Surface Killer? Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 Hands-on Video
Aug 8, 2012 06:50 PM EDT by 
Watch your back, Microsoft. The ThinkPad Tablet 2 could be a Surface killer. As the first Windows 8 tablet powered by Intel’s upcoming Atom processor for mobile devices, this slate will be able to run all of your desktop apps, plus apps downloaded from the Windows Store. To get that versatility from the Surface you’ll need to buy the version with a full-power Core processor.
Launching in October along with Microsoft’s new OS, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 has a 10.1-inch (1366 x 768) display, weighs 1.3 pounds, and is just 10.3 x 6.5 x 0.39 inches thick. That’s in the same ballpark as ARM-based Android tablets. Ports include USB 2.0, a microSD slot, mini HDMI, a front-facing 2-MP webcam, and a rear-facing 8MP shooter.
Shoppers will be able to choose from a number of options, including digitizer and pen support (great for taking notes) a fingerprint reader, 3G wireless with Lenovo Mobile access pay-as-you-go, 4G, and NFC. You’ll also be able to purchase a keyboard dock, which has a full-size USB port and built-in pointing stick.
During our hands-on time, the ThinkPad 2 felt very solid in the hand, and the pen input was silky smooth. (Don’t worry, there’s a holster for the pen.) We were also impressed with the bright and colorful display; the viewing angles are plenty wide for giving a quick 1:1 presentation.
The keyboard dock has a spacious and comfy layout. While it’s not as stable as a traditional clamshell, you should have less of an issue using this device in your lap than the Surface. Plus, with its built-in NFC capability, this slate offers one-touch pairing with the keyboard.
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 will be available in October when Windows 8 launches. Pricing has not been set. In the meantime, check out our gallery and hands-on video.
- Top Windows 8 Tablet-Laptop Hybrids
- Which ThinkPad is Right for You?
- 10 Reasons Windows 8 Beats the iPad
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August 9th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Hello Team Laptopmag!
First thanks for this great Review.
I’m very interested in the additional Keyboard-Dock of the Thinkpad Tablet 2, especially the one which is shown at Pictures 2,3 and 4. Everyone is blogging about the small Keyboard-Dock, but no one is talking about the one with the full-sized Trackpad. So are there in fact two Keyboard-Docks which can be choosed? Do you have any informations if this Dock will also be available at release of the tablet?
Greetings from Germany
October 21st, 2012 at 2:50 pm
love this. Please write a review as I am sure many people will be interested in this.
October 21st, 2012 at 2:53 pm
also does the price include the keyboard and the stylus?
December 7th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
I’m a big Thinkpad fan, but I don’t think that I’d be interested in this tablet because I already have a laptop. I want something thin, light, and with a built in keyboard that I can use for taking notes by pen but also for typing my notes over lunch. This tablet is like the iPad in that it has no kickstand or cover keyboard (two things that I find limiting on my iPad along with the fact that the 3rd party apps don’t give me true fidelity on my Office documents). The Surface was obviously thought out to be something different. This, however, is just a scaled down, more portable laptop, without the convenience of a tablet like the Surface.