less.