Hands-On Video Of Lenovo's Yoga Tablet 2 With AnyPen

By Matt Humrick
published

Lenovo's new Yoga Tablet 2 with AnyPen technology is a flexible 8-inch device, which runs Windows 8.1 and comes with a one-year subscription to Office 365. The built-in kickstand allows the tablet to be used in four different modes, including hold, tilt, stand, and hang, all demonstrated in the hands-on video below.

The other standout feature is AnyPen. This technology uses an extra layer within the touchscreen panel to sense metallic or conductive objects, turning a pencil, screwdriver, fork, knife, nail, car key, or any other object with an electrically conductive point into a stylus. The screen glass is more resistant but not impervious to scratches, so using a metallic object as a stylus is a nice convenience feature when you need a finer point than your finger can provide but a regular stylus isn't within reach.

Tech Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally
SoC64-bit Quad Core Intel Atom @ 1.86 GHz
Memory2 GB LPDDR3
Display8.0-inch IPS @ 1920 x 1080 (275 ppi)
Storage32 GB, microSD
Battery6,400 mAh
CamerasFront: 1.6 MPRear: 8 MP, f/2.2, AF
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, Cat 4 LTE
Dimensions8.3 x 5.9 x 0.1 in
Weight0.94 lb
Operating SystemWindows 8.1
Price$279 w/o AnyPen, $299 with AnyPen

The 6400 mAh battery is built into the hinge, and Lenovo claims it provides up to 15 hours of battery life. Located below the kickstand on the underside of the tablet is a microSD card slot for expanding storage beyond the 32 GB of internal NAND. Another nice feature that complements the various configurations provided by the kickstand are the dual front-facing speakers.

While running Windows 8.1 plays into the flexibility theme of the Yoga Tablet 2, offering access to the filesystem and a wealth of apps, I'm not convinced it's the best choice for tablets with smaller screens. Using classic Windows apps on the non-touch optimized desktop can be frustrating due to the overly small fonts, menus, and controls. These features do at least look crisp on the full HD screen.

The Yoga Tablet 2 will be available at the end of January for $279 without the AnyPen feature and $299 with it included from a variety of retailers.

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Matt Humrick
6 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Vlad Razvan
    I don't know why Lenovo is sticking with the 8" form factor. I personally think it's too small. And what's up with the full HD resolution? I don't need full HD resolution on a n 8" screen - and considering the shitty GPU the intel atom has, I don't want full HD resolution. Also, why 32GB? that's barely enough for windows, office and a few files! My Transformer T100 has 64GB and that's too small - let alone 32gb.
    Reply
  • Third-Eye
    I don't know why Lenovo is sticking with the 8" form factor. I personally think it's too small. And what's up with the full HD resolution? I don't need full HD resolution on a n 8" screen - and considering the shitty GPU the intel atom has, I don't want full HD resolution. Also, why 32GB? that's barely enough for windows, office and a few files! My Transformer T100 has 64GB and that's too small - let alone 32gb.


    These Tablets are not designed to be a Desktop or Laptop replacement. Most people using these don't need to install many programs and what they do use on them would not require more than 2GB of ram. If you need something more like a Laptop you would buy a chrome book or a 2 in 1 with Windows. Installing an SD card solves the problem of not enough storage.

    I own a Dell Venue 8 Pro 32GB model and I use it almost every day for light browsing and some games. Hearthstone runs well on it with low settings.

    Also I think people should probably avoid the 1GB Windows Tablets because 1GB with Windows is almost not enough most functions or even just browsing the Web.
    Reply
  • zodiacfml
    Windows?! Why would they even bother.
    Reply
  • Vlad Razvan
    15014773 said:
    I don't know why Lenovo is sticking with the 8" form factor. I personally think it's too small. And what's up with the full HD resolution? I don't need full HD resolution on a n 8" screen - and considering the shitty GPU the intel atom has, I don't want full HD resolution. Also, why 32GB? that's barely enough for windows, office and a few files! My Transformer T100 has 64GB and that's too small - let alone 32gb.


    These Tablets are not designed to be a Desktop or Laptop replacement. Most people using these don't need to install many programs and what they do use on them would not require more than 2GB of ram. If you need something more like a Laptop you would buy a chrome book or a 2 in 1 with Windows. Installing an SD card solves the problem of not enough storage.

    I own a Dell Venue 8 Pro 32GB model and I use it almost every day for light browsing and some games. Hearthstone runs well on it with low settings.

    Also I think people should probably avoid the 1GB Windows Tablets because 1GB with Windows is almost not enough most functions or even just browsing the Web.

    That's not the point. 8" 1080p is just silly. Just imagine trying to close a window or tick a check-box, or click a link. It's uncomfortable.

    I have an Asus Transformer T100TAL witch I use for word procesing and internet on the go - still, I installed Civ V, Quake 2 and Heroes 3 on it, witch work fine - and that's about all I can fit on the 64GB SSD.

    The point is, I'd rather they make the display 720p and use the money the would have otherwise spent on a 1080p display to add a larger SSD.

    Reply
  • ron baker
    This, but rooted to run lollykat icecream .. agree about the screen .. 8 is just too small to do much. Ms remore dektop on android works well but needs a bigger screen to be useful. And android has all the software I really need .. just lacks a good video encoder, like handbrake(LOL). CIV5 ona tablet? no thanks .. (not even on a desktop actually).
    Reply
  • jwross
    8 Inch, Windows, Full HD. FINALLY. Thank god.
    Reply