Back in May 2014, Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad 10, a 10-inch Windows 8.1-based tablet aimed at business professionals who need a slim solution both on the road and in the office. When combined with the optional keyboard, the tablet provided four different modes: desktop, laptop, stand and tablet. The device also came packed with a digitizer pen and Intel's Atom Z3795 processor, as well as multiple options for memory and internal storage. The starting price was $539.99.
A year later, the second-generation ThinkPad 10 has arrived. However, Lenovo indicated that this version is a bit more consumer-friendly than its predecessor. The device also sports a soft touch resin back, a new LCD screen, an optimized camera and the promise of 25 percent better performance, thanks to Windows 10 and a faster SoC from Intel. The tablet even provides support for Wireless AC and USB 3.0.
Despite the tablet form factor, Lenovo promised a full PC experience for both the consumer and the professional. Backing this pledge is a number of peripherals that are compatible with the tablet, including the Quickshot Cover, the Ultrabook Keyboard, the Folio Keyboard and the Tablet Dock. Further, users can quickly take notes using the new Pen Pro anywhere on the screen and convert it all into text or as an image.
Additionally, the new ThinkPad 10 boasts enhanced security thanks to a fingerprint reader, dTPM encryption and a smart card reader. The device is also "enterprise-ready," making it easy on network administrators and IT personnel who must integrate the tablets into secured networks.
The new tablet has a 10.1-inch screen with a 1900 x 1200 resolution, 10-point touch input and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection. Powering this screen is a quad-core Intel Atom Z8500 or an Intel Atom Z8700 SoC (depending on the model) and a 32Wh Li-Polymer battery, promising up to 10 hours on a single charge.
What's really interesting is that Lenovo's revamped tablet sports Windows 10 right out of the box instead of Windows 8.1. That means this will be one of the first products to include Microsoft's upcoming and highly-anticipated operating system on day one. That should be good news to offices and homes that were turned off by the Start Screen (or lack thereof) in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
(Editor's Note: We know what you're thinking, and no, Lenovo did not provide a specific launch date and therefore give away the Windows 10 release date. All Lenovo said is that the ThinkPad 10 will be available "later this summer," with an asterisk stating that "Windows 10 is on track for release during summer 2015.")
For a full list of specifications, check out the table provided by Lenovo below. Note that like the processor, there are two options for the memory and internal storage.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | ThinkPad 10 Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core Intel Atom Z8500 or Z8700 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Display | 10.1-inch (1900 x 1200) WUXGA, 10-point Multi-touch, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Color | Graphite Black |
| Memory | 2 GB or 4 GB RAM LPDDR3-1600 |
| Storage | eMMC 64 GB or 128 GB internal storage |
| Sound | Realtek ALC5672 with 1W stereo speakers, 3.5 mm audio jack, triple-array digital microphones |
| Connectivity | 801.11ac Wi-Fi, Optional 3G or 4G LTE; Micro-HDMI 1.4, Micro-SD, USB 3.0 |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 |
| Camera | 5MP auto-focus rear camera with LED flash; 1.2MP fixed-focus front camera |
| Battery | Integrated Li-Polymer, 32Wh offering up to 10 hours |
| Weight | 1.36 pounds |
| Dimensions | 10.1 x 7.0 x 0.35 inches (WxHxD) |
The starting price for the ThinkPad 10 will be $549 when it launches this summer, but if you want a keyboard, it will cost you extra. The Folio Keyboard will be another $110, or you could go with the Ultrabook keyboard for $119. A QuickShot cover will be $45, and a ports-adding Tablet Dock will run you $129. That aforementioned ThinkPad Pen Pro stylus will cost $40.
Follow Kevin Parrish @exfileme. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.