Lenovo showed two new products at Lenovo Tech World. One is the second‑generation ThinkPad 10 tablet. The other is a small device called Lenovo Cast that lets you share a screen to a TV.
What Is the New ThinkPad 10 Tablet?
The new ThinkPad 10 replaces the first model that came out a year earlier. It still has a 10.1‑inch screen with a 1920 × 1200 resolution. The screen size and shape stay the same: 16:10 ratio, good for watching videos and reading.
It runs Windows 10 right out of the box. The launch date is set for August 2015. Lenovo promises the tablet will ship with Windows 10 on time.
Key Specs of the ThinkPad 10
All the important numbers are kept from the older model, but the processor is new. The tablet now uses a 14 nm Intel Cherry Trail chip. There are two options:
- Intel Atom x5‑Z8500 – 1.44 GHz to 2.24 GHz, quad‑core.
- Intel Atom x7‑Z8700 – 1.6 GHz to 2.4 GHz, quad‑core.
Both chips are built on the same 14 nm process, which helps save power.
Memory comes in two sizes: 2 GB or 4 GB of LPDDR3 RAM. Storage is also offered in two sizes: 64 GB or 128 GB eMMC.
The battery is a 32 Wh unit. Lenovo says it will give about ten hours of use, just like the older model.
Graphics are handled by Intel HD Graphics. The x5 version has 12 execution units, the x7 version has 16.
Other business‑focused features include:
- Discrete TPM encryption for data security.
- Fingerprint reader for quick login.
- Smart card reader for extra authentication.
The tablet also supports the ThinkPad Pen Pro with a feature called WRITEit. WRITEit lets the pen be used for any kind of note taking.
Accessories and Options
Lenovo offers many accessories for the ThinkPad 10. These include:
- Folio keyboard – turns the tablet into a mini‑laptop.
- Ultrabook dock – adds more ports and power.
- QuickShot dock – a small dock for quick charging.
- Tablet dock – a full dock with extra ports.
- Defender case – a rugged case for protection.
All accessories are designed to help businesses keep the tablet safe and productive.
Lenovo Cast: A Small Screen‑Sharing Device
The second product announced is Lenovo Cast. It is a tiny dongle that plugs into any TV with an HDMI port.
Lenovo Cast supports both Miracast and DLNA. That means it works with any device that also supports these standards. It can stream video, photos, and apps from the tablet or phone to the TV.
Key technical details:
- Dual‑band Wi‑Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for better range.
- Realtek RTL‑8192DU chip – supports 802.11 a/b/g/n.
- Range up to 20 m on 5 GHz, 5 m on 2.4 GHz when streaming 1080p.
- Comes with a 1 m USB‑C to USB‑A cable, a 1 m HDMI cable, and a mounting bracket.
- Size is 70 mm × 15 mm (2.76 × 0.59 in). Weight is about 50 g.
The device draws power from the TV’s USB port, so no extra power brick is needed. Lenovo plans to ship Lenovo Cast in August for $49 USD.
How to Decide If This Tablet Is Right for You
Here are some simple questions to ask yourself:
- Do I need Windows 10? The ThinkPad 10 runs full Windows 10, not a limited Android skin.
- Do I need business security? Features like TPM, fingerprint, and smart‑card readers are built in.
- Will I use a stylus? The ThinkPad Pen Pro works with WRITEit for any note‑taking need.
- Do I need long battery life? Ten hours of use is promised, which is good for a full work day.
- Do I want to share my screen on a TV? Lenovo Cast can do this for $49, cheaper than many other dongles.
If you answered “yes” to most of these, the ThinkPad 10 could be a good fit. If you need a high‑end gaming tablet, you might look elsewhere.
FAQ
What operating system does the ThinkPad 10 use?
It comes with Windows 10 pre‑installed.
Can I use the Lenovo Cast with any TV?
Yes, as long as the TV has an HDMI input and the TV’s Wi‑Fi can handle Miracast or DLNA.
How long does the battery last?
Lenovo rates the battery for about ten hours of normal use.
Is the Lenovo Cast easy to set up?
Yes. Plug it into HDMI, connect the USB power cable, and follow the on‑screen prompts.
Conclusion
The new Lenovo ThinkPad 10 tablet brings a faster Cherry Trail processor while keeping the same screen size, battery life, and business‑grade security features. It also adds the ThinkPad Pen Pro with WRITEit for flexible note taking.
Lenovo Cast is a cheap, dual‑band dongle that lets you mirror or stream to a TV. At $49, it is a good value for classrooms, offices, or home use.
Overall, the ThinkPad 10 is a solid choice for professionals who need Windows 10, security, and a stylus. The added Lenovo Cast makes screen sharing simple and affordable.