By joining Download. AirPin is an advanced screen mirroring and media streaming receiver app on Android TV, box and projector. If air pin cannot find our old app in your purchase list, please do contact us. You can share the media and screen from your Apple, Windows and Android devices with the big screen.
BGA Processor lithography. Processor operating modes. Processor series. Intel Core i Mobile series. Processor codename. Ivy Bridge. Bus type. FSB Parity. Motherboard chipset. Maximum number of PCI Express lanes. PCI Express slots version. PCI Express configurations. ECC supported by processor. Internal memory type.
Memory clock speed. Memory layout slots x size. Number of SSDs installed. SSD capacity. SSD interface. Card reader integrated. Not available. On-board graphics card family. On-board graphics card base frequency. On-board graphics card dynamic frequency max.
On-board graphics card ID. Audio system. Built-in microphone. Front camera. Front camera resolution numeric. Video capturing speed. Rear camera. Rear camera resolution numeric. Wi-Fi standards. Ethernet LAN. Bluetooth version. USB 2. USB 3. Mini DisplayPorts quantity. DVI port. Microphone in.
Docking connector. Charging port type. DC-in jack. ExpressCard slot. SmartCard slot. Pointing device. Full-size keyboard. Windows keys. Windows 8 Pro. Processor special features. Intel Smart Connect Technology. Disable access to missing laptops Giving users access to corporate data and application through remote laptops boosts productivity, but it can also leave IT vulnerable to hackers and misplaced laptops.
If the laptop is recovered, it can be quickly reactivated to normal operation. This technology saves a snapshot of your activity on the SSD, preparing the system with previously saved active memory pages so that you can resume your work, Internet activity, or paused movie right where you left off.
By recognizing which data and applications are used most, Intel Smart Response Technology boosts hard drive performance so that you can create, work, and play faster than ever. Intel MST uses the latest Serial ATA disk interfaces for increased performance headroom, with advanced features such as native command queuing to increase storage performance and optimize the order of commands.
Intel HD Audio provides high-quality multi-channel audio experiences with new encoding and decoding algorithms to enhance the listening experience. Even when powered off, devices can be diagnosed and repaired with built-in manageability, receive software and virus updates, or store data for off-hours retrieval, lowering IT support costs.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology. Intel Clear Video Technology. Intel Flex Memory Access. This efficient, dual-core-optimized implementation increases the probability that each core can access data from the fast cache, significantly reducing latency to frequently used data and improving performance. Intel AES-NI supports usages such as standard key lengths, standard modes of operation, and even some nonstandard or future variants.
Intel Trusted Execution Technology. Intel Enhanced Halt State. Intel Demand Based Switching. These keys provide quality entropy that is highly sought after in the cryptography world for added security. Intel Execute Disable Bit. Idle States. Thermal Monitoring Technologies.
Processor package size. Supported instruction sets. Processor code. CPU configuration max. Embedded options available. Virtualization allows multiple workloads to share a common set of resources so that a variety of workloads can co-locate while maintaining full isolation from each other.
Intel Identity Protection Technology version. Intel Secure Key Technology version. Intel Dual Display Capable Technology. Intel FDI Technology. Intel Rapid Storage Technology. Intel Fast Memory Access. Conflict-Free processor. Battery technology. Lithium Polymer LiPo. Battery life max. Cable lock slot. Cable lock slot type. Sustainability certificates. Packaging content. Power cord included. Other features. AC adapter included. Intel segment tagging. Home office, Small Business. Source Testseek summary Average rating Updated: Click below and use Uk to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
Read the full review. Source Review comments Score pcauthority. While most Windows 8 hybrids have sought to capture everyone's attention, Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is happy to appeal to a more select audience: it's the first one to take aim at the business user. With the body of an Very expensive, but still a solid hybrid effort Starting with the Helix as a clamshell laptop, you can detac For the most part, its smooth, soft-touch chassis and rounded corners retain the exceptional build quality we've come to expect from Lenovo's ThinkPad range.
We found hardly any flex in the rear panel of the tablet and it's both light and comfortable to h A highly capable tablet that runs the full version of Windows 8, but it's far too expensive Lenovo asserts its mastery of the Windows 8 hybrid with the ThinkPad Helix, but it comes at a cost With Apple tablets flying off the shelves at breakneck speeds and PC shipments continuing to fall off a cliff, OEMs are trying desperately to come up with unique form factors to attract users.
Lenovo is one of a long line of vendors hoping to generate ca Great keyboard; Pinsharp display; Battery in the display and keyboard Top heavy and prone to tip while on lap; Expensive when compared with more desirable rival machines One of the best Windows 8 hybrids on the market, but it comes at a high price. The ThinkPad Helix performs provides good performance with the x86 architecture without sacrificing battery life. Coupled with the excellent keyboard from the trusted ThinkPad One of the better detachable hybrid tablets on the market, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix gives the corporate IT buyer a great option for their highly mobile workforce There's plenty of choice nowadays if you want a new notebook or hybrid tablet.
Lenovo, for example, has the light-weight Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 and exotic products like the ThinkPad Twist with its rotating display and the flexible Yoga. Today we will The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is an interessanting convertible. The performance is good, and the keyboard dock works great. However, the Helix is just too expensive. The version we tested costs a whopping 1, euros. There is some room for improvement as Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is a hybrid tablet that combines a Windows 8 slate device with a keyboard dock that effectively turns it into an ultrabook.
