ThinkPad X1 Helix (11.6" FHD IPS)

[zmurf]

It'd likely see a refresh with the introduction of Haswell. Support for more RAM is certainly possible, IMO.

For a slate design like this, 12" is, IMO, borderline max., and 11.6" is not far from that. And unless you're gaming or doing CAD/CAM, the integrated graphics of the latest Intel CPU is probably more than enough.

If you need a bigger screen, you can always use an external monitor. If you want more graphics power, then pray that Lenovo will incorporate a Thunderbolt or ExpressCard interface in the next model, so you can use an external PCIe graphics adapter if needed.

Cheers.

The graphics is probably enough. But I do some 3d programming once in a while.. and it's always nice to have as much power as possible. And why I want a bigger screen is because code gets a little bit small at 1920x1080 on a < 12.5" screen. And I don't want smaller resolution. The X1 carbon touch would otherwise be a perfect choice. But 1600x900 isn't really comfortable to code on. Then I much rather use 1920x1080 on a 11.6 screen.

To use a external screen isn't really an option for me since I'm seldom sit on the same location... and at home I don't really have any dedicated area where I would be able to put it. Thats why I want a bigger screened laptop in the first place. But I don't need much bigger... 13 to 14 inch screens is quite perfect in my option.

The memory part I believe isn't really true. The Ivy Bridge has support for at least 16GB of RAM. But I'm almost certain that the Helix only have one memory slot. And since there probably aren't any bigger memory modules than 8GB of the type they are using they can't claim that it has support for more then 8GB. Look at the X61 and T61... The specification says 4GB... But if you put in two 4GB modules you get 8GB anyway. That's because there weren't any 4GB modules back in -06,-07 when the 61 series was sold. But since then there has be released 4GB DDR2 SO-DIMMs. And they work perfectly. So hopefully there will be 16GB RAM modules released for the memory type that the Helix uses.... and it will probably be able to use it.

Haswell would be great. Unfortunately I see little hope that this devices will be upgraded to Haswell any time soon. If its supposed to be released with Ivy Bridge in late Februari and Haswell is supposed to be started shipping in June.... I wouldn't bet on that Lenovo will make a Haswell version of this before the end of fall.

[loyukfai]

Bigger and portable, you've got to make a decision between them, so it seems, at least in this case.

Do you have a TV at home...? If so, perhaps you can use it as your external monitor as well...?

I'll wait and see how it goes and leave the prediction part to you... : )

Cheers.

[zmurf]

Bigger and portable, you've got to make a decision between them, so it seems, at least in this case.

Do you have a TV at home...? If so, perhaps you can use it as your external monitor as well...?

I'll wait and see how it goes and leave the prediction part to you... : )

Cheers.

Well.. I don't really care that much about how portable it is. That's why I'm complaining about the size of it.

I think that my current computer, a 14" 4:3 T61, is in perfect size for my needs. But It's to slow for what I do with it these days. And the resolution, 1400x1050, is in the lower limit of what I would like.

The problem is that I've started developing Win8 applications, and for that It would be nice to have a computer with touch screen (so I can test them properly). This, together with the fact that VS2012 runs like limp monkeys on my T61 and that I already postponed a new computer purchase for 18 months since I've been waiting for a reasonable touch screen computer, makes me consider to ignore the fact that the Helix is a little bit to small for my taste. All other specifications of it is exactly what I want... or at least ok (graphics and memory).

[qviri]

Is Lenovo really going to continue putting Print Screen key between right Alt and Ctrl? That's dreadful. I was hoping the *30 generation was a one-off mistake.

[loyukfai]

Official page, with specs, at Lenovo is up...

http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/table ... pad-helix/

Also on the official blog...

http://blog.lenovo.com/products/thinkpa ... onvertible

Cheers.

Edit: A high-speed expansion interface like ExpressCard or Thunderbolt is notably missing from this first iteration device.

A memory card reader and a fingerprint reader can be added as well.

A comparison between the max. CPU supported by Helix and X230.

Whether the 8GB limit is a chip/module limit, or if the SSD uses mSATA or proprietary interface remains to be seen.

Nice weekend to all.

[zmurf]

Hmmm... LTE for NA only. Well... that's a show stopper for me.

[Puppy]

Hmmm... LTE for NA only. Well... that's a show stopper for me.

That's usual Lenovo boycott of AirPrime MC7710.

[zmurf]

That's usual Lenovo boycott of AirPrime MC7710.

Yes. But they sell it with an Ericsson HSPA+ module. And Ericsson got LTE modules for the bigger part of the European market. Why not sell it with one of those?

Well well..

But it has a Core i5/i7 cpu, HD4000 graphics and a Centrino 6205 WIFI card... so it should be WIDI (intel wireless display) compatible... right?

