Lenovo ThinkPad 10 Windows 8.1 Bay Trail Tablet

As a follow-up to its ThinkPad 8 tablet (see our review), Lenovo has now incorporated Intel's Bay Trail platform into its larger size ThinkPad 10, a business-ready slate the company claims can offer users a full PC experience. Stopping there would be selling this tablet a bit short, however, as it's really a multi-mode device that can serve a number of purposes, both during and after business hours. Ideally, this would negate the need to purchase separate systems for work and play.


What Lenovo's really doing here is tapping into the potential of Microsoft's Windows 8.1 ecosystem. From the beginning, Microsoft envisioned Windows 8/8.1 as a universal operating system built for work, play, and everything in between, but software will only get you so far. It's up to Microsoft's hardware partners to figure out how best to take advantage of Windows 8.1, and with the ThinkPad 10, Lenovo's answer is to accessorize the platform.

In addition to the tablet itself, Lenovo sent us its QuickShot cover, keyboard, and docking station. Instead of forcing them down your throat and extracting additional funds for the privilege, each of these accessories are sold separately as optional add-ons. By going this route, consumers only end up spending money on the features and functionality they want and need. Some people might be content with a powerful Windows 8.1 tablet, whereas others might want the added convenience of a hardware keyboard during work hours.

Lenovo ThinkPad 10 Specifications & Features

Operating System:	Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit
Processor:	Intel Atom Z3795  @1.59GHz quad-core, Burst Frequency up to 2.39GHz
Memory:	2GB LPDDR3-1067
Storage:	64GB
Display:	10.1-inch (1920x1200) WUXGA  IPS and 10-point Touch Screen
Camera:	2MP front, 8MP rear
Ports:	MicroHDMI, MicroSD, USB 2.0, Headphone Jack
Connectivity:	Broadcom 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Battery:	Up to 10 hours
Size:	10.09 x 6.96 x 0.35 inches
Weight:	1.31 pounds (598g)
Software:	Lenovo Companion, Lenovo Support, Lenovo Tap to Share (QuickCast), AccuWeather, Evernote, Norton Studio, Skype, Zinio, SinaSocial net, Iqiyi, Ctrip, Office 365 Trial, Norton Internet Security 2014 with 30 days of virus protection, Nitro Pro 8, Lenovo Solution Center, ThinkVantage System Update, Lenovo Reach, Hightail - metro (cloud storage), Maxthon Browser (Not Available in China), Lenovo Photo Editor by CL Metro, Lenovo Video Editor by CL Metro
Extras	QuickShot cover ($45), ThinkPad 10 Ultrabook Keyboard ($119), ThinkPad Tablet Dock ($129)
Warranty:	1 Year
Price:	$599 (without accessories as tested)

The list of hardware is pretty impressive for a 10.1-inch tablet. Sitting inside is an Intel Atom Z3795 quad-core processor (Bay Trail) clocked at 1.6GHz-2.4GHz with integrated Intel HD 4600 Graphics, which provides plenty of oomph to drive the tablet's 10.1-inch Full HD (1920x1200) touchscreen display.

At the $599 starting price, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage come standard, though you can select up to 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. If you find you need more after the fact, there's a microSD card slot, plus a plethora of cloud options out there, including Microsoft's OneDrive, which the Redmond outfit recently made more attractive by offering more free storage and dropping subscription plans by 70 percent.

You may have noticed from the spec sheet that the ThinkPad 10 sports a full size USB port, but it's a last generation USB 2.0 flavor. That's a bit of a buzz kill, though as we'll get to later, the optional dock adds USB 3.0 connectivity for those who really need it.

So, is this the Windows 8.1 tablet to get? Let's take a closer look.