Lenovo’s Miix 510 is a very capable and affordable 2-in-1 Windows device, a tablet that offers solid laptop functionality via a well-designed keyboard case. It doesn’t have the all-round brilliance of leading 2-in-1s, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 or HP Spectre x360, but it provides more than enough functionality for most users at a far lower price.
While more affordable, Lenovo hasn’t scrimped on design; the Miix 510 sports the manufacturer’s distinctive watchband hinge for its rear kickstand. The keyboard cover has a pleasant enough faux-leather feel and connects to the tablet without any fuss.
The 12.2-inch IPS display certainly packs a decent punch: the trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming was full of deep colours and crisply rendered action sequences, even if the viewing angles could be a little better from the sides.
Perhaps the key differentiator between the Miix 510 and the likes of the Surface Pro 4 is its backlit keyboard case, which falls just a little short of the competition.
Typing on the Miix 510 is absolutely fine and feels like a genuine keyboard, unlike Apple’s iPad Pro range. It can’t quite match the Surface Pro 4, however, in terms of the feel and the travel of the keys. The trackpad works perfectly well, but at 3.3 x 1.8 inches, it is a little on the small side.
Such minor quibbles aside, the Miix 510 crucially fulfils the criteria of proving both a solid laptop and tablet experience, unlike some of its cheaper competitors.
Bashing out a 500-word article or working with spreadsheets feels as natural as on a traditional laptop, even if, as with all 2-in-1s, it still takes a little getting used to when used on your knees. Plus the keyboard case easily detaches when it’s time to watch a film in tablet mode.
The Miix 510 retails for about Dh3,999, nearly Dh2,000 less than a similarly equipped Surface Pro 4. Its keyboard may not be to everyone’s taste, and higher-spec 2-in-1s are available, but it’s a good value-for-money proposition for those looking for a well-designed, solid all-round performer.
q&a tablet with a laptop feel
John Everington analyses Lenovo’s new Miix 510 further:
Do I have to buy the keyboard case separately, like the Surface Pro 4?
Lenovo rather sportingly has included it in the box, alongside Lenovo’s Active Pen and a thin plastic cover. This does contrast with Microsoft’s slightly baffling decision to sell everything separately, despite the fact that there’s little point in running the Surface Pro 4 without its keyboard cover.
That’s nice of Lenovo, isn’t it? Tell me more about the Active Pen.
Apparently it has 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity. As with most other styluses, writing or drawing on the screen feels absolutely fine but isn’t compelling enough (for non-artistic types like myself at least) to use it for anything other than the occasional doodle.
What are the other main advantages of the Surface Pro 4 beyond its keyboard?
The Miix 510’s battery is a little low, with the Surface Pro 4 and others able to squeeze out a bit more operating time, which may be important for the battle-hardened road warriors out there. Bottom line: take your AC-adaptor with you.
How come you’re not comparing it to the iPad Pro? That’s a 2-in-1 as well right?
The likes of the Miix 510 and the Surface Pro 4 are still Windows workplace laptops, at heart, that strive to offer tablet functionality. The iPad Pro is a tablet offering increased workplace functionality. All are fine machines, you just need to choose what side of the tablet/laptop spectrum you’re coming from.
jeverington@thenational.ae
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