And about the memory... If there were 16gb DDR3 SO-DIMM modules it should be able to use it. At least the CPU have support for it... if I understood the CPU specifications correct will say...

[Puppy]

Yes. But they sell it with an Ericsson HSPA+ module. And Ericsson got LTE modules for the bigger part of the European market. Why not sell it with one of those?

1. HSPA+ is still 3G technology (sometimes called 3.9G) with maximum speed per cell (not per client/user) 21 MBit, there is another variant called HSPA+42 with max speed 42 MBit per cell.
2. Ericsson does not have any 4G/LTE WWAN module (but they deliver technologies to build 4G/LTE mobile network infrastructure)
3. Ericsson no longer develops any WWAN modules since Dec 2011 http://www.ericsson.com/news/111201_eri ... 44188808_c

[zmurf]

1. HSPA+ is still 3G technology (sometimes called 3.9G) with maximum speed per cell (not per client/user) 21 MBit, there is another variant called HSPA+42 with max speed 42 MBit per cell.
2. Ericsson does not have any 4G/LTE module
3. Ericsson no longer develops any WWAN modules since Dec 2011 http://www.ericsson.com/news/111201_eri ... 44188808_c

I know HSPA+ is 3G... That was my entire point. But I was sure Ericsson developed LTE modules. But I can have misunderstood that part. I have a few friends that work on the LTE department at Ericsson in Gothenburg. But that could be that they only work on base stations. I'll have to ask them about that...

[Puppy]

I have a few friends that work on the LTE department at Ericsson in Gothenburg. But that could be that they only work on base stations.

I would guess so. The AirPrime MC7710 LTE/HSPA+ module cover all known LTE networks in Europe *) but it is full-size module while the Helix might have space for half-size only. I can't find what exact module is used, maybe it is a custom one soldered to the mainboard due less space.

*) if the post gets deleted the incident will be reported to admins immediately. The person knows what I'm talking about.

[twistero]

As disappointed as I am about the missing trackpoint buttons, If I were to purchase a new computer in, say, a year, it will very likely be either this or the Surface Pro. A lightweight, portable tablet running a full version of Windows with pen input is ideal for students like me who takes handwritten notes in MS OneNote.

[zmurf]

As disappointed as I am about the missing trackpoint buttons, If I were to purchase a new computer in, say, a year, it will very likely be either this or the Surface Pro. A lightweight, portable tablet running a full version of Windows with pen input is ideal for students like me who takes handwritten notes in MS OneNote.

At least the pad itself is a button... so there will still be a tactile response. Otherwise it would be utterly unusable. And they even thought of making some markings for the middle "button" on the clickpad. I actually believe that It won't be to bad to use. At lest it's a real trackpoint to steer with... that's the most important part for me. I've even started to accept the cramped island keyboard. All laptop keyboards are bad anyway... even the good ones. At least the letter keys are all at the right place and not cramped. And the tactility of the modern Lenovo keyboards hasn't changed much compared to the late -90 IBM versions. (I compared a T430 to a 390).

Then again.. I compare all keyboards to my MX ergo clear keyboard at work. And there is a hard time getting anything better then that, IMO....

Anyway... it seems like the i7, 8gb ram, 256gb SSD will be around $2140 if this place is to be believed...
http://www.macmall.com/p/8050615

That's actually lower then I thought it would be.

...


Mmmm. I just realised that there might not be a SO-DIMM slot on the Helix at all... Since it is quite slim, and they didn't put one in the X1 carbon. Then it will be quite important to get 8gb version from the beginning...

[beq]

http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/4/395258 ... fers-delay

http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/04/leno ... kpad-helix

That's too bad

Wife and I visited a Microsoft Store to play with the new Surface Pro (Feb 9 avail). Also checked out the Dell XPS 12 (hinge flipscreen), Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro 700T (removable keyboard dock), and ThinkPad Twist (traditional convertible) while there. Surprisingly the wife preferred a real keyboard base that you can put on a lap, and she seemed to like the screens that were bigger than 10.6". So I guess the Surface Pro is out...

She seemed partial to the XPS 12, which I admit feels good and doesn't have the extra "depth" like the Twist. But I still want to wait for the Helix Better specs, much loved TrackPoint.

[zmurf]

http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/4/395258 ... fers-delay

http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/04/leno ... kpad-helix

That's too bad

Wife and I visited a Microsoft Store to play with the new Surface Pro (Feb 9 avail). Also checked out the Dell XPS 12 (hinge flipscreen), Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro 700T (removable keyboard dock), and ThinkPad Twist (traditional convertible) while there. Surprisingly the wife preferred a real keyboard base that you can put on a lap, and she seemed to like the screens that were bigger than 10.6". So I guess the Surface Pro is out...

She seemed partial to the XPS 12, which I admit feels good and doesn't have the extra "depth" like the Twist. But I still want to wait for the Helix Better specs, much loved TrackPoint.

