Lenovo is gearing up to take on Microsoft’s Surface tablet this year with its all-new ThinkPad X1. Scheduled to be announced at the CES expo in Las Vegas, the X1 lets you add modules for added functionality.
The 12-inch Windows tablet, powered by an Intel Core m7 processor, works with modules that you can attach to the the bottom. The ‘Presenter’ module lets you project a 60-inch display on a nearby wall; the ‘Productivity’ module adds USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, as well as an additional five hours of battery life; another module packs Intel RealSense 3D cameras that let you scan objects for working with 3D modeling software and printers.
The X1 comes with a 2,160 x 1,440-pixel display, USB Type-C ports and optional 1TB hard drive and LTE support. It also has a kickstand and a full ThinkPad keyboard with a TrackPoint and trackpad, and works with a $50 stylus as well.
It’ll hit shelves in February with an $899 price tag; The Productivity and 3D Imaging modules will retail at $149 each, while the Projector module will be available at $279 in May.
While the idea of a modular tablet sounds intriguing, you’ll probably want to try it before buying. The Verge reports that the modules are difficult to attach and the kickstand lets the X1 bounce around if you tap the screen.
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➤ Lenovo unveils pioneering modular ThinkPad X1 tablet [Lenovo Newsroom]
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