Lenovo today announced at the 2023 IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin a number of new multimode PCs. These latest systems start with two new Yoga convertible laptops: the Yoga 2 Pro, successor to the 13.3-inch Yoga, and the new ThinkPad Yoga, built for business users who need more durability but still appreciate the multimode design. Additionally, Lenovo is adding two new multimode mainstream laptops and a desktop with the new Lenovo Flex 14 and 15-inch laptops and Flex 20 all-in-one (AIO) desktop.
Yoga 2 Pro
The Yoga 2 Propicks up where last year’s Yoga 13 left off thanks to a fantastic 13.3-inch QHD+ super high resolution 10-finger touchscreen display with 3200X1800 resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio, equivalent to four times the visual clarity of the original Yoga’s HD+ (1600X900) screen and the highest screen resolution on the market today. The 350-nit screen features IPS 178° wide angle viewing for great views from nearly any line of sight.
This new Yoga is thinner and lighter at 15.5 mm thin and 1.39 kg, yet it still features the four modes that give it the Yoga name: laptop, tablet, stand and tent modes. Yoga 2 Pro also features your choice of up to Intel 4th generation Core i7 ULT processors, Windows 8.1, up to a 512 GB SSD, Intel WiDi for streaming content wirelessly to a TV, Dolby Home Theatre v4 and a claim of up to nine hours of battery life. The Yoga 2 Pro also features a new backlit keyboard and comes in the signature Grey or Clementine Orange color. The recently introduced Yoga 11S will also get a minor update by adding choices of up to 4th generation Intel Core i7 processors.
A full-function laptop and tablet, Yoga 2 Pro offers new features like Yoga Picks, a helpful concierge-like tool that suggests suitable apps based upon the device’s mode. For example, in tablet mode, Yoga Picks suggests apps like Birizzle, a popular touch game, and Zinio, an e-reader. In tent mode, it offers the painting app, Fresh Paint and Rara music streaming. Additionally, Yoga 2 Pro comes with apps created especially for its four modes. In laptop mode, Phone Companion lets users copy content from documents or websites and send the information to their phones as a text message. Yoga Photo Touch allows users in tablet mode to edit or retouch photos using their fingers on the 10-point multitouch screen. Also available for Yoga 2 Pro is the N700 multimode wireless mouse, sold separately, that rotates 180° to double as a pointer so users can switch between desktop work and presentations.
ThinkPad Yoga
The new ThinkPad Yogaborrows the basic flip and fold, four mode design from last year’s Yoga models, but the ThinkPad Yoga adds performance, security and productivity features as well as customization options. The 12.5-inch magnesium alloy ThinkPad Yoga features a Corning Gorilla Glass HD IPS or a FHD IPS display (optional digitizer and pen available for the FHD display) running Windows 8.1.
Although we weren’t a fan of the way that the keyboard keys were left exposed when the old Yoga 13 was placed in tablet mode, the ThinkPad Yoga features a unique lift and lock system created for tablet mode. The system automatically lifts and locks the keyaboard surround so the the keyboard keys are flush and protected for a streamlined feel. Speaking of which, the ThinkPad Yoga features the traditional ThinkPad keyboard layout with optional backlit models and models with Near Field Communications (NFC) to easily share data between devices.
The ThinkPad Yogahas several key performance technologies for business users: choices of up to Intel 4th generation Core i7 processors, up to 1 TB of storage as well as all-day battery life. The ThinkPad Yoga also responds to voice commands so users can chat on Instant Messaging programs, play their music, search the web and more without typing or moving the cursor around. If business users need an expanded workspace, Lenovo’s One Link dock, purchased separately, provides USB ports, a mini-HDMI connection, Gigabit Ethernet and more.
Flex 14 and Flex 15
The new dual-mode Flex 14.1-inch and 15.6-inch laptops creatively flip 300° for stand mode, a convenient way to make presentations and provide a more comfortable touch experience.
Beyond the dual mode flip functionality of the Flex 14 and Flex 15, these laptops feature a soft-touch black cover trimmed with silver or Clementine Orange. Opening the screen lid reveals clean lines and a keyboard design with optional backlighting. Both Flex notebooks are available with 1366X768 or optional Full HD 1920X1080 multitouch displays. Lenovo promises the Flex offers up to nine hours of battery life for extremely mobile users. In addition, you can configure these laptops with Intel 4th generation Core ULT i7 processors, up to Nvidia discrete GT 740M graphics, up to 1 TB of storage and optional SSD or NAND flash on the Ultrabook configurations.
Flex 20 AIO
Framed in a 20.5mm thin aluminum shell, the Flex 20was designed to fit neatly into a home or office yet provide excellent performance thanks to a 19.5-inch frameless HD (1600X900) IPS 90° tilt display, 500 GB HD or SSHD storage and up to Intel Core i7 processors.
The Flex part of the Flex 20comes from its special ability to convert from normal stand mode to table mode. When flat in table mode, the Aura interface, first seen on the Lenovo Horizon Table PC, opens for a multi-game, multi-player gaming. In this mode, users can challenge others to play games, including preloaded ones like Ubisoft’s Raiding Company. More games specificaly designed for the table style Aura interface are available for purchase from the Lenovo App Store … including Omnitapps Media Puzzle Pack for making video puzzles and Omnitapps Educational Suite with a series of memory and learning games along with other Lenovo games like Fishing Joy, Air Hockey and Roulette.
Users can purchase several special physical accessories for the Flex 20 such as joysticks, strikers and e-dice that allow up to four players to interact directly with the digital games. Of course, if you don’t want to purchase those optional gaming accessories players can use the 10-point multitouch screen. The Aura interface was designed to deliver a highly collaborative tool for multi-media content in the home and office. Unlike most AIO’s, Flex 20 has mobility in mind with built-in Wi-Fi and battery so you can move this AIO around the home or office without worrying about cables and get up to three hours of use without charging.
Pricing and Availability
The Yoga 2 Pro ($1,099.99) will be available beginning in while the Flex 14 ($629.99), Flex 15 ($629.99) and Flez 20 AIO ($899.99) will be available starting in late . The ThinkPad Yoga ($949) will be available beginning in . The N700 multimode wireless mouse will be available beginning in at $59.99.
Be sure to click on the links above to view the full spec sheets to see all the technical details on these latest Lenovo PCs.
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