Yes... I'm also very disappointed.. But hey... what is a month more or less when I already postponed for 1.5 year to get a new computer.
Unless Lenovo shows something more interesting at MWC I'm going to buy the Helix.

[beq]

I only hope that the delay was to switch to the new lower-TDP Ivy Bridge part that was recently announced (as a stopgap to the delayed Haswell CPU). Or has this already been confirmed??

I guess it's too optimistic to have Haswell on the first-gen Helix? Heck if I'm just wishing, then I'd also like the Helix to incorporate the idea from Intel's "North Cape" laptop/tablet hybrid Haswell reference design. It has a 13.3" thin-bezel screen in laptop mode, which shrinks to an 11.6" active display with thick bezel in tablet mode. All without increasing the existing physical dimensions.

Anyways, I also didn't like that the Helix's hinge sticks out such that the keyboard dock is quite a bit deeper than the tablet portion alone. (I noticed a similar difference when handling the Dell XPS 12 and ThinkPad Twist side by side -- the Twist has that extra depth.)

But I guess they need to put in the fans in the hinge, and the deeper base does allow more room for a larger touchpad (not that I wouldn't be using the TrackPoint most of the time)...

[zmurf]

I only hope that the delay was to switch to the new lower-TDP Ivy Bridge part that was recently announced (as a stopgap to the delayed Haswell CPU). Or has this already been confirmed??

Not a clue.

I guess it's too optimistic to have Haswell on the first-gen Helix? Heck if I'm just wishing, then I'd also like the Helix to incorporate the idea

Probably not. Haswell is not to be released until June. And the ultra low voltage variants will probably be even longer. So that would mean several month delay... I would guess we won't see the first Haswell laptops before mid summer... and devices like the Helix will probably not have Haswell until earliest end of fall. At least not if Intel does their usual release cycle.

I won't wait that long unless Lenovo present something more interesting then the Helix at MWC.. otherwise I will order the Helix as soon as it's available.

[loyukfai]

Don't think the delay is due to a processor change, Intel's roadmap is fairly open, stable and known to partners, AFAIK.

Again, I'm looking forward to the Haswell refresh (assuming there's one), hopefully it'd come with a high speed external interface (Thunderbolt?), SD card reader, fingerprint reader to accompany with the increased performance and battery life.

Besides, the high DPI may or may not bring about other issues, see Ars' take on the Surface Pro (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/02/ ... -louder/2/).

Cheers.

Edit: Another discussion of high DPI & scaling, at winsupersite.com: http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/going ... ng-desktop

[Ibthink]

According to this ad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uDZvNrpoVY) the Helix comes with a 2000 level pressure sensitive stylus, which doubles the sensitivity of the older X-Series Tablet stylus.

[loyukfai]

Spotted a removable RAM module in the video, wow!

Just joking.

Ain't sure, but don't the X-series Tablets support 512-level of sensitivity...?

Cheers.

[chriscs]

Hello!
I was very excited when I heard first time about Helix. Removable screen from keyboard dock! I wanted. But now I realized it is not my dream... I'm sad and I tell you why.
I'm a system administrator at some companies. I have an old-old IBM R52 notebook. It is the best workhorse what I ever used. There are everything inside it what I wanted when I bought it.
Recently I miss from it wireless N, HDMI, USB 3.0. And thiese years the removable touch screen
Now I can't show a modern notebook what is contain everything what I need during the work. And Helix neither.
I can accept the mini display port, I can accept just two USB 3.0 on the dock, I can accept there is no mSD card on the tablet... But I cant that is no gigabit ethernet port on the dock, and no thinkpad light or keyboard backlit. Thiese are big mistakes in my opinion.
Now it is coming that "you can buy USB ehternet", yes, but reserves a port, so left one for everything. And yes I can use port hub, but at the final I will have a couple of adapter and cabels, what I hate. I have to move during my job sometimes just my notebook only.
Just check Asus TX300... Asus is not a business notebook maker company but they know what the business segment need. OK there is no stylus and USB on the tablet. But less problem than miss of ethernet for example...
I'm a Lenovo fun but I waited for 5years for a normal T series notebook what is contain HDMI port. None. Now I want a notebook(or ultrabook)/tablet hybrid what contains every port what a system administrator needs. But unfortunately the Helix is not my option yet. I hope there will be another conbvertible from Lenovo what is contains I dreamt on. (with 13" touch screen maybe )
Thx

Edit: Fujitsu Q702 is contains every connector, but less quality, no backlid, wrong pen holder position and not a Thinkpad of course I'm waiting an almost same convertibe from Lenovo with better quality and design! Just hope and pray, pray, pray...

[zmurf]

At last the service manual is available.