The combination works better than many other hybrid tablets we have seen, making the ThinkPad Helix a valid Can be used as tablet or touch-enabled laptop, long battery life, good security features, high quality build Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is a strong rival for Microsoft's Surface Pro, and can successfully be used as either a tablet or laptop. However, in laptop mode it is rather heavy for an ultrabook, while the system is also pricey. Enterprise buyers will find ple The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix model tm is one of the best examples of a Windows 8 tablet that can also be used capably as a Windows 8 laptop.
The tablet part of the product is excellent in its own right, but when you add the keyboard dock to it, th Bright and vibrant screen, Excellent keyboard dock, Versatile Design is a little cumbersome, Gets very hot under heavy processing load Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is one of the best hybrid products on the market. Its tablet is fast and features an excellent screen, while its keyboard is comfortable and very well built.
Some drawbacks are that it gets very hot under load and the mechanical de It's robust, it's functional and it certainly won't come cheap. The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix feels like a hybrid roadwarrior. It's reasonably light, especially in its class, offers great build quality and careful attention to detail in its construction.
It may not be a beauty, but it's one of the better full Windows 8 hy At CES , we witnessed the birth of the premium convertible laptop. Meet Lenovo's Thinkpad Helix. A convertible ultrabook with multitouch support, its versatile base stand provides more than just a keyboard and a few spare USB ports.
The name may reca In terms of functionality, the ThinkPad Helix is one of the best convertible ultrabooks out there. It's decently powerful, has capable battery life and a keyboard that can actually get some typing done. It also has a p display that's perfect for unwin The firm said the ThinkPad Helix has a 'rip and flip' design and called it the 'ultimate Windows 8 conve Apart from its high price tag we like the versatile design of the ThinkPad helix and the top-end specifications. Stay tuned for a full review The tablet has changed the computing landscape, and although it's seen as a consumer device, more and more people have been using them for work, which has caused potential issues as iOS and Android are not easily integrated into a Windows-based infrastruc Decent performance for a hybrid, Excellent design with few compromises, Great battery life, Impressive keyboard, Digitiser pen included It's expensive The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is almost the perfect hybrid.
It is equally at home as an Ultrabook as it is as a tablet, with just a few niggles to mar the perfection, in particular the lack of an SD card slot, and the location of both USB 3. And don't despair, it has the specs you crave: a Core iU processor that can run up to 3.
With an Powerful, great battery Life, HD screen Very expensive, small screen, no keyboard backlight Lenovo keeps its focus firmly fixed on the enterprise while adding stylistic flourishes that wouldn't look out of place in the consumer space Lenovo has managed to build a name for itself when it comes to rock solid enterprise grade laptops ever since it acquired the ThinkPad name from IBM back in An acquisition that has propelled the Chinese tech company to become the no.
As a premium brand laptop-and-tablet convertible, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix was unlike many other laptops we'd seen when it first arrived - click here to see our impressions. The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix makes a convincing case for the business hybrid laptop, but it's too expensive for a device that still has room for improvement. Read the review. Thanks to tablet computers we no longer have to drag around laptops to show a presentation or flip through some documents in a meeting.
But an iPad is not exactly our first choice when we need to sit down at a computer for hours at a time. If we're typi Here are our first impressions. Hey business travelers, if you found a magic lamp in the overhead compartment on your next flight, what would you wish for?
Unlimited frequent flyer miles? Free first class upgrades for life? Leg room the length of a bowling lane? Or maybe you'd dream big Solid keyboard, Versatile design, Wide p display perfect for movies, Strong battery life Tablet has awkward form factor and recessed switches, Unintuitive, finicky touchpad, Ugly dock, Top heavy and tippy, Expensive It also has a p display that's perfect for unwi At first glance, there's no mistaking the Helix for anything but a traditional ThinkPad This is an It co Taking on the Microsoft Surface tablets and Samsung Ativ series of hybrids, the Thinkpad Helix offers businesses an all-in-one tablet that is also an ultrabook But fast-forward some 20 months to the Intel Developers Forum and the second generation model has shown face.
And it loo To put it simply, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 is an It's a product that's different to many of the Windows 2-in-1 devices that populate the market, primarily Build quality a little creaky, Standard keyboard dock doesn't actively hold the tablet in place, restricting laptop use The two-in-one device is hardly a new concept, yet the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is still an exciting device.
The reason it's exciting is not because of the stunningly slim dimensions of the new device we'll come to that later , but instead the technolo Lenovo lists its ThinkPad Helix as a tablet, but that might just be a bit misleading. Docked in its keyboard it is actually a full strength, fully capable notebook. As with most ThinkPads, you can take the Helix ultrabook to a bar fight.
It is built like a Fully capable as a tablet or as an ultrabook, very good keyboard dock, powerful processor and lots of RAM Tablet gets very hot, ports inconvenient at the back, expensive solution Has the marque lost its focus? Apparently, Intel wants Haswell models to wake from sleep in three seconds , so how cheaper HDD models will co The two small stereo speakers are located at the lower edge of the tablet.
Unfortunately, their sound quality was not great. Highs were clanky and over-emphasized while mids and lows were almost non-existent. In addition, the weak maximum volume will hardly be able to drown out any normal conversation, degrading the sound system to an emergency backup for simple office usage. Thanks to its economical ULV hardware, our test device only requires 7.
Under full load, the ThinkPad is commendable as well, requiring Thus, the 45 watts power adapter should be more than adequate in any situation. A 3-cell battery built into the tablet comes with 42 Wh while another 28 Wh battery is installed within the keyboard dock.
Lenovo claims that 42 Wh and 70 Wh will result in 5 hours and up to 8 hours of battery life respectively. As is the case with its competitors, the battery within the keyboard dock is drained first. During the Battery Eater Reader's test minimum brightness, energy saving mode, all radios deactivated the ThinkPad manages to stay alive for 9 hours and 19 minutes , more than on par with Lenovo's claims.
