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ThinkPad 8
Lenovo’s foray into the 8-inch tablet market was a significant move, marking the arrival of the ThinkPad 8, the company’s first 8-inch business tablet. This launch was particularly noteworthy considering Lenovo’s reputation for its ThinkPad laptops, known for their robust build and business-centric features. The ThinkPad 8 aimed to extend this legacy into the tablet realm, catering specifically to professionals seeking a portable and powerful device for their daily tasks.
Design and Features
The ThinkPad 8’s design aimed to strike a balance between portability and functionality. Its compact 8-inch display offered a comfortable viewing experience, while its sleek and lightweight build made it easy to carry around. The tablet featured a durable magnesium alloy frame, ensuring resistance against accidental drops and bumps, a common concern for business professionals who often rely on their devices for crucial work.
The ThinkPad 8 was equipped with a powerful Intel Atom processor, capable of handling demanding tasks like multitasking and running productivity applications. The tablet also boasted a long battery life, allowing users to work uninterrupted for extended periods. Notably, the ThinkPad 8 incorporated a number of business-oriented features, including a built-in digitizer for precise note-taking, a dedicated keyboard dock for improved productivity, and a range of security features like fingerprint scanning and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for enhanced data protection.
Target Audience
The ThinkPad 8 was specifically designed for business professionals seeking a portable and powerful tablet that could seamlessly integrate with their existing workflows. Its business-oriented features, such as the digitizer, keyboard dock, and security features, were tailored to meet the needs of professionals in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and education.
The tablet’s ability to handle demanding tasks, coupled with its long battery life, made it an ideal choice for professionals who frequently travel or work remotely. The ThinkPad 8 also offered compatibility with a range of peripherals, including external displays, printers, and docking stations, further enhancing its versatility for business use.
Design and Features
The ThinkPad 8 was Lenovo’s first foray into the 8-inch tablet market, aiming to capture the business user segment with its familiar ThinkPad design language and a focus on productivity. This tablet was designed to offer a balance of portability, performance, and enterprise-grade features, making it a compelling option for professionals on the go.
Design and Build
The ThinkPad 8 featured a sleek and professional design, reminiscent of the ThinkPad laptops. Its 8-inch display was housed in a durable magnesium alloy chassis, providing both a premium look and robust protection. The tablet weighed just 380 grams, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. The design incorporated a subtle ThinkPad logo, further emphasizing its association with the renowned ThinkPad brand.
Key Features for Business Users
The ThinkPad 8 was equipped with features designed to enhance productivity for business users. Some of the notable features included:
- Full-sized USB 3.0 port: This allowed for easy connection to external peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and external storage devices, making it ideal for working on the go.
- Micro-HDMI port: This enabled users to connect the tablet to external monitors or projectors for presentations or collaboration.
- Integrated fingerprint reader: The fingerprint reader offered secure and convenient access to the tablet, enhancing data security and user authentication.
- Optional ThinkPad keyboard and stylus: These accessories provided a more traditional typing experience and enabled precise input for note-taking or drawing.
- Optional docking station: The docking station provided additional ports and connectivity options, making it a suitable choice for users who need to connect to multiple devices.
Specifications Comparison
The following table compares the ThinkPad 8’s specifications with other similar tablets released around the same time:
| Feature | ThinkPad 8 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 | Apple iPad Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 8-inch IPS LCD, 1280×800 resolution | 8.4-inch Super AMOLED, 2560×1600 resolution | 9.7-inch Retina display, 2048×1536 resolution |
| Processor | Intel Atom Z3740, 1.33GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2.3GHz | Apple A7 chip, 1.3GHz |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB |
| Operating System | Windows 8.1 | Android 4.4 KitKat | iOS 7 |
| Camera | 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera | 8MP rear camera, 2.1MP front camera | 5MP rear camera, 1.2MP front camera |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Weight | 380 grams | 298 grams | 469 grams |
Performance and Battery Life
The ThinkPad 8 is powered by an Intel Atom processor, which is known for its efficiency and long battery life. This makes it a great choice for business users who need a tablet that can handle everyday tasks without sacrificing portability.
The ThinkPad 8’s performance is further enhanced by its 2GB of RAM, which allows for smooth multitasking and quick app loading times. The tablet also comes with 64GB of storage, which is enough for most users’ needs. However, if you need more storage, you can always expand it with a microSD card.
Battery Life
The ThinkPad 8’s battery life is one of its most impressive features. It can last for up to 8 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of work. This is thanks to the efficient Intel Atom processor and the tablet’s power-saving features.
The long battery life of the ThinkPad 8 makes it an ideal choice for business users who are always on the go. They can use the tablet for work, entertainment, and communication without having to worry about running out of power.
Performance Comparison
The ThinkPad 8’s performance is comparable to other business tablets in the market, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4. However, the ThinkPad 8 stands out for its long battery life, which is a key consideration for business users.
The ThinkPad 8’s performance is also impressive for its price point. It offers a great balance of performance, battery life, and affordability.
The ThinkPad 8’s long battery life makes it an ideal choice for business users who are always on the go.
Software and Ecosystem
The ThinkPad 8 ran on Windows 8.1, providing a familiar interface for business users accustomed to the desktop operating system. It also came pre-loaded with essential productivity apps like Microsoft Office, ensuring users could work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations right out of the box.
