Review: Lenovo's ThinkPad-Yoga

The combo makes for a reliable - but pricey - machine

Laptops, notebooks, netbooks and other portable PCs have seemingly taken a backseat thanks to the proliferation of uber-powerful technologies in smartphones.
However, there will always be the need for our little friends - so here we are again with another 2-in-1 laptop, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga, complete with the trusty ol' stylus. This cross between the Chinese tech giant's two iconic lines packs a punch, as well as the functionality that would certainly appeal to both casual and even enterprise users.
To start with, it has a 14-inch 2K display that's enough to keep your eyes glued to the screen, but there's also an optional OLED configuration. And yes, since it's a 2-in-1, you get to doodle around with it either in garden-variety laptop mode or sit-back-and-relax tablet setting. Side note: I like the way the keys retract when you swing it to tablet mode, ensuring they can't be pressed at all.
Scattered around the ThinkPad X1 Yoga are some generous ports: three USB 3.0s, a full-size HDMI, a Mini Display Port and a OneLink+ docking station connector, plus a SIM card reader and microSD card slot behind a flap on the rear. Sadly, there are no USB Type Cs present, making sure this thing won't be fully-future-proof.
If you're looking for the stylus, it's tucked away in the right-side corner towards you. It doesn't have a fancy name - it's a Wacom AES pen - and functions and responds fairly well, thanks to 2,048 pressure-sensitivity levels.
Honestly, there aren't any issues with the computer. except for the battery life. I planned to watch three two-hour-long movies in succession, but I found myself scrambling when I was halfway through the third one. Rather disappointing since Lenovo lists the battery life up to 11 hours. And you can't replace the battery as it's built-in. unless you want to screw off those bolts and DIY.
One more thing: the price is fairly hefty. Starting at Dh6,200, it clearly does not come cheap.

AND SO.
It's sturdy, sleek and a reminder why Lenovo's the No.1 PC vendor today, but with all the specs packed into it, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga demands a rather hefty price. The general rule of thumb is to get something that suits your needs and budget, but if you have more to spare for the latter, this reliable and versatile computer is definitely up for consideration. As an added perk, Lenovo says it's the world's lightest business 2-in-1.

EXTRA BYTE
Watch out for the Apple iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus hit UAE shelves last week. You've probably familiarised yourself with all its specs and features by now, but in case you missed it: allow us to give you a refresher course all the same.
The latest iterations of Apple's flagships now boast the new Apple A10 chip; it is 40 per cent faster than the A9 and runs on one-fifth the power. They have, for the first time in iPhones, two speakers, retina displays that are 25 per cent brighter, a home button that's now force-sensitive, are water- and dust-resistant; and come in new jet black and black colours (space grey has kicked the bucket).
As far as the cameras are concerned, both new iPhones have a new 12MP sensor that has OIS and is 60 per cent faster, as well as four LED flashes that give 50 per cent more light and (should) perform better in one of the iPhone's weaker links, low-light situations. The 5.5-inch 7 Plus, ICYMI, has two lenses - one wide-angle lens and one telephoto lens; the camera app
has a new function that allows it to work like a DSLR. Storage options have also been doubled to 32GB, 128GB and 256GB (gone are the 16GB and 64GB options).
Another thing that's gone (and probably the worst nightmare of some or many) is the 3.5mm audio jack. But don't worry, a good trio will take its place: the Lightning EarPods, a complementary Lightning-to-audio adaptor and those curious looking wireless AirPods.
It's not really the upgrade most of us expected but, despite this, everyone was still curious to find out firsthand what the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have to offer.
There's also good reason why Apple may have seemed to hold back; remember, next year will mark the iPhone's 10th anniversary, so maybe we can expect something "wow" from them then (iPhone X, anyone?).
And not to forget, the Apple Watch Series 2 also made its debut alongside the two new smartphones.
iPhone 7 - from Dh2,599, iPhone 7 Plus - from Dh3,099; Watch Series 2 - from Dh1,499
alvin@khaleejtimes.com

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