If the screen is dimmed or even turned off from time to time, the ThinkPad's battery life should suffice for an entire 8-hour workday. Even while under full load during the Battery Eater Classic test maximum brightness, full performance, all radios activated , 3 hours and 20 minutes is possible. All of these values hold true if both batteries are used. Nice: The tablet doesn't have to be charged via the keyboard dock - instead, it comes with its own power connector.
The ThinkPad Helix fits very well into Lenovo's existing product portfolio. However, it also raises the question "why so late"? The basic idea of a full-fledged x86 tablet even when used without the keyboard dock offers an invaluable advantage in terms of mobility: No conventional convertible can ever get so light and compact when necessary.
Its technical components are almost exclusively well-chosen too. Traditional ThinkPad strengths such as excellent build quality , great input devices and low noise emissions are still present. We were quite impressed by the high-contrast, high-brightness Full HD multitouch display with great viewing angles which can be controlled with a digitizer pen as well.
Unfortunately, there are also some details which might require some revision. This complaint holds true for the entire device: When compared to other ThinkPads, there are very few options in terms of expandability, maintenance and connectivity - one of our main points of criticism next to the uncomfortably high chassis temperatures under full load. Overall though, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is not only an innovative product, but also a convincing one.
This is definitely no steal, but still a fair price when considering everything the Helix has to offer. It's all about flexibility: The ThinkPad Helix is perfectly capable of replacing both a tablet and an ultrabook whenever one or the other is required.
Thanks to its excellent input devices and low noise emissions, the convertible is also a full-fledged office computer. Despite of Lenovo's intricate cooling system, the tablet runs uncomfortably hot under full load. We hope for a speedy update to the less power-hungry Haswell chip - including an increase in graphics performance. We will probably not be the only review site left wondering why Lenovo chose to ship such an expensive business device with just 4 GB of RAM soldered to the motherboard.
Those who are unhappy with the limited expandability of the Helix may want to have a look at some conventional convertibles such as the ThinkPad XT or the Fujitsu Lifebook T A tablet for the meeting, a notebook for the workspace - Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is supposed to combine the advantages of both devices. The clever ultrabook hybrid ignores conventional wisdom concerning convertibles, leaving a lasting impression due to its mobility and office strengths.
Tablet: well-built and sturdy. Keyboard dock: great build quality, but only decent stability. Front: digitizer, fan vent, power button. Left: display latch. Back: USB 3. Cameras Like many other tablets, the ThinkPad Helix ships with two cameras. Front camera 2. Rear camera 5. Security Crucially, every business laptop has to ship with a number of security features. Accessories Next to the VGA and Ethernet adapters we mentioned above, the ThinkPad Helix also comes equipped with a Wacom digitizer about which we have more to say later.
Maintenance As is the case with every other ThinkPad, the Helix ships with a detailed hardware maintenance manual. Warranty Great: Lenovo offers a full 36 months of warranty , as always with its ThinkPad products. Input Devices. Keyboard Lenovo's recently-introduced "precision keyboard" which is now used in all Lenovo ThinkPads has found its way into the Helix as well. Touchpad and Trackpoint Unlike the keyboard, the touchpad is a completely new addition. Touchscreen and Tablet Operation Like most recent tablets, the Helix sports a capacitive multitouch screen which is capable of supporting up to ten fingers simultaneously.
Helix vs. AdobeRGB t. Lifebook T t. Color fidelity uncalibrated. Color saturation uncalibrated. Grayscale uncalibrated. Outdoor usage direct sunlight. Viewing angles Lenovo ThinkPad Helix. Cinebench R Storage Devices. AS SSD benchmark. HD Tune. Transfer Rate Minimum: Transfer Rate Maximum: Transfer Rate Average: Access Time: 0. Burst Rate: CPU Usage: 1. CrystalDiskMark 3. Sequential Write: AS SSD. Sequential Read: Access Time Read: 0.
Access Time Write: 0. Copy ISO: Copy Program: Copy Game: Score Read: Points. Score Write: Points. Score Total: Points. System Performance. Calculations per second. Memory RAM. Memory operations per second. Desktop performance for Windows Aero. Gaming graphics. Primary hard disk.
Disk data transfer rate. PCMark Vantage Result. Graphics Card. Gaming Performance. Battlefield 3. System Noise. Noise Level Idle. Stress test. Power Supply max. Energy Management. Power Consumption. Key: min: , med: , max: Voltcraft VC Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements.
Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here. Battery Life. Reader's Test. Classic Test. Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 3G. Test device provided by Please share our article, every link counts! Intel Core iU 2 x 1. Lenovo homepage Lenovo notebook section. Those who don't look closely But the keyboard can indeed The construction of the keyboard dock Next to all the necessary ports All of this is hidden behind a small hatch The build quality of all mechanical parts is rather good.
Not so nice: Limited expandability The tablet ships with two camera modules In addition, there are several hardware buttons such as the volume rocker. Even without the keyboard dock, an external display or USB device can be connected to the Helix. Those who use the Helix as a tablet Both input methods work well thanks to Windows The great chiclet-style keyboard The laptop measures only 20 millimeters in height.
The small power adapter supplies 45 watts As with almost all tablets, the screen is highly reflective. Still, the screen contents remain readable, at least in the shade. Similar devices. Price check. Working For Notebookcheck Are you a techie who knows how to write?
