The highly anticipated Lenovo Thinkpad Helix, originally slated to be released in February has been delayed, according to Lenovo’s Facebook page.
Responding to a users question Lenovo responded “Unfortunately, we received word that it will be delayed till March or April. More details will be announced soon.” Lenovo added further clarification via their twitter feed estimating the release to happen in early to mid March.
One of the most eagerly anticipated devices since it was first rumored and its full reveal at CES the delay is obviously not the best news but may turn out to be just a few weeks. It will be interesting though to see if other devices like the Surface Pro, releasing in 2 days on February 9th will benefit from the delay.
The Helix features a detachable 11.6″ full HD 1920×1080 screen that includes a digitizer and 10-point multi-touch capability, runs up to a core i7 low-power Intel CPU and features Lenovo’s “Rip and Flip” design that allows the screen to be detached and also docked with the screen facing away from the keyboard. It will be available with up to 8GB of RM and up to 256GB SSD.
Lenovo Helix specs and more information here. (Updated with full specs, new images, notes.)
Lenovo Thinkpad Helix Price
We’re seeing pricing in Germany for an entry-level Core i5 / 128GB /4GB at 1600-1800 Euros which would indicate a similar dollar price for the US market. (Model: N3Y4DGE) The high-end 256GB, 8GB, Core i7 with UMTS and Windows 8 Pro is showing for 2199 Euro. (N3Z6CGE)
Lenovo Thinkpad Helix – Core i5-3317U, 4GB, 128GB SSD. 3G/UMTS, Windows 8 Pro. NFC, Docking station included (Model N3Y4DGE) – €1799
Lenovo Thinkpad Helix – Core i5-3317U, 8GB, 180GB SSD, 3G/UMTS, Windows 8 Pro. NFC, Docking station included (Model N3Z6DGE) – €1999
Lenovo Thinkpad Helix – Core i7-3667U, 8GB, 256GB SSD. 3G/UMTS, Windows 8 Pro. NFC, Docking station included. (Model N3Z6CGE) – €2199
Clearly these are business-focused models with 3G. Models with Windows 8, without 3G are expected to be around 150 Euros cheaper at launch. Lenovo also has the option to choose one of the new lower-power Core CPUs to offer an even lower price but we’re not expecting a tablet+dock offer at less than $1000 for at least the Q2 and Q3 period.
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I wonder if Lenovo/Helix delays are related to the Asus/TransformerBook delays. Maybe they are both waiting for the same parts to be manufactured.
I would agree but the two devices are using standard CPU parts. Maybe the Surface Pro took some inventory and production line capacity.
that is frankly a ridiculous price.
Yes, thats really a ridiculous high price. Will the price drop during the next three month or are we really going to see such high price tags in April/May? If this is the case I’ll stop waiting and buy the Samsung ativ smart pc pro…
@medriva,
As a former (short time) owner of the Samsung ATIV smart pc pro I would advise against the purchase of the Samsung. If speed is not an issue then the ATIV will work out fine for you. In my case speed is necessary and with the combo touch screen and digitizer pen capabilities the Lenovo is a good fit for me. The Samsung uses aa Intel Atom processor which = slooow.
You are factually WRONG about the Samsung ATIV Smart PC PRO. It does not come with an Intel Atom processor. It comes with an Intel i5 processor.
Perhaps you are confusing the Samsung ATIV Smart PC PRO with the ATIV Smart PC (the none-pro model).
Now my head acking is back: Surface Pro (light, thin, small screen, shorter battery life) versus Helix (heavier, 70% more expensive, still more time to get it). My whole last year was about waiting for specs and availabilities. Help!
It has been pointed out to me that Lenovo annouced a starting price of $1500 in the USA.
I’ve had a x220 for what seems like eternity and paid a lot for it, over $2k USD. I still have not found anything to replace it, so for me the extra cost meant having a superior device for much longer period of time. The Helix is the first device I’ve seen that could replace the x220. Only thing missing for me is a lighted keyboard. For $1500 why can’t they light it up??
WOW! 1799€ for an i5 with 4GB…
Great it has a touch display, but I think this is not worth 1100€ extra (compared to an ultrabook with the same cpu,ram and even bigger ssds…)
And can anybody please explain why the Helix costs almost 1000$ more in Europe??? Thats insane… nobody will buy this here. (Except some people who think they are high class if they are so stupid to go with this pricing in europe)
The surface is 1130 (USD) w/ type keyboard while the lenovo will be 1500 (USD). The difference being larger screen, real keyboard with extra battery. The touchscreen + digitizer (wacom enabled stylus/pen), and 1080p I think those attributes up the price… Not saying it’s worth it for you, I think that depends on how much money you have and what your needs are.
These devices are new, so first adopters will pay a premium. One year from now something like these will probably be half the price, with longer battery life and will run cooler, and win8 will be more mature. But with technology, it’s always getting better so you can always be waiting…
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