Lenovo today announced two new Windows 8.1 convertibles that are joining the Chinese company's Miix line of tablets. Dubbed the Miix 2 10 and 11, the new slates feature a detachable AccuType keyboard and a 10.1'' and 11.6'' 1080p displays, respectively.
The Miix 2 10 is, expectedly, the more compact (260.9 x 173.2 x 9.2mm) and thus, more portable (1.3lb), slate, though the hardware inside has gone through a downsizing procedure as well. To that end, we're treated with one of those quad-core Intel Atom processors, with 2GB of LP-DDR3 RAM on board and up to 128GB of internal eMMC storage with an option for microSD expansion. A true Windows tablet, the Miix 2 10 pays homage to the usual stack of connectivity options, like Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-FI 802.11a b/g/n and an optional 3G version, and also a mini HDMI port, a micro USB port, and two additional USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard dock. The keyboard also houses a subwoofer, one that complements the JBL-designed stereo speakers etched on either side of the Miix 2 10.
Two 720p shooters have been integrated into the Miix 2 10 – a 5MP unit on the rear, and a 2MP one at the front for the occasional video call. The 10-incher will become available in March and will command a price tag that starts at $499.
Ultraportability is not everything, however, and the 11.6'' Miix 2 is aimed at the niche which corroborates that statement. If you're looking for something that's tailored for heavy-duty use, then this (up to 4th gen) Intel Core i5-packing beast is likely more to your taste.
The slightly bigger screen didn't warrant a bump in the pixel count department (so, 1080p), though it did allow Lenovo to go nuts with the amount of RAM, as up to 8GB are on offer. Nothing says performance more than a speedy SSD storage module, though, so you can bag up to 256GB of that, again with the option for microSD expansion. The Miix 2 11 itself offers similar connectivity features to those of the Miix 2 10 – Bluetooth 4.0 and mini HDMI – though you also get a full-sized USB 3.0 port, and the same two USB 2.0 ports on the detachable keyboard. The camera units, both front (2MP) and back (5MP), are also identical to that of the aforementioned 10'' Miix 2, and so are the stereo JBL speakers and battery life (up to 8hrs), though size (302 x 190 x 11mm) and weight (1.76lb) have both obviously gone up. Pricing also isn't about to lag behind, and it's also gone up a few notches – $699 for the most affordable option, with availability set for all the way in April.
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