Lenovo’s ThinkPad 8 seamlessly integrated with its ecosystem of business software and services. Users could leverage Lenovo’s cloud storage solutions, remote management tools, and security features for a comprehensive and secure work experience.
Popular Business Apps
The ThinkPad 8’s compatibility with a wide range of popular business apps ensured users could access their favorite tools and resources. Here are some of the popular business apps that were compatible with the ThinkPad 8 at the time of its release:
- Productivity: Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Evernote, Dropbox, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Citrix Receiver, VMware Horizon View
- Communication: Skype, Microsoft Lync, Cisco Jabber, GoToMeeting, WebEx
- Finance: QuickBooks, Xero, Mint, Expensify
- Project Management: Asana, Trello, Basecamp, Jira
- CRM: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho CRM
Security and Durability
The ThinkPad 8 is designed for business professionals who need a reliable and secure device for their daily work. Lenovo has incorporated several security features and built the tablet to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
The ThinkPad 8 prioritizes data security with a multi-layered approach. It includes features like a fingerprint reader, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, and a secure boot process. These features work together to ensure that only authorized users can access the device and its data. The fingerprint reader allows for secure authentication, preventing unauthorized access. The TPM chip provides a secure environment for storing sensitive data, while the secure boot process verifies the integrity of the operating system before it loads, preventing malicious software from loading and compromising the device.
Security Features
The ThinkPad 8’s security features are designed to protect sensitive business data from unauthorized access. These features are crucial for businesses that handle confidential information, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access it.
- Fingerprint Reader: The fingerprint reader allows users to authenticate themselves with their fingerprint, preventing unauthorized access to the device. It’s a convenient and secure method of authentication, adding an extra layer of protection to the tablet.
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Chip: The TPM chip provides a secure environment for storing cryptographic keys and sensitive data. It’s a hardware-based security solution that helps protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Secure Boot Process: The secure boot process ensures that only trusted software can load on the device. This helps prevent malicious software from being installed and compromising the device’s security.
Durability
The ThinkPad 8 is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use. It features a durable design that can handle bumps, drops, and other accidental damage. This durability is crucial for business professionals who need a device that can handle the demands of their work environment.
- Durable Construction: The ThinkPad 8 is built with a robust frame and a durable display, making it resistant to scratches and other damage.
- Shock-Resistant Design: The tablet’s design includes internal shock absorbers that protect the device from damage caused by accidental drops or bumps.
- Military-Grade Durability: The ThinkPad 8 has passed several military-grade durability tests, indicating its ability to withstand extreme conditions and accidental damage.
Comparison with Other Business Tablets, Thinkpad 8 is lenovos first 8 inch business tablet
| Feature | ThinkPad 8 | Other Business Tablets |
|—|—|—|
| Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Some models |
| Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Chip | Yes | Some models |
| Secure Boot Process | Yes | Some models |
| Durable Construction | Yes | Some models |
| Shock-Resistant Design | Yes | Some models |
| Military-Grade Durability | Yes | Some models |
Market Impact and Legacy: Thinkpad 8 Is Lenovos First 8 Inch Business Tablet
The ThinkPad 8’s foray into the tablet market, particularly targeting the business segment, was a bold move by Lenovo. It aimed to leverage the established ThinkPad brand’s reputation for reliability and durability, appealing to professionals seeking a robust and productive mobile device.
The ThinkPad 8’s impact on the tablet market was mixed. While it garnered attention for its unique positioning as a business-focused tablet, it faced challenges in gaining significant market share.
ThinkPad 8’s Success and Failure
The ThinkPad 8’s success was somewhat limited. It failed to achieve widespread adoption in the business segment, despite its strong brand recognition and feature set. The tablet’s primary target audience, professionals seeking a portable and productivity-focused device, was already well-served by existing laptops and ultrabooks. Additionally, the ThinkPad 8’s design and features were not perceived as groundbreaking or compelling enough to sway users away from established alternatives.
ThinkPad 8’s Legacy
The ThinkPad 8’s legacy is more about its contribution to Lenovo’s tablet strategy than its own individual success. The tablet’s launch marked a significant shift for Lenovo, signaling its ambition to expand beyond the PC market and compete in the rapidly growing tablet segment. The ThinkPad 8’s foray into the business tablet market paved the way for subsequent generations of Lenovo tablets, which have become increasingly popular in both the consumer and enterprise markets.
Thinkpad 8 is lenovos first 8 inch business tablet – The ThinkPad 8 represented a bold move by Lenovo into the tablet market, aiming to capture the attention of business users seeking a portable and powerful device. While the ThinkPad 8 might not have achieved the same level of success as its laptop counterparts, it played a crucial role in shaping Lenovo’s tablet strategy. The ThinkPad 8 paved the way for future generations of Lenovo tablets, pushing the boundaries of what a business tablet could be. It serves as a reminder that innovation in the tech world is a continuous journey, and Lenovo’s foray into the business tablet market was a significant step in that journey.
The ThinkPad 8 was Lenovo’s first foray into the 8-inch business tablet market, aiming to compete with the likes of Apple’s iPad. While Apple dominated the tablet market with its iPad, selling a whopping 20 million Macs in 2017 alone ( apple sold 20m macs 2017 ), Lenovo’s ThinkPad 8 brought a unique proposition to the table, focusing on productivity and enterprise features.
This move signaled Lenovo’s ambition to challenge the status quo and carve out a niche in the burgeoning tablet market.