Then join our Team! Participate here. PCMark 7 - Score sort by value. Battlefield 3 Anno Diablo III
It is an Ultrabook-class convertible laptop based on the Intel Core M processor. The Helix II uses a vapor chamber with no moving parts instead of fans for cooling, achieving a significant noise reduction. It is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor at. The Helix serves as a conventional notebook computer but uses a "rip and flip" design that allows the user to detach the display and then replace it facing in a different direction.
Also, as all essential processing hardware is contained in the display assembly and it has multitouch capability, the monitor can be used as a standalone tablet computer. The Helix features include Gorilla Glass , stylus-based input, and Intel vPro hardware-based security features, and is designed to appeal to business users.
The five mechanical buttons featured on most ThinkPad trackpoints have been replaced with a fixed glass touchpad. The Helix has an At nits the Helix's display is the brightest available among ThinkPad models. A five-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front-facing camera are mounted on the display. On launch, the i7 upgrade for a convertible tablet was unique within its class. Fans are situated where the keyboard dock meets the tablet. This allows the Helix's processor to take advantage of Intel chipset capabilities to regulate clock speeds in relation to heat distribution.
The Helix's power management software controls the speed of the processor to ensure that battery life is not adversely affected. The battery in the Helix's tablet section is advertised as providing five hours of use. Docking the tablet with the keyboard extends battery life by an advertised additional five hours. A LAN port is offered for wired networking capability. The entire device weighs almost four pounds and the tablet portion weighs less than two pounds.
That's not exactly light for a Of course, the Helix is a hybrid device that can be used in more ways than one--you aren't saddled with the keyboard like a laptop. However, its business slant means that companies, which can afford the premium price for the extra security and enterprise features, are most likely the ones to purchase the Helix. The engineers at Lenovo have come up with the best detachable docking hybrid system I've seen although there may be no solution to the fact that these docking hinges are just inherently clunky.
It feels sturdier and more reliable than many other hybrids, and the double battery system offers flexibility for longer work days. In an early review for TechRadar Alex Roth wrote, "The Thinkpad Helix is exactly the kind of product Lenovo is known for: sturdy, versatile and designed for productivity to the point where it might [be] too niche for the average consumer. Not the Helix, all put together, it looks very much like one piece of equipment.
As just a tablet, it's a great size and weight, making it easy to hold. We thought Lenovo had finally cracked the convertible ultrabook, a design we've never been totally sold on. But that was months ago, in a pre-Haswell, hour MacBook Air world. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Although many other consumer tablets and smartphones offer somewhat better image sensors, the Helix's image quality should be enough for some snapshots and communication purposes. The same holds true for the integrated microphone: Speech quality is fine, removing the need for an additional headset. Crucially, every business laptop has to ship with a number of security features. These are more concerned with the data within the device than with the convertible itself.
It is Computrace-ready and capable of handling Intel's Anti-Theft technology - only a convenient fingerprint sensor is missing. Detailed information about the different security features can be found in our FAQ article about security solutions. Next to the VGA and Ethernet adapters we mentioned above, the ThinkPad Helix also comes equipped with a Wacom digitizer about which we have more to say later.
There are no other surprises, the package only contains a 45 watts power adapter next to the tablet and the keyboard dock. Windows 8 Pro bit is preinstalled - luckily, without much bloatware. Lenovo Tools including the well-known Solution Center are supposed to support the user with maintenance or backup tasks.
There is also some anti-virus software, Norton Internet Security. Unfortunately, this is only a trial version. As is the case with every other ThinkPad, the Helix ships with a detailed hardware maintenance manual. Still, the device is hardly modifiable even for adept users.
In order to access its internal components, the display has to be forced open at its verges - which leads to an extremely high risk of damaging the device. Accordingly, there almost no CRU's customer replaceable units. Any hardware malfunction has to be solved by the manufacturer, which is also the only place to go when upgrades are supposed to be made. Great: Lenovo offers a full 36 months of warranty , as always with its ThinkPad products.
Warranty extensions and other packages can be bought in Lenovo's online shop, e. For a fee, additional features such as "keep your drive" or "priority support" can be purchased. Lenovo's recently-introduced "precision keyboard" which is now used in all Lenovo ThinkPads has found its way into the Helix as well.
Despite of the initial controversy surrounding the unconventional chiclet-style design , by now we have grown quite fond of it. The ergonomically shaped keys measuring 15 x 15 millimeters lead to a high hit ratio while offering an excellent typing experience. The combination of long key travel and a well-defined pressure point lead to this being one of the best keyboards currently on the market.
Every single key stroke offers vivid mechanical feedback making this feel like a premium product. Plus, the ThinkPad keyboard is splash proof. At the same time, the keyboard remains rather silent , remaining perfectly usable even in quieter surroundings. The only problem lies with its lack of backlighting options - other than that, this remains a top-notch keyboard. Unlike the keyboard, the touchpad is a completely new addition.
Despite of the compact chassis, it measures a surprisingly large 10 x 6. Unlike earlier models, the surface is perfectly smooth. While this may not be to the liking of every user, the touchpad was extremely precise, never misinterpreting our inputs , turning the touchpad into a viable alternative to the trackpoint.
Of course, Lenovo has not forgotten about all the fans of the little red mouse replacement, placing the famous knob between the G, H and B keys as usual. While it works as well as it ever did, we missed the dedicated mouse buttons with which earlier ThinkPads used to ship.
It takes some time to get used to utilizing the upper part of the touchpad itself. In the end, however, this works just as well. Strokes come with a firm feel although it could be even firmer , being accompanied by a low-keyed clicking noise.
