Hands on: Lenovo Yoga tablet

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Unveiled by none other than the actor who portrayed Steve Jobs, Ashton Kutcher, the Lenovo Yoga tablet already scored a coup at its very launch this week.

Unlike other tablets, the new Android device has a multi-positional kick stand that lets a user prop it up. You can do this to watch a video like a stand or lay it down at an angle to use the on-screen keyboard. 

Built into the Yoga is the ability to call up apps while it is in its various modes. For example, the YouTube app can be opened automatically when it is standing up on a table. All is is aimed at giving a better user experience.

The Lenovo Yoga Tablet in Stand Mode.

Part of Lenovo’s rethinking of the tablet form is the inclusion of a cylindrical handle on the long side of the tablet. This allows a better grip of the device, as I found at the Yoga’s launch here in Singapore.

The extra space afforded by the grip also houses a higher capacity battery for a good 18 hours of usage. Yet, the entire thing weighs 600g for the 10-inch version and 400g for the 8-incher.

Both come with 1,280 by 800 screens, 1.2GHz MT8289 quad-core processors with 32GB internal storage, two front-facing Dolby Digital speakers, microSD card slot to expand the storage capacity and Wi-Fi/3G connectivity.

Optional accessories come in the form of a custom-built Bluetooth keyboard for the 10-inch model. It also doubles up as a cover with magnets to secure the cover to the tablet.

Credit should be given to Lenovo for trying to move away from the usual slate form that we have come to expect of tablets. Its new aluminium-clad devices shout “premium” to potential customers and the kickstand is a nice touch.

However, the Yoga’s screen is lower than the 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD displays on many rivals. You’ll find it hard to pry your eyes from the competition in the stores.

From the little hands-on time I had with the new Lenovo tablet, it also seems that its Bluetooth keyboard cover may be too easily dislodged from the tablet. That’s something mobile workers won’t appreciate while on the road.

Price-wise, you’d have to be the judge of whether it is worth the money, as the competition in Android tablets is very tough.

Out by end-November, the 8-inch Yoga tablet will cost S$449. The 10-incher will go for S$549.