Lenovo Intros Modular ThinkPad Tablet

Modules that can be purchased separately will turn the new ThinkPad X1 into a laptop, projector or 3D camera.

The ThinkPad X1 will retail for $899 with additional modules ranging from $149 to $279.

Lenovo has launched a new tablet featuring optional "modules" that turn it into a laptop, projector or 3D camera.

The ThinkPad X1 is a regular 12-inch tablet with Intel's Core m7 chipset. Even though the main portion of the X1 looks like any Windows tablet, three attachable modules that look like battery packs allow the device to be used for other functions. One module, called the Productivity Module, can add up to five hours to the conventional 10 hours of battery life typically available.

The Presenter Module has a pico projector that can project a 60-inch display out of the bottom of the ThinkPad X1, and the 3D Imaging Module has a rear-facing Intel RealSense camera that can be used to capture and edit objects for 3D printing.

The tablet has the standard full ThinkPad keyboard that attaches magnetically to the bottom of the X1 tablet alongside one of the other modules. There's also an active stylus that can be purchased as an option and used for sketching. The keyboard and tablet together weight 2.4 pounds.

Along with the three primary modules, a wireless touch mouse, in-ear headphones, a sleeve for transporting the tablet and modules, and a micro-adaptor can be purchased separately.

The tablet, available in February, will cost $899. The Productivity Module, also available in February, will be $149. Available in May will be the Projector Module ($279) and the 3D Imaging Module ($149). The other components all will be available by the end of 2016, ranging from $50 for the sleeve to $80 for the adaptor.

While the ThinkPad X1 Tablet and its modules are the primary focus for Lenovo officials, they have also introduced four additional ThinkPad models: the Yoga, Carbon, ThinkCentre X1 AIO and ThinkVision X1.

"The new X1 family demonstrates our relentless pursuit of innovation that elevates the products above the norm," said Johnson Jia, senior vice president of Lenovo's personal computing group. "Optimizing our products with unique features and for greater performance with better cloud access, security and durability will help customers use technology as their secret weapon."

For more information, go to the Lenovo site.

About the Author

Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.

Featured

  • split-screen digital illustration of two AI-influenced classrooms

    What AI Gets Right and How It Will Be Used in the Year Ahead

    AI has tremendous potential to do good in education while honoring and upholding the essential role of teachers. However, its success will depend on how we choose to use it.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • A geometric pattern of open Chromebook computers with bold outlines, subtle shading, and soft gradients, spaced evenly with vibrant green and blue accents on a neutral background.

    Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for the 'Great Chromebook Refresh'

    During the pandemic, the education community scrambled to provide students with laptops to promote online learning equity and mitigate learning loss. Today, those devices are approaching the end of their useful lives — and a "great Chromebook refresh" has been predicted as schools seek to replace them with newer models.