Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 line adds OLED and a Surface rival
Lenovo is launching three new ThinkPad X1 models, plus a pro all-in-one, a Chromebook and tons of accessories.
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon must still be a hit with the pro laptop crowd, as the PC maker is unveiling no less than three ThinkPad X1 models at CES... and it's shaking up the formula in the process. The headliner is the ThinkPad X1 Tablet (above), which takes a clear stab at the slate-plus-keyboard concept made popular by Microsoft's Surface line. The detachable keyboard and optional stylus are the main hooks, but Lenovo is also introducing unique modules that change the role of the 12-inch machine. A $149 productivity module gives you 5 hours of extra battery, extra ports and wired docking, while a similarly-priced 3D imaging module captures objects. You can even get a $279 projector module, in case you need to make an on-the-spot presentation.
The X1 Tablet isn't as powerful as nicer Surface Pro models between its Core M processor and 2,160 x 1,440 display, but it does sport USB Type-C, WiGig wireless docking (through a $250 hub) and options for up to a 1TB hard drive and LTE-Advanced data. It'll start at $899 and ship in February, although the 3D module won't be ready until May.
Don't worry if you prefer old-school laptops... you're more than covered. Lenovo is launching the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, a 14-inch 2-in-1 that optionally touts a 2,560 x 1,440 OLED screen -- you'll get bolder colors and truer blacks than you would with the LCD (1080p or 1440p) variants. And yes, there's a straightforward X1 Carbon refresh that includes the latest processors and options like WiGig docking and LTE-A. The Yoga variant arrives this month with a $1,449 starting price, while you'll be waiting one month more to get the Carbon at $1,299. Too rich for your blood? There's a rugged ThinkPad 13 that can run either Windows 10 ($449, due in April) or Chrome OS ($399, June).
To round things off, Lenovo is kicking out some gear for those who mostly work at the office. The ThinkCentre X1 brings the X1 series' slick aesthetic to all-in-one desktops with its "notebook thin" (0.43 inches) body, a 24-inch 1080p display and a barely-there stand. The tech giant is also prepping the $799 ThinkVision X1, a slim 27-inch 4K display that can use USB Type-C to pipe video, ports and power through a single cable. Both desk-bound devices arrive in March, and they'll be followed up in April by ThinkPad Stack modules that include a $400 pico projector and a $50 mobile charging station with both wired and wireless power.
Dana Wollman contributed to this report.
