Lenovo Challenges Microsoft Surface Pro 4 With ThinkPad X1 Tablet

The Surface Pro 4 has become the hottest laptop/tablet hybrid on the market, but Microsoft faces a challenge from Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Tablet.

Expert Reviews has the news.

“Thankfully, even if the price at first looks to be pretty high, at least you get both the keyboard and the pressure-sensitive ThinkPad Pen Pro stylus included in the box too. Paired with the brilliantly designed and easy to use kickstand, you’ve got both a practical and portable device that stands almost unrivalled against its 2-in-1 competitors, even the Surface Pro 4.”

The review adds that not only is the keyboard fantastic, but the 12-inch, 2,560 x 1,440 pixel resolution display is gorgeous as well. Andrew E. Freedman of Laptop Mag is also impressed with the ThinkPad X1.

“The ThinkPad X1 Tablet is the most versatile Windows 2-in-1 yet, thanks to a unique modular design that lets you attach not only the included keyboard but also projector and 3D camera modules. The 12-inch business-friendly slate also boasts a vivid 2160 x 1440 display, a durable chassis and comfortable active pen,” Freeman says, before noting that you will need to spend extra for a high-capacity battery if you really want to get the most out of the device.

Ever since Microsoft released the Surface Pro 4 last October, many different companies have tried to take over some of their market share, but they have failed. The laptop/tablet hybrid has earned almost perfect reviews from many sources. Tech Radar gave Microsoft’s device four-and-a-half stars.

“Has Microsoft at last crafted a tablet that can reasonably, without considerable compromise, replace your laptop? Short of going back to the drawing board on the battery, this looks as close as it’s going to get,” says reviewer Joe Osborne, while noting that the battery life is not great — something that many Surface Pro 4 users have complained about.

After the success of the Surface Pro 4, Microsoft is getting ready to release the Surface Pro 5. To the disappointment of those wanting to purchase a Surface Pro 5 soon, strong rumors in the tech industry have suggested that Microsoft may not release the device until 2017. This would be long after Apple releases their updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Air notebooks.

Vine Report has the news.

“The tech community has already started accepting the fact that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will not be released within the year. The reason for the delayed release date may actually be good for the consumers.”

The article adds that the Surface Pro 5 is likely being delayed so it can be equipped with a more productive operating system; Windows 10 Redstone 2, which will be released during the Spring of 2017.

According to Trusted Reviews, the Surface Pro 5 may have a 4K screen.

“A new report claims that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will feature a 4K Ultra HD display, which would be a first for the series. By contrast, the Surface Pro 4 has a maximum 2,736 x 1,824 pixel resolution.”

The article adds that the standard version of the Pro 5 may not have the 4K panel, but Microsoft might offer the display as a paid-for upgrade. This is what companies such as HP and Lenovo have been doing. This might not be a big deal to many consumers as the current 2,736 x 1,824 display is considered stunning. However, Trusted Reviews also reveals that there will be a major upgrade to the processor for the Surface Pro 5.

The 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors, which will likely host the Surface Pro 5, have just started to ship to manufacturers. Let’s hope that it’s early enough so Microsoft can surprise people and release the Surface Pro 5 by Christmas.

[Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images]