Like most recent tablets, the Helix sports a capacitive multitouch screen which is capable of supporting up to ten fingers simultaneously. In combination with the new UI of Windows 8, this leads to an intuitive and lag-free way of using the computer - but the same holds true for cheaper rivals as well. The real killer feature of the ThinkPad's touchscreen is the built-in Wacom digitizer.
The digitizer pen can be stored away inside the tablet, being used whenever handwriting is the way to go or small buttons are to be hit. According to Lenovo, up to levels of pressure can be recognized, enabling the Helix to be used for a number of other application purposes, e. In addition, thoughtful details such as the hardware volume rocker or the optional screen rotation lock help the Helix in leaving a positive impression. Note: Variants shipping without a stylus do not come equipped with a digitizer layer, thus denying the possibility of retrofitting this feature.
The race for ever higher DPI values has finally reached the laptop segment as well, leading to a slow decline of the once overly dominant, coarse WXGA displays, at least for high-cost devices. The Unfortunately, this also leads to a problem which is not Lenovo's fault: Every button and text field in Windows 8 in desktop mode is rendered correspondingly small.
For starters, black levels are great 0. From this, movies and games but also all other applications profit enormously, yielding more vivid imagery. Those who want to use the Helix for photo processing despite of its small diagonal will be glad to hear that it is very well capable of great color fidelity DeltaE of 3.
Professional users will still have to rely on an external monitor. Thanks to its high brightness which is only available in battery mode when the energy saving mode of the Intel graphics card is deactivated , the Helix is well-suited for outdoor usage , as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Due to its non-matte surface, a workspace in the shade is required to be able to work well with the device, as its scratch-proof, easily cleanable Corning Gorilla Glass display is extremely glossy.
Another advantage of high-quality IPS panels next to great image quality: Viewing angles are superb. Even when viewed from very narrow angles, the screen contents remain discernible, showing no signs of color deviations or overly strongly decreasing contrast ratios. This is especially important while using the Helix as a tablet where the user is able to operate the device in every orientation.
Even the best TN panels fare far worse in this regard. In addition, Hyperthreading technology boosts performance in well-parallelized applications, allowing each core to work on up to two threads simultaneously. Despite of its more than decent performance, the 22 nm Core i5 chip sports a TDP thermal design power of just 17 watts.
However, the more recent Haswell variants are even less power-hungry, requiring only 15 watts for the entire chipset. Since the Helix is intended as a business device, graphics performance is secondary. The integrated HD Graphics clocked at to MHz in our case is more than sufficient for multimedia purposes as well as simple 3D applications.
This reduces performance levels especially in graphics-intense usage scenarios, as will be seen in some benchmarks below. Although the Core iU does not have a reputation of being overly power-hungry, the resulting excess heat will still have caused some problems for Lenovo's engineers.
After all, the tablet measures a mere 12 millimeters in thickness, drastically reducing cooling options. Astonishingly, the maximum TurboBoost level is actually reached at least when the keyboard dock is used , resulting in an excellent Cinebench R How did Lenovo manage to accomplish such a feat?
The underlying idea is simple, but effective: By installing two small fans in the keyboard docks, the fans in the tablet can be supported whenever this becomes necessary. Without these extra fans, the Helix's Turbo clock speed is reduced to 1. Since more demanding applications will probably almost always be run in notebook mode, this shouldn't put too much of a constraint on its daily usability. Note: Shortly before the conclusion of our review, we stumbled upon a bug resulting in a downclocking of the CPU clock speed to MHz its idle clock speed after plugging the tablet into its keyboard dock and removing it again.
It takes a reboot to be able to access its full prowess again. This might be due to a BIOS issue. We will update this article once a solution to this problem is found. Still, these are synthetic benchmarks, so they should not be over-emphasized. But the convertible also offers convincing performance levels during real-life tasks.
Windows 8 boots in just 10 seconds, being operational without further delay. Short loading times and more than enough power for office and most other applications would turn the ThinkPad into a full-fledged work-horse - if it weren't for the meager 4 GB of non-expandable main memory.
This is neither enough for excessive multitasking nor for some more demanding applications, making it less future-proof than it could be. Even though the graphics performance of the integrated HD Graphics may only be on par with older low-end graphics cards, it should be enough for most prospective buyers. Videos are rendered smoothly or transcoded quickly via Quick Sync. Many 3D applications work well too.
Still, the device is not made for more demanding CAD software or modern 3D games, yielding a 3DMark 11 score of just points. A noticeable boost in performance might only be realized with an upgrade to Haswell, which - if at all - will take at least a few months to arrive. Those who still want to use the Helix as a gaming device will often have to adjust graphics quality to the lowest possible setting , and, at least in newer games, reduce the display resolution down to x pixels, if at least some degree of smoothness is desired.
This shouldn't be an issue for Lenovo's target audience though, as gamers will probably choose a larger laptop or ultrabook with a dedicated graphics card. Instead, there are several fans both in the tablet itself and in the keyboard dock. They are barely noticeable as long as the device is idle or as long as some light office work is done, often not even spinning at all. But even when they do, the resulting noise levels of Not much changes under full load : Even during our stress tests, the Helix remains extremely quiet up to Unfortunately, the low noise emissions correlate with rather high chassis temperatures.
Those who don't want to risk getting burned will probably prefer to lie the tablet down at this point. Our results will have to be put into perspective though. In most usage scenarios which lead to these temperatures, the tablet will probably be used with its keyboard dock, thus sparing the user from coming into contact with the rear of the device.
