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CES 2015

Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows Turns a Pocket Knife into a Stylus

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Lenovo, makers of the Yoga Tablet 2, are pulling out the stops in an effort to create a different kind of tablet for a new generation of users. This afternoon at CES 2015 in Las Vegas, the world’s largest PC maker unveiled the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 with Windows, a refreshed version of its 8-inch tablet complete with AnyPen technology and a new hang feature.

When the Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows arrives on stores shelves for $299 it’ll offer a lot of the features the Android version does. A kickstand grants the Yoga Tablet 2 with Windows a Stand Mode, and Tilt Mode. Lenovo says this version now offers a handy hang mode for situations where having it higher up is a priority. Users can also fold the stand away and use the Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows like a tablet.

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The Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows will also offer stylus support in the form of AnyPen technology. AnyPen allows Lenovo tablets to treat anything with a metal tip as a stylus. Lenovo says that includes pencils and ballpoint pens. What this means is that Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows buyers won’t be stuck hunting down an expensive stylus if they lose theirs. That’s a big problem with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3. The true test of this feature will be whether running pencils and pens across the Yoga Tablet 2’s touch screen will lead to more scratches. Lenovo says it’s chemically hardened the tablet’s display. Unless users are deliberately trying, scratching should be a problem. Unfortunately for artists, AnyPen isn’t pressure sensitive. As such, those looking for a digital sketchbook should probably look elsewhere.

Again, The basic features of the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2  8 with Windows match the 8-inch Android version. There’s 32GB of storage for users to keep music, pictures and videos. An Intel 1.8GHZ quad-core processor. 2GB of RAM power the entire experience.

As the adjustable kickstand hints at, tablets are used for a lot of different functions these days. They’re one half productivity tool and one half entertainment experience. The 8-inch display in the Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows is capable of 1080p video playback. Two front-facing speakers with Dolby Audio deliver clear sound. The Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows should make a great portable entertainment center.

Sensors and connectivity are abundant here. There’s Bluetooth 4.0 for communicating with other devices while not draining battery power. A compass and a gyroscope is included too. Wireless N is supported too.

In theory, the Yoga Tablet 2 should have the right stuff for picture taking too. A front-facing 1.6 megapixel HD camera allows users to video chat and take self-portraits. More impressive is the 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. It might deliver photos just as good as a smartphone or older point-and-shoot camera.

Whereas Apple used the idea of doing things easier to lure users to its iPad, Microsoft and its partners are pushing the idea of mobile productivity and value. The 8-inch Yoga Tablet 2 8 for Windows is a perfect example of that. It’s ultra-cheap at $299 and includes some key extras. Every Yoga Tablet 2 comes with a year-long membership to Microsoft’s Office 365 service. Office 365 is allows users to get Microsoft Office for a low monthly cost instead of full price. For example, a copy of Microsoft Office 2013 Home & Student costs $99 up front. Office 365 gets users the same programs that are included in Office 2013 Home & Student and 1TB of storage for $6.99. Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows users will only need to pay the subscription fee after their first year.

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Attach a Bluetooth keyboard and you have a pretty decent mobile productivity device.

It’s also worth noting that what users are getting in the 8-inch Yoga Tablet 2 for Windows is a full low-cost Windows experience. Because it has that Intel quad-core processor, users can install Desktop apps like iTunes and Google Chrome.

Lenovo says that buyers of the Yoga Tablet 2 8 with Windows can expect 15 hours of battery life.

 

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