ThinkPad Helix Delayed 'til Spring

Lenovo delays ThinkPad Helix, eyes a spring release

Just wanted to vent...

Anyone else hella peeved or am I the only one waiting for this thing?

If they're looking at an April release, there's basically no reason not to wait for the Haswell version, in which case I won't have one 'til fall. Ugh.

 

Not really. The battle of the Windows 8 slates really hasn't started yet. I would like to see more devices in the fray before I commit, and the Helix isn't a lock for me.

 

Meh, I got a X220i and a Nexus 7. I'm not really clamoring for another device, especially not at $1,500. Haswell could get delayed too, just like Ivy Bridge. Then you'd be waiting until 2014.

 

The Helix was the only Windows 8 tablet, hybrid, whatever the category this thing fits in that had what I wanted: a decent dock that actually made the thing behave like a laptop. No kickstand nonsense, something that you could use as a tablet or on your knees. Asus has something in the works too, but I trust Thinkpad quality more.

In short, you're not the only one annoyed by this.

 

You are pissed because an unproven 11.6" 1920x1080 resolution tablet device is delayed? I would wait for the reviews to come in and go see one in person first. The darn thing might be a nightmare.

 

Just like people who bought the X1 when it first came out, the X1C, any new model. I don't get your point?

 

I agree it could be rubbish. But like Tijo, it is the only such device that interests me, so I am still peeved that I have to wait longer to try it (certainly I don't intend to keep it if I don't like it).

 

Even then, the reviews could be glowing