The keyboard dock itself remains absolutely cool at all times. Typical tablet usage browsing, HD videos, etc Surprisingly, the innards never get critically hot. Thus, even during the summer, no throttling is likely to occur. The two small stereo speakers are located at the lower edge of the tablet. Unfortunately, their sound quality was not great. Highs were clanky and over-emphasized while mids and lows were almost non-existent.
In addition, the weak maximum volume will hardly be able to drown out any normal conversation, degrading the sound system to an emergency backup for simple office usage. Thanks to its economical ULV hardware, our test device only requires 7. Under full load, the ThinkPad is commendable as well, requiring Thus, the 45 watts power adapter should be more than adequate in any situation.
A 3-cell battery built into the tablet comes with 42 Wh while another 28 Wh battery is installed within the keyboard dock. Lenovo claims that 42 Wh and 70 Wh will result in 5 hours and up to 8 hours of battery life respectively. As is the case with its competitors, the battery within the keyboard dock is drained first.
During the Battery Eater Reader's test minimum brightness, energy saving mode, all radios deactivated the ThinkPad manages to stay alive for 9 hours and 19 minutes , more than on par with Lenovo's claims. If the screen is dimmed or even turned off from time to time, the ThinkPad's battery life should suffice for an entire 8-hour workday.
Even while under full load during the Battery Eater Classic test maximum brightness, full performance, all radios activated , 3 hours and 20 minutes is possible. All of these values hold true if both batteries are used.
Nice: The tablet doesn't have to be charged via the keyboard dock - instead, it comes with its own power connector. The ThinkPad Helix fits very well into Lenovo's existing product portfolio. However, it also raises the question "why so late"? The basic idea of a full-fledged x86 tablet even when used without the keyboard dock offers an invaluable advantage in terms of mobility: No conventional convertible can ever get so light and compact when necessary.
Its technical components are almost exclusively well-chosen too. Traditional ThinkPad strengths such as excellent build quality , great input devices and low noise emissions are still present. We were quite impressed by the high-contrast, high-brightness Full HD multitouch display with great viewing angles which can be controlled with a digitizer pen as well.
Unfortunately, there are also some details which might require some revision. This complaint holds true for the entire device: When compared to other ThinkPads, there are very few options in terms of expandability, maintenance and connectivity - one of our main points of criticism next to the uncomfortably high chassis temperatures under full load.
Overall though, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is not only an innovative product, but also a convincing one. This is definitely no steal, but still a fair price when considering everything the Helix has to offer. It's all about flexibility: The ThinkPad Helix is perfectly capable of replacing both a tablet and an ultrabook whenever one or the other is required. Thanks to its excellent input devices and low noise emissions, the convertible is also a full-fledged office computer.
Despite of Lenovo's intricate cooling system, the tablet runs uncomfortably hot under full load. We hope for a speedy update to the less power-hungry Haswell chip - including an increase in graphics performance. We will probably not be the only review site left wondering why Lenovo chose to ship such an expensive business device with just 4 GB of RAM soldered to the motherboard.
Those who are unhappy with the limited expandability of the Helix may want to have a look at some conventional convertibles such as the ThinkPad XT or the Fujitsu Lifebook T A tablet for the meeting, a notebook for the workspace - Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is supposed to combine the advantages of both devices. The clever ultrabook hybrid ignores conventional wisdom concerning convertibles, leaving a lasting impression due to its mobility and office strengths.
Tablet: well-built and sturdy. Keyboard dock: great build quality, but only decent stability. Front: digitizer, fan vent, power button.
The engineers at Lenovo have come up with the best detachable docking hybrid system I've seen although there may be no solution to the fact that these docking hinges are just inherently clunky. It feels sturdier and more reliable than many other hybrids, and the double battery system offers flexibility for longer work days.
In an early review for TechRadar Alex Roth wrote, "The Thinkpad Helix is exactly the kind of product Lenovo is known for: sturdy, versatile and designed for productivity to the point where it might [be] too niche for the average consumer. Not the Helix, all put together, it looks very much like one piece of equipment.
As just a tablet, it's a great size and weight, making it easy to hold. We thought Lenovo had finally cracked the convertible ultrabook, a design we've never been totally sold on. But that was months ago, in a pre-Haswell, hour MacBook Air world.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. July Retrieved 9 September Archived from the original on 4 December Retrieved 5 December Digital Trends. CNET Asia. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 21 July Future plc. Archived from the original on 19 January System x NeXtScale.
ThinkCentre A series M series Edge series. ThinkPad W series Helix Twist. PrivacyGuard ThinkShutter. UltraBay ThinkLight. ThinkVision LeTV. Smart Assistant. Category Commons. Hidden categories: Articles to be expanded from July All articles to be expanded Articles using small message boxes. Next to the VGA and Ethernet adapters we mentioned above, the ThinkPad Helix also comes equipped with a Wacom digitizer about which we have more to say later. There are no other surprises, the package only contains a 45 watts power adapter next to the tablet and the keyboard dock.
Windows 8 Pro bit is preinstalled - luckily, without much bloatware. Lenovo Tools including the well-known Solution Center are supposed to support the user with maintenance or backup tasks. There is also some anti-virus software, Norton Internet Security.
Unfortunately, this is only a trial version. As is the case with every other ThinkPad, the Helix ships with a detailed hardware maintenance manual. Still, the device is hardly modifiable even for adept users. In order to access its internal components, the display has to be forced open at its verges - which leads to an extremely high risk of damaging the device.
Accordingly, there almost no CRU's customer replaceable units. Any hardware malfunction has to be solved by the manufacturer, which is also the only place to go when upgrades are supposed to be made. Great: Lenovo offers a full 36 months of warranty , as always with its ThinkPad products.
