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Lenovo Thinkpad 8
Lenovo Thinkpad 8
Lenovo Thinkpad 8
Lenovo Thinkpad 8
...


7.4/10
Informr score
The Lenovo Thinkpad 8 currently has an Informr score of 7.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 13 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Crisp, vibrant display
  • Windows 8.1 Pro
  • Micro-HDMI port
  • Great build quality

What's bad

  • Below-average battery life
  • Lack of stylus
  • No gaming or heavy multitasking capabilitie
  • Camera concerns

The 8-inch Windows tablet market is growing by leaps and bounds. This device aims to be the flagship device for Lenovo and set a new bar for performance in the 8-inch market. Reviews of the device are superb overall with Brian Westover of PC Magazine calling it, “the perfect device to slip into your coat pocket, letting you walk away from your desk without having to step away from important work.” David Pierce of The Verge says that “it’s the perfect size for a Windows 8 tablet.”

However, some reviewers question the viability of an 8-inch tablet for any real productivity uses. Scott Stein of CNET says, “you could argue that 8 inches is a downright weird territory for an OS that really still wants to be a full computer operating system.” Peter Bright of Ars Technica notes that, “The 8-inch screen isn't big enough for any kind of comfortable extended desktop usage.”

These points are entirely about the size of the screen. Reviews agree that the clarity and color of the 8-inch IPS touchscreen is top notch. Kevin Lee of TechRadar states, “The higher-resolution screen is by far the biggest selling point that makes the Lenovo ThinkPad 8 stand above the rest of the competition.” PC Magazine praised the viewing angles of the device, stating, “The screen offers rich colors and wide viewing angles—nearly 180-degrees.”

Powered by an Intel Atom processor and Intel Graphics chipset, reviews indicate that the tablet does excellent for basic productivity tasks, web browsing and other light activities, even when multitasking. However, numerous reviews, including that of CNET mention that you should not “expect to do any serious gaming or graphics work.”

A lack of built-in keyboard or stylus support also discouraged a few reviewers. David Pierce of The Verge says, “This device is first and foremost a tablet, and really only becomes something else with the right add-ons and accessories” but also mentions that he “constantly missed having a stylus that worked.” Scott Stein of CNET mentions, “If you think of the ThinkPad 8 as a little computer in your pocket that can pair with keyboard and monitor into a full connected device back at home, you'll probably love this.”

Unfortunately, there appear to be a few other considerations as well. Many reviews noted a lack of clarity and stability with the built-in 8MP camera. Kevin Lee of TechRadar experienced numerous crashes and issues before installing an update available through Lenovo. He stated, ““Even with the update in place, though, the camera is still quite buggy.”

Another consideration is battery life. All reviews noted a lack of battery life from the device due to the increased power requirements of the Atom processor. Most sites found running times between seven and nine hours on average before needing a charge. CNET went as far as to note, “Don't pick the ThinkPad 8 if you want the best battery life.”

Overall, reviews indicate that if you are looking for a media consumption device with productivity capabilities, or a solid small-format Windows 8 tablet, this device is a sound choice. The Verge said, “For all other normal tablet things, the ThinkPad 8 is as good as any device I’ve used.” Kevin Lee sums up many reviews by saying, “the ThinkPad 8 is pricier than most tablets in its class. But if you're a Windows fan, this high-end tablet is well worth the extra cash.”


Windows
Operating system
Operating system
Windows
2.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.4 GHz
8.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
8.3"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
20 WHr
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Beta News
Beta News

This is hands down, the best small Windows tablet created thus far. The screen quality, audio quality -- heck, the overall build quality, are simply amazing. The cameras are above average for a tablet and take passable photos in a pinch.

- Brian Fagioli, Beta News
What Mobile
What Mobile

It’s a shame that overall the ThinkPad 8 is about the have-nots rather than the haves.

- Saqib Shah, What Mobile
Engadget
Engadget

With a high price and worst-in-class battery life, the ThinkPad 8 should be the first 8-inch Windows tablet you cross off your shopping list.

- Dana Wollman, Engadget
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

We can’t stress enough how the Lenovo ThinkPad 8 has more flexibility than other prized tablets in the space. Giving us that desktop-like experience thanks to Windows 8.1, it has an advantage in the productivity side over other Android tablets and the iPad. Add in its base price point of $400,...

- John V., PhoneArena
SlashGear
SlashGear

Lenovo has a winner with the ThinkPad 8 -- it's designed in such a way that it feels very portable, yet the quality display and use of Windows 8.1 means it can be used for business tasks that your average Android slate might not be up for. The Quickshot cover is a nice feature, even if it does have...

- Brittany Hillen, SlashGear


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Quick view

Screen Size
8.3"

The Lenovo Thinkpad 8's screen size is 8.3 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
2.4 GHz

There is a Intel Z3770 Quad core 2.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
8+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 8+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
32/64/128 GB

Internal memory is 32/64/128 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
20WHr

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 20 WHr battery. Lenovo's performance ratings are 8 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Thinkpad 8 Specs

Overview
Release Date January 31, 2014
Regions Available USA, United Kingdom
Operating System No

Compare Windows Smartphones

Processor Intel Z3770 Quad core 2.4 GHz
Internal Storage 32/64/128 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 3.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN, SYNC, OBEX
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel density 273 pixels
Size 8.3 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 20 WHr
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 8 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 8 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 22.4 x 13.2 x 0.9 cm (8.8 x 5.2 x 0.4 in)
Weight 431 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

Variations:

3G/LTE model
Weight: 440 grams (15.5 ounces)
MicroSIM card slot
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Lenovo Thinkpad 8 Reviews
Where to buy Lenovo Thinkpad 8
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