Lenovo, at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show, announced new additions to its multi-mode product lineup with the MIIX 2, a detachable three-mode laptop; the Yoga 2, a convertible laptop with four modes; and the Flex 14D and 15D, dual mode convertible laptops.
The 10-in and 11-in models of the MIIX 2 turn heads for their detachable design featuring laptop, stand and tablet modes. The Yoga 2 replaces the original Yoga laptop’s with 360 degree flip and fold design. This new unit comes with more advanced specifications and new price points. Based on the original Flex convertible laptops, the new Flex 14D and 15D attempts to give users the same laptop and stand modes but now with up to AMD A6 quad core processor technology and AMD Radeon graphics.
According to Lenovo, recognizing that one design doesn’t fit all, the MIIX 2 enables users to take only the touchscreen tablet when they’re on the go, and then connect back to the base for a full Windows 8.1 laptop experience when necessary. In laptop mode, they can use this form factor to combine screen real estate with a full-size keyboard. Users can then turn the tablet 180 degree and insert it into the keyboard base to engage MIIX 2’s third mode, stand mode, to watch videos or view photos.
Taking aim at the mobility market, Lenovo’s 10-in MIIX 2 is thin at just 0.36-in and weighing just 1.3lbs. Running the new 64-bit enabled quad-core Intel Atom processor and Windows 8.1, it offers an FHD 1920×1200 10-finger touchscreen display, WiFi and optional 3G, JBL surround speakers and up to 128 GB of eMMC storage along with a micro SD slot for adding up to 32 GB of music, videos, photos and other data.
Users may also capture mobile data with its 720p high resolution 2 MP front and 5 MP rear cameras.
While the 10-in MIIX 2 focuses on mobility, the 11-in model is all about its 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor, greater storage up to 256GB of fast solid state drive storage and a FHD 1920×1200 IPS wide-view display. The MIIX 11-in also comes equipped with many of the same features of the smaller 10-in model starting with Windows 8.1 with 10-finger touch support and also with WiFi and optional 3G, JBL speakers, high resolution front and rear cameras and long battery life for all day computing.
Both models of the Silver Grey MIIX 2 make connecting, storing and moving content easy with their mini HDMI port to display content on larger screens, an SD card reader, micro USB port and micro SD cards along with USB 2.0 support on the keyboard.
Yoga, the convertible laptop line that highlights Lenovo’s multi-mode computing strategy, is now refined with smart software functionality and at a mainstream price starting at $529 (11-in model). Yoga 2 also has more apps for Yoga Picks, Lenovo’s concierge-like service that recommends specific apps based on Yoga 2’s mode.
The 11-in model measures just 0.67-in thin, weighs 2.9lbs and features up to the brand new quad-core Intel Pentium processors. Users can store lots of personal media files including photos, movies and games with its 500 GB HDD.
The larger, more workhorse 13-in model is 0.68-in thin, weighs 3.5lbs and features up to 4th generation Intel Core i5 processors, a backlit keyboard as well as a Full HD (1920×1080) display. It also offers storage for up to 500 GB HDD or SSHD. For the Yoga 2, Lenovo offers a portfolio of integrated services solutions including warranty extensions, warranty upgrades, accident damage protection and premium technical support.
The new Flex 14D and 15D convertible laptops further expand Lenovo’s multi-mode convertible laptop selection by providing AMD A6 quad core processors and AMD Radeon graphics. The Flex 14D and 15D offer users two modes – laptop and stand – in one device. They serve as full performance laptops when needed, or with a 180 degree flip, they turn into a Dolby Advanced Audio v2.
Models of the Lenovo MIIX 2 convertible laptop start at $499 for the 10-in model and $699 for the 11-in model. The 10-in model will be available beginning in March. The 11-in model will be available starting in April.
Models of the Yoga 2 13-in start at $999 and are available beginning in February at Best Buy, Best Buy Canada, and Future Shop.
Models of the Yoga 2 11-in start at $529 and are available beginning in late January at Best Buy, Best Buy Canada, and Future Shop.
Both models of the Flex14D and 15D start at $499 and are available beginning December 2013 via major retailers.
