The Lenovo ThinkPad helix was the class defining system from Lenovo that introduced the concept of a convertible Business orientated laptop.

In other words, a device with a detachable keyboard that became in effect, a tablet.

So having established the concept and opened the doors to other manufacturers like Dell and Toshiba, how does the 2nd Generation ThinkPad Helix stand up to the competition? Read the full review by Hardware Analyst Brain Westover on PCMAG

The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2nd Gen ($1,549 as tested) is the latest version of the system that ushered in the business detachable-hybrid laptop category. The original ThinkPad Helix was not only the first business system to feature a detachable keyboard, but the first toallow the tablet to be attached facing forward or backward for multimode use. Since then, however, the designhas gone mainstream, as seen on systems like the Toshiba Portege Z20t-B2112 and the Editors’ Choice Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000 Series (7140). These newer systems not only offer more refined takes on the detachable concept, but they do so while delivering better performance. The ThinkPad Helix has come a long way, but can it keep up with the fast pace of the category it helped start?

Design and Features With the ThinkPad Helix, you can remove the display for use as a standalone tablet, or connect it to the docking keyboard for a traditional clamshell-laptop experience. It also adds a literal twisthence the Helix namein letting you connect the tablet facing forward or backward. This allows for multiple-use modes, similar to those seen on the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12, including Stand and Tent mode, in addition to Laptop and Tablet modes.

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PC companies want to make products that combine the best of both worlds and we’re talking about multiple dichotomies, too: thin but powerful, business-ready but play-capable, high-end but also (semi) affordable, tablet but also a laptop, and more. We’ve seen it recently with Microsoft’s Surface Book and Surface Pro line of hybrids, HP’s newest Spectre laptop, and many more. Lenovo’s designs (the Yoga line in particular) have always been good at marrying these elements to one another, and its ThinkPad X1 tablet is an attempt to deliver a Surface competitor for businesses.

When we talk about ‘thin and light’ business laptops Lenovo leads the way with the X1 Carbon. The X1 Hybrid takes the concept a step further with the now familiar tablet with detachable keyboard further with the addition of custom modules. Valentina Palledino of Ars Technica says that she’s not sure she would want it to replace her regular Laptop. To be honest we’re not sure that is where the X1 Hybrid fits.

The traditional clamshell laptop design has always in our opinion been the platform for content creation, whereas the Tablet was originally conceived for content consumption. The Hybrid of course like the Surface Pro tries to fits somewhere in the middle. Whilst we love the idea of being able to attach and use the keyboard for ‘on the road’ use, we would have to agree with Ms Valentina. What we do love about the X1 is the sheer build quality, the keypad, and that projector. Not our full-time choice, but certainly a great pick for the road warrior.

The X1 takes the convenience of a tablet, incorporates a metal kickstand, and attaches a solid keyboard to the bottom so it can become a laptop at any time. So as not to overwhelm consumers with a ton of unnecessary features, Lenovo build three custom “modules” for the X1 which can turn it into a projector, a 3D scanner, and a longer-lasting, port-happy work device. Without any modules, the X1 starts off at a hefty $1,029. I recently lived with the mid-tier module ($1,349) for awhile and, although it’s a powerful and capable device, I’m not sure I’d want it to replace my regular laptop.

Check this Topic at arstechnica.com

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