Lenovo Launches Yoga 3 2-in-1 Ultrabook, Yoga 2 Pro Tablet Refresh Some With Core M Broadwell Inside
With a little help from Ashton Kutcher today, Lenovo rolled out an array of new Yoga tablets and ultrabooks. Several cool features are making an appearance, including Intel’s Broadwell Core M-70 chip in the high-end models, as well as an integrated PICO projector and, in a first for the Yoga Tablet series, Windows. The Yoga devices are known for being light and flexible - and the new models are sporting improvements in both areas. Lenovo is making the systems available for sale now and is kicking off the launch with rebates.
The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro.
The flagship of the Yoga series is the new Yoga 3 Pro. We had good things to say about its predecessor last year, and although we’ll hold off on a final verdict until we’ve had the chance to take the Yoga 3 Pro for a spin, we like the new ultrabook convertible on paper. For one thing, the system will include up to an Intel Core M-70 processor. Formerly known by the codename Broadwell, the Core M is shaping up to be a low-power, high-performance chip. The Yoga 3 Pro runs Windows 8.1 and has a 3200x1800 QHD+ display. Lenovo trimmed the Yoga 3 Pro’s weight by 14% from the Yoga 2 Pro and gave it a slimmer chassis, too: 12.8mm. With battery life expected to be about nine hours, the Yoga 3 Pro could be the sort of successful follow-up to the Yoga 2 Pro that Lenovo is hoping for.
The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro in stand mode.
Where the Yoga 3 Pro is a play-or-work type of system, the ThinkPad Yoga 14 is a decidedly business convertible. It comes with business-friendly technical support and warranty options and has Lenovo’s Lift n’ Lock keyboard, which automatically lifts the keyboard frame (making it flush with the keys) when you flip the screen back to put the system into tablet mode. The convertible has a 14-inch display and sports an Intel Core i5 processor, a 1TB hard drive, and Nvidia GeForce 840 graphics. The Yoga 14 is a Best Buy exclusive.
The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro should be available today for $1,349, while the ThinkPad Yoga 14 ring in at $1199, with an instant rebate putting it at $1099.
As for the Lenovo Yoga Tablets 2s, one of the most interesting features can be found on the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro. The tablet includes a Pico projector, which is handy for business users. The projector supports throw distances up to 50 feet. The tablet has a 13-inch, QHD 2560x1440 display and a JBL sound system to make for better video watching.
The Lenovo Tablet 2 Pro in hang mode.
The Lenovo Tablet 2 Pro in tilt mode.
As we mentioned earlier, Lenovo now has a Yoga Tablet that runs Windows. Both the Yoga Tablet 2 Windows and Android models come in 8-inch and 10-inch versions. The new Hang mode, which is available on all Tablet 2 models, lets users hang the tablet by its kickstand on whatever hook is available. Lenovo also strengthened the tablet’s kickstand for better stability, due to user feedback.
The Lenovo Tablet 2 with Android Kit Kat.
The Android version of the Tablet 2 and Tablet 2 Pro runs Android 4.4 Kit Kat, while the Windows version runs Windows 8.1. All of the Android models support optional 4G connectivity, but 4G is available for only the 10-inch Windows model.
So what will these systems do to your wallet? If you’re leaning Android, you’re looking at $249.99 and 299.99 for the 8- and 10-inch Yoga Tablet 2 models. The Windows 8-inch model will start at $299.99 and the 10-inch will start at $399.99. The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro 2 will start at $499, but instant rebates could bring it to $449. Instant rebates for the 8-inch and 10-inch Android models could lower their prices to $229 and $249, respectively. You’ll have to wait a bit for the Windows versions: the 10-inch Windows version will arrive later this month and the 8-inch version is set for November.
;)
The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro.
The flagship of the Yoga series is the new Yoga 3 Pro. We had good things to say about its predecessor last year, and although we’ll hold off on a final verdict until we’ve had the chance to take the Yoga 3 Pro for a spin, we like the new ultrabook convertible on paper. For one thing, the system will include up to an Intel Core M-70 processor. Formerly known by the codename Broadwell, the Core M is shaping up to be a low-power, high-performance chip. The Yoga 3 Pro runs Windows 8.1 and has a 3200x1800 QHD+ display. Lenovo trimmed the Yoga 3 Pro’s weight by 14% from the Yoga 2 Pro and gave it a slimmer chassis, too: 12.8mm. With battery life expected to be about nine hours, the Yoga 3 Pro could be the sort of successful follow-up to the Yoga 2 Pro that Lenovo is hoping for.
;)
The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro in stand mode.
Where the Yoga 3 Pro is a play-or-work type of system, the ThinkPad Yoga 14 is a decidedly business convertible. It comes with business-friendly technical support and warranty options and has Lenovo’s Lift n’ Lock keyboard, which automatically lifts the keyboard frame (making it flush with the keys) when you flip the screen back to put the system into tablet mode. The convertible has a 14-inch display and sports an Intel Core i5 processor, a 1TB hard drive, and Nvidia GeForce 840 graphics. The Yoga 14 is a Best Buy exclusive.
The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro should be available today for $1,349, while the ThinkPad Yoga 14 ring in at $1199, with an instant rebate putting it at $1099.
As for the Lenovo Yoga Tablets 2s, one of the most interesting features can be found on the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro. The tablet includes a Pico projector, which is handy for business users. The projector supports throw distances up to 50 feet. The tablet has a 13-inch, QHD 2560x1440 display and a JBL sound system to make for better video watching.
;)
The Lenovo Tablet 2 Pro in hang mode.
;)
The Lenovo Tablet 2 Pro in tilt mode.
As we mentioned earlier, Lenovo now has a Yoga Tablet that runs Windows. Both the Yoga Tablet 2 Windows and Android models come in 8-inch and 10-inch versions. The new Hang mode, which is available on all Tablet 2 models, lets users hang the tablet by its kickstand on whatever hook is available. Lenovo also strengthened the tablet’s kickstand for better stability, due to user feedback.
;)
The Lenovo Tablet 2 with Android Kit Kat.
The Android version of the Tablet 2 and Tablet 2 Pro runs Android 4.4 Kit Kat, while the Windows version runs Windows 8.1. All of the Android models support optional 4G connectivity, but 4G is available for only the 10-inch Windows model.
;)
So what will these systems do to your wallet? If you’re leaning Android, you’re looking at $249.99 and 299.99 for the 8- and 10-inch Yoga Tablet 2 models. The Windows 8-inch model will start at $299.99 and the 10-inch will start at $399.99. The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro 2 will start at $499, but instant rebates could bring it to $449. Instant rebates for the 8-inch and 10-inch Android models could lower their prices to $229 and $249, respectively. You’ll have to wait a bit for the Windows versions: the 10-inch Windows version will arrive later this month and the 8-inch version is set for November.
