Intel’s latest chip series, the Core-M line (previously known as Broadwell-Y, Display Monitor Vol 21 No 1), is designed to make convertible laptops thinner and lighter. Lenovo’s 13.3″ Thinkpad Yoga 3 is one of the first models to use the technology, with a chassis that is 14% lighter and 17% thinner than the previous generation: it weighs 1.2kg, down from 1.4kg and is 12.7mm thick, down from 15.5mm.
Lenovo’s Yoga line is known for its hybrid nature, and the Thinkpad Yoga 3 is no different. It can be used in laptop, tent, stand and tablet modes, with a hinge enabling the screen to fold backwards 360 deg . In this mode, the keyboard is flattened. Battery life is ‘up to’ nine hours. Lenovo has bundled its Yoga Harmony software with the device, which optimises settings; makes app recommendations; and shows information about device use.
Screen resolution has not changed from the second-generation model (3200 x 1800), and 10-point touch is still supported. The Core-M processor runs Windows 8.1 Pro and the laptop features up to 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. 802.11ac WiFi is used. Connections for micro-HDMI (out) and USB 3.0 (x2) are featured.
Another new Yoga model was announced at the same time: the Thinkpad Yoga 14, Lenovo’s first 14″ hybrid ultrabook. Like the above model, this device has a screen that can rotate 360 deg to transform between laptop and tablet mode; tent and stand operation is also supported.
Like Lenovo’s other Thinkpad models, the Yoga 14 is designed for business users. It has a 10-point touchscreen and digitiser pen; discrete graphics (Nvidia’s Geforce GTX 840M); and can take a hit. The frame is made of a magnesium alloy, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass and the 1TB HDD (SSD available as an option) features an Active Protection System, which protects it against shocks.
A Core i5 Haswell processor runs Windows 8.1. The laptop has 8GB of RAM and an ‘up to’ eight hour battery life. Screen resolution is 1920 x 1080. Featured ports are mini-HDMI and USB 3.0 (x2).
Available from late October, Lenovo will sell the Thinkpad Yoga 3 starting at $1,350 and the Thinkpad Yoga 14 for $1,200.