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc ... c10337.pdf

According to this the mSATA disk, Wireless WAN and Wireless LAN cards are all quite "easily" (I've seen worse) replaceable.
Sorry to say, the memory seems to be soldered on board. So no memory upgrade even if there were to be 16GB SO-DIMMs.

But anyway. Some good news. There is a possibility to upgrade from HSPA to LTE.

[zmurf]

And here is some service videos. Quite fun to watch.
http://service.lenovo.partner-managemen ... layer.html

[crashnburn]

Spotted a removable RAM module in the video, wow!

Just joking.

Ain't sure, but don't the X-series Tablets support 512-level of sensitivity...?

Cheers.

The mSATA is FRU changeable as per PDF Manual. I couldnt find any info on RAM FRU replacement. Too bad

[aceo07]

...
I can accept the mini display port, I can accept just two USB 3.0 on the dock, I can accept there is no mSD card on the tablet... But I cant that is no gigabit ethernet port on the dock, and no thinkpad light or keyboard backlit. Thiese are big mistakes in my opinion.
Now it is coming that "you can buy USB ehternet", yes, but reserves a port, so left one for everything. And yes I can use port hub, but at the final I will have a couple of adapter and cabels, what I hate. I have to move during my job sometimes just my notebook only.

I didn't realize that there was no ethernet point on the keyboard/dock! That's a major oversight on their part, and also mine for not thinking of it as a requirement in my search. (Wonder if they include the usb/ethernet dongle?)

The Helix is the closest to a perfect tablet so far, ignoring the ethernet. The Surface Pro was nice, but the fact that it didn't support over 4GB RAM killed it, and also the stylus was not stored in the tablet. Helix supports 8GB, and the 11.6" display is a nice size.

It would have been perfect if the Helix was like the MS Surface w/ a kickstand and option for touch cover.. and 16GB RAM. I can dream..

I'm hoping that the Helix will be my next major upgrade to an aging x61t.

[sveintore]

Got mine today.
Love the resolution, it actually works on the 11.6" display.
Ethernet USB2 dongle included, and a mini displayport to vga adapter.

The trackpoint/pad needs some getting used to. When using the trackpoint the pad turns off and only allows the use of the buttons on the top it seems.
Crystal Diskmark gives these results
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CrystalDiskMark 3.0.2 x64 (C) 2007-2013 hiyohiyo
Crystal Dew World : http://crystalmark.info/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* MB/s = 1,000,000 byte/s [SATA/300 = 300,000,000 byte/s]

Sequential Read : 497.191 MB/s
Sequential Write : 448.237 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 422.714 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 373.246 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 17.017 MB/s [ 4154.5 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 22.452 MB/s [ 5481.5 IOPS]
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 324.002 MB/s [ 79102.0 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 96.379 MB/s [ 23530.1 IOPS]

Test : 1000 MB [C: 33.9% (72.8/215.0 GB)] (x5)
Date : 2013/04/25 21:53:31
OS : Windows 8 Professional [6.2 Build 9200] (x64)


It replaces my X220 (skipped the X230 because of the display resolution).

It does get real hot on the back though.

I wonder if I can exchange the 3G card for a mSATA drive?

[zmurf]

Got mine today.

Lucky bast*rd!

I withdraw my order. My reseller told me I would have to wait 4 or 5 weeks to get mine. So I thought I can as well wait for something different. It isn't exactly what I want anyway. I would like a bigger screen, more RAM and LTE.

I was willing to overlook those specifications if I would have gotten the Helix back in Mars, when it was supposed to get released. But since I'll have to wait until june to get mine I can as well wait 6 or 7 more months to see if they will release something that actually meet all of my requirements.

My T61 will probably make do. I've also gotten myself a WP8 phone since then. So now I don't need to upgrade my computer to be able to test WP8 software through the virtual machine. Now I can test it directly at the device.

I wonder if I can exchange the 3G card for a mSATA drive?

That seems far fetched since the mSATA isn't connectible to mini-PCIe ports. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA#mSATA

[twistero]

Got mine today.

Congratulations!

A quick question about the digitizer pen: Looks like it does not have an "eraser" on the back, does it? How many side buttons does it have, and are their functions customizable?

[sveintore]

A quick question about the digitizer pen: Looks like it does not have an "eraser" on the back, does it? How many side buttons does it have, and are their functions customizable?

Absolutely not a eraser and no buttons at all, sorry (EDIT: It has one select button)
The stylus from the Samsung Note works the same way on it.

I have exchanged the 3G in my X220 for a drive, and it looks like it's possible here too, I think. If I dare to open it up

I still really like the display. Full HD actually works.
It's small, but I like it.

Edit: It actually has a button.

[twistero]

Absolutely not a eraser and no buttons at all, sorry

Ugh. I could use a pen without eraser if there's a button for the eraser function, but no buttons? Not even a right-click button? Looks like Lenovo is not getting my business this time either.

Thanks for the info!