Warranty extensions and other packages can be bought in Lenovo's online shop, e. For a fee, additional features such as "keep your drive" or "priority support" can be purchased. Lenovo's recently-introduced "precision keyboard" which is now used in all Lenovo ThinkPads has found its way into the Helix as well.
Despite of the initial controversy surrounding the unconventional chiclet-style design , by now we have grown quite fond of it. The ergonomically shaped keys measuring 15 x 15 millimeters lead to a high hit ratio while offering an excellent typing experience. The combination of long key travel and a well-defined pressure point lead to this being one of the best keyboards currently on the market.
Every single key stroke offers vivid mechanical feedback making this feel like a premium product. Plus, the ThinkPad keyboard is splash proof. At the same time, the keyboard remains rather silent , remaining perfectly usable even in quieter surroundings. The only problem lies with its lack of backlighting options - other than that, this remains a top-notch keyboard. Unlike the keyboard, the touchpad is a completely new addition.
Despite of the compact chassis, it measures a surprisingly large 10 x 6. Unlike earlier models, the surface is perfectly smooth. While this may not be to the liking of every user, the touchpad was extremely precise, never misinterpreting our inputs , turning the touchpad into a viable alternative to the trackpoint. Of course, Lenovo has not forgotten about all the fans of the little red mouse replacement, placing the famous knob between the G, H and B keys as usual.
While it works as well as it ever did, we missed the dedicated mouse buttons with which earlier ThinkPads used to ship. It takes some time to get used to utilizing the upper part of the touchpad itself. In the end, however, this works just as well. Strokes come with a firm feel although it could be even firmer , being accompanied by a low-keyed clicking noise.
Like most recent tablets, the Helix sports a capacitive multitouch screen which is capable of supporting up to ten fingers simultaneously. In combination with the new UI of Windows 8, this leads to an intuitive and lag-free way of using the computer - but the same holds true for cheaper rivals as well. The real killer feature of the ThinkPad's touchscreen is the built-in Wacom digitizer.
The digitizer pen can be stored away inside the tablet, being used whenever handwriting is the way to go or small buttons are to be hit. According to Lenovo, up to levels of pressure can be recognized, enabling the Helix to be used for a number of other application purposes, e.
In addition, thoughtful details such as the hardware volume rocker or the optional screen rotation lock help the Helix in leaving a positive impression. Note: Variants shipping without a stylus do not come equipped with a digitizer layer, thus denying the possibility of retrofitting this feature. The race for ever higher DPI values has finally reached the laptop segment as well, leading to a slow decline of the once overly dominant, coarse WXGA displays, at least for high-cost devices.
The Unfortunately, this also leads to a problem which is not Lenovo's fault: Every button and text field in Windows 8 in desktop mode is rendered correspondingly small. For starters, black levels are great 0. From this, movies and games but also all other applications profit enormously, yielding more vivid imagery.
Those who want to use the Helix for photo processing despite of its small diagonal will be glad to hear that it is very well capable of great color fidelity DeltaE of 3. Professional users will still have to rely on an external monitor. Thanks to its high brightness which is only available in battery mode when the energy saving mode of the Intel graphics card is deactivated , the Helix is well-suited for outdoor usage , as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Due to its non-matte surface, a workspace in the shade is required to be able to work well with the device, as its scratch-proof, easily cleanable Corning Gorilla Glass display is extremely glossy. Another advantage of high-quality IPS panels next to great image quality: Viewing angles are superb. Even when viewed from very narrow angles, the screen contents remain discernible, showing no signs of color deviations or overly strongly decreasing contrast ratios.
This is especially important while using the Helix as a tablet where the user is able to operate the device in every orientation. Even the best TN panels fare far worse in this regard. In addition, Hyperthreading technology boosts performance in well-parallelized applications, allowing each core to work on up to two threads simultaneously. Despite of its more than decent performance, the 22 nm Core i5 chip sports a TDP thermal design power of just 17 watts.
However, the more recent Haswell variants are even less power-hungry, requiring only 15 watts for the entire chipset. Since the Helix is intended as a business device, graphics performance is secondary. The integrated HD Graphics clocked at to MHz in our case is more than sufficient for multimedia purposes as well as simple 3D applications.
This reduces performance levels especially in graphics-intense usage scenarios, as will be seen in some benchmarks below. Although the Core iU does not have a reputation of being overly power-hungry, the resulting excess heat will still have caused some problems for Lenovo's engineers. After all, the tablet measures a mere 12 millimeters in thickness, drastically reducing cooling options.
Astonishingly, the maximum TurboBoost level is actually reached at least when the keyboard dock is used , resulting in an excellent Cinebench R How did Lenovo manage to accomplish such a feat? The underlying idea is simple, but effective: By installing two small fans in the keyboard docks, the fans in the tablet can be supported whenever this becomes necessary.
Without these extra fans, the Helix's Turbo clock speed is reduced to 1. Since more demanding applications will probably almost always be run in notebook mode, this shouldn't put too much of a constraint on its daily usability. Note: Shortly before the conclusion of our review, we stumbled upon a bug resulting in a downclocking of the CPU clock speed to MHz its idle clock speed after plugging the tablet into its keyboard dock and removing it again.
It takes a reboot to be able to access its full prowess again. This might be due to a BIOS issue. We will update this article once a solution to this problem is found. Still, these are synthetic benchmarks, so they should not be over-emphasized. But the convertible also offers convincing performance levels during real-life tasks. Windows 8 boots in just 10 seconds, being operational without further delay. Short loading times and more than enough power for office and most other applications would turn the ThinkPad into a full-fledged work-horse - if it weren't for the meager 4 GB of non-expandable main memory.
