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The Lenovo ThinkPad 8 is not only most powerful and well-equipped 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet to come out, it's also the best looking. This is largely thanks to the slate's aluminum body, which makes for an attractive, sturdy and light device at just 0.89 pounds (about 0.4 kilograms). That said, the device is still a tad bit thicker (0.34 inches or 8.8 mm) and heavier than the super slim, 0.29-inch (7.5 mm) iPad Mini 2 with Retina display, which weighs just 0.73 pounds (0.33 kilograms).
Given the tablet is nearly as thin as Apple's smaller slate, the ThinkPad 8 is by far the slimmest device compared to its Windows rivals. By comparison, the 0.91-pound (0.41 kilogram) Acer Iconia W4 is a smidge heavier and noticeably thicker at 0.4 inches (11 mm). The Dell Venue 8 Pro, meanwhile, is much closer with a 0.35-inch (9 mm) thick frame that's actually lighter, weighing 0.87 pounds (0.39 kilograms).
Here is the Lenovo ThinkPad 8 configuration given to TechRadar:
Spec Sheet
- CPU: 2.4Ghz Intel Atom Z3770 (quad-core, (2MB cache, up to 2.39GHz with Turbo Boost)
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
- RAM: 2GB LPDDR3
- Screen: 8.3 inch, 1920 x 1200, 10 finger multi-touch, IPS screen
- Storage: 64GB
- Ports: micro USB 3.0, micro HDMI, microSDXC, headphone/mic jack
- Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
- Cameras: 8MP rear (1080p HD video), 2MP front (1080p HD video)
- Weight: 0.89 pounds
- Size: 5.19 x 8.87 x 0.34 inches (W x D x H)
The Lenovo ThinkPad 8's most notable feature is its full HD display. Running at a stunning 1920 x 1200 resolution, it's a fair step up from every 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet before it. Thus far, the Venue 8 Pro and Iconia W4 both offer similar 1200 x 800 displays.
Similarly, the ThinkPad 8 has been equipped with a quad-core 2.4Ghz Intel Atom Z3770 that's faster than all its rivals, which have all been powered with the same 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z3740 chip. All this extra power comes at an added price, however.
The ThinkPad 8 only comes in this configuration with 64GB of eMMC storage for $399 (about £238, AU$429). A similarly specced Iconia W4 will run you a little less at $349 (about £208, AU$375). Meanwhile, spend $299 (about £178, AU$322), and buyers could pick up the top Venue 8 Pro – in a hot red shell to boot.
There's no denying the ThinkPad 8 is pricey. But because of its punchier internals and far sharper screen, it's clear that Lenovo's business tablet is more of a luxury item.
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