Introduction and Technical Specifications

Before the new year hits we take a look at one of the first Windows 8 based convertible Ultrabooks, the Lenovo Thinkpad Twist.

Introduction

Courtesy of Lenovo

As one of the newest members of Lenovo's Thinkpad line, the Lenovo Thinkpad Twist attempts to bridge the gap between laptops and tablets in a convertible Ultrabook format. We decided to put the Twist through the normal suite of benchmark and functional tests, along with some tests specifically geared towards laptops, to gage how well it performs. At a starting MSRP of $829.00 for the base model, the Lenovo Thinkpad Twist offers an intriguing price to feature proposition with its ability to convert from a fully functional laptop into a tablet almost seamlessly.

Courtesy of Lenovo

The Thinkpad Twist offers an innovative take for the user that wants the best of both worlds – the portability and usability of a laptop with the ease of use of a tablet. Featuring the Windows 8 OS, the Twist comes with a 5-point touchscreen usable in all modes of operation. Lenovo designed in support for the following features: USB 2.0 and 3.0 type devices; three networking types including a Realtek-based GigE NIC, a Broadcom-based 802.11n Wi-Fi adapter, and a Broadcom-based Bluetooth adapter; 4-in-1 media card reader port; mini-HDMI and mini-Display Port video output ports; a dual-purpose audio port; and a 720p HD-capable integrated webcam.

Courtesy of Lenovo

In designing the Twist, Lenovo decided to use a center hinge on which the screen pivots to support its four modes of operation: laptop mode, presentation mode where the screen can be rotated to face the audience, tent mode which allows the system to stand upright for movie or other media viewing, and tablet mode where the screen folds down to cover the keyboard entirely.

Lenovo Twist in presentation mode
Courtesy of Lenovo

Lenovo Twist in tent mode
Courtesy of Lenovo

Lenovo Twist in tablet mode
Courtesy of Lenovo

Technical Specifications (taken from the Lenovo website)

Processor

Intel® Core i7 – 3517U (3.0 GHz, 4MB L3, 1600 MHz FSB)
Intel® Core i5 – 3317U (2.60 GHz, 3MB L3, 1600 MHz FSB)
Intel® Core i3 – 3217U (1.8 GHz, 3MB L3, 1600 MHz FSB)

Operating System

Windows 8 Pro

Display

12.5" HD IPS display with Touch Sensor, 350 nit (1366 x 768)

Webcam

720p HD Webcam

Video Graphics

Intel® HD Graphics 4000

Memory

Up to 8GB DDR3 – Memory configuration is linked to processor selection

Battery

Internal – not user changeable

Battery Life

7 hours (with Battery Safeguard Hardware Authentication)

Storage

HDD
320GB/500GB (7200RPM)
500GB (5400RPM)

SSD
128GB

Dimensions
(W X D X H)

313mm x 236mm x 20mm (12.3" x 9.3" x 0.8")

Weight

1.58 kg (3.48 lbs)

Keyboard

Full-size, spill-resistant

Navigation

TrackPoint and touchpad

Optical Drive

Optional external accessory

I/O Ports

2 USB 3.0
1 RJ45
1 4-in-1 slot
1 Mini-DP
1 Mini-HDMI

Audio

Stereo speakers
Built-in dual array microphone (combo jack)
Dolby® Advanced Audio® v.4

Communication

Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth® 4.0 and a/b/g/n WLAN
WWAN (optional)

 

« PreviousNext »