Lenovo is introducing the new ThinkPad X12 detachable at the all-digital Consumer Electronics Show. With its detachable keyboard and built-in kickstand, the X12 is expected to make another attempt at taking on Microsoft’s Surface Pro lineup.
With prices starting at $1,149 and availability coming later in January, Lenovo says the X12 is all about “combining the features of a high-performance laptop with the flexibility of a 12.3 inch detachable tablet.” This is something that Microsoft has long done with the Surface Pro, which boasts speedy processing power, a sharp screen, and a sleek chassis. Now Lenovo wants to take another shot at Surface and push out something similar.
Lenovo’s previous attempts at taking on the Surface Pro include the ThinkPad X1 Tablet, as well as the Yoga Duet 7i. The new ThinkPad X12, though, is more centered on business and features some subtle changes. They include an upgrade to an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 vPro processor, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of NVMe solid-state-drive storage. Lenovo is also including support for Thunderbolt 4 docks, as well as a USB-C 3.2 dock.
The display has support for the optional Lenovo Precision Pen or the Lenovo Digital Pen. The display panel is equal to the one on the Surface Pro 7 as it comes in at 12.3 inches, in the 3:2 aspect ratio, and goes up to 400 nits of brightness.
Other features on the ThinkPad X12 Detachable include the use of Lenovo’s watchband hinges on the kickstand, as well as the detachable keyboard. Unlike the Surface Signature Type Cover, the keyboard features a built-in fingerprint reader. There appears to be a slot for the pen at the bottom of the keyboard this year, too.
Connectivity includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, a USB 3.2 Type C port, a NanoSim slot, and a headphone jack. The device also has fan vents to ensure that it stays cool. There’s even a Windows Hello webcam on the front for secure and password-free logins.
Unlike the Surface Pro lineup, the X12 supports Thunderbolt 4, which allows you to plug in external GPUs. Lenovo promises that the 42 watt-hour battery inside the X12 can last for just under 10 hours. The device also supports LTE Cat9 capability and has been upgraded to support the new Wi-Fi 6 standard and Bluetooth 5.1
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