This is neither enough for excessive multitasking nor for some more demanding applications, making it less future-proof than it could be. Even though the graphics performance of the integrated HD Graphics may only be on par with older low-end graphics cards, it should be enough for most prospective buyers. Videos are rendered smoothly or transcoded quickly via Quick Sync. Many 3D applications work well too. Still, the device is not made for more demanding CAD software or modern 3D games, yielding a 3DMark 11 score of just points.
A noticeable boost in performance might only be realized with an upgrade to Haswell, which - if at all - will take at least a few months to arrive. Those who still want to use the Helix as a gaming device will often have to adjust graphics quality to the lowest possible setting , and, at least in newer games, reduce the display resolution down to x pixels, if at least some degree of smoothness is desired.
This shouldn't be an issue for Lenovo's target audience though, as gamers will probably choose a larger laptop or ultrabook with a dedicated graphics card. Instead, there are several fans both in the tablet itself and in the keyboard dock. They are barely noticeable as long as the device is idle or as long as some light office work is done, often not even spinning at all. But even when they do, the resulting noise levels of Not much changes under full load : Even during our stress tests, the Helix remains extremely quiet up to Unfortunately, the low noise emissions correlate with rather high chassis temperatures.
Those who don't want to risk getting burned will probably prefer to lie the tablet down at this point. Our results will have to be put into perspective though. In most usage scenarios which lead to these temperatures, the tablet will probably be used with its keyboard dock, thus sparing the user from coming into contact with the rear of the device. The keyboard dock itself remains absolutely cool at all times. Typical tablet usage browsing, HD videos, etc Surprisingly, the innards never get critically hot.
Thus, even during the summer, no throttling is likely to occur. The two small stereo speakers are located at the lower edge of the tablet. Unfortunately, their sound quality was not great. Highs were clanky and over-emphasized while mids and lows were almost non-existent. In addition, the weak maximum volume will hardly be able to drown out any normal conversation, degrading the sound system to an emergency backup for simple office usage.
Thanks to its economical ULV hardware, our test device only requires 7. Under full load, the ThinkPad is commendable as well, requiring Thus, the 45 watts power adapter should be more than adequate in any situation.
A 3-cell battery built into the tablet comes with 42 Wh while another 28 Wh battery is installed within the keyboard dock. Lenovo claims that 42 Wh and 70 Wh will result in 5 hours and up to 8 hours of battery life respectively. As is the case with its competitors, the battery within the keyboard dock is drained first. During the Battery Eater Reader's test minimum brightness, energy saving mode, all radios deactivated the ThinkPad manages to stay alive for 9 hours and 19 minutes , more than on par with Lenovo's claims.
If the screen is dimmed or even turned off from time to time, the ThinkPad's battery life should suffice for an entire 8-hour workday. Even while under full load during the Battery Eater Classic test maximum brightness, full performance, all radios activated , 3 hours and 20 minutes is possible. All of these values hold true if both batteries are used.
Nice: The tablet doesn't have to be charged via the keyboard dock - instead, it comes with its own power connector. The ThinkPad Helix fits very well into Lenovo's existing product portfolio. However, it also raises the question "why so late"? The basic idea of a full-fledged x86 tablet even when used without the keyboard dock offers an invaluable advantage in terms of mobility: No conventional convertible can ever get so light and compact when necessary.
Its technical components are almost exclusively well-chosen too. Traditional ThinkPad strengths such as excellent build quality , great input devices and low noise emissions are still present. We were quite impressed by the high-contrast, high-brightness Full HD multitouch display with great viewing angles which can be controlled with a digitizer pen as well. Unfortunately, there are also some details which might require some revision.
This complaint holds true for the entire device: When compared to other ThinkPads, there are very few options in terms of expandability, maintenance and connectivity - one of our main points of criticism next to the uncomfortably high chassis temperatures under full load.
Overall though, the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix is not only an innovative product, but also a convincing one. This is definitely no steal, but still a fair price when considering everything the Helix has to offer. It's all about flexibility: The ThinkPad Helix is perfectly capable of replacing both a tablet and an ultrabook whenever one or the other is required. Thanks to its excellent input devices and low noise emissions, the convertible is also a full-fledged office computer.
Despite of Lenovo's intricate cooling system, the tablet runs uncomfortably hot under full load. We hope for a speedy update to the less power-hungry Haswell chip - including an increase in graphics performance.
We will probably not be the only review site left wondering why Lenovo chose to ship such an expensive business device with just 4 GB of RAM soldered to the motherboard. Those who are unhappy with the limited expandability of the Helix may want to have a look at some conventional convertibles such as the ThinkPad XT or the Fujitsu Lifebook T A tablet for the meeting, a notebook for the workspace - Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is supposed to combine the advantages of both devices.
The clever ultrabook hybrid ignores conventional wisdom concerning convertibles, leaving a lasting impression due to its mobility and office strengths. Tablet: well-built and sturdy. Keyboard dock: great build quality, but only decent stability. Front: digitizer, fan vent, power button. Left: display latch. Back: USB 3. Cameras Like many other tablets, the ThinkPad Helix ships with two cameras.
Front camera 2. Rear camera 5. Security Crucially, every business laptop has to ship with a number of security features.
Helix (Type 3xxx) Laptop (ThinkPad) - Type Recommended: Lenovo recommends purchasing Vantage Smart Performance Services to optimize system. Helix (Type 3xxx) Laptop (ThinkPad) - Type Proactive and automated point system performance & health optimization. Includes full system and network optimization and cleaning, zero day malware removal.