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