Lenovo unveils ThinkPad Android tablet for business users

Lenovo is to launch an Android tablet for the business market designed to ease deployment and security concerns for IT administrators and improve user productivity.

The Lenovo ThinkPad tablet will ship with a 10.1in 1,280x800 display and Android 3.1 operating system, and boasts an Nvidia Tegra 2.1GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM.

Other key hardware features include a front-facing 2-megapixel camera, allowing conference calls, a rear 5-megapixel camera and a digitised pen. Internal storage of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB is also available, like the iPad 2.

Connectivity will come in the form of USB, micro-USB, mini HDMI and dock connector ports, and Lenovo provides a three-in-one card reader and the choice between Wi-Fi only and 3G models.

The 3G version weighs 730g, the same as the Motorola Xoom, and Lenovo claims that it will deliver 8.7 hours of battery life when Wi-Fi is used.

The new ThinkPad comes with the Android operating system, but Lenovo is heavily touting the business benefits for employees and IT administrators.

Pre-loaded software includes Documents To Go, allowing users to view and edit Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Adobe Acrobat documents.

Meanwhile, the MyScript Notes Mobile technology converts handwritten notes from the pen into typed text, which could encourage staff to use the device during business meetings.

Lenovo also includes its Launch Zone and SocialTouch applications to access frequently used applications and keep track of emails and messages.

IT admins will be able to deploy and provision multiple devices using Lenovo's custom imaging service and zero touch deployment software, the firm said.

Devices support the enterprise platform provided by Good Technologies as well as commonly used Cisco VPN and Microsoft ActiveSync tools. Data on devices and SD cards will be encrypted to reduce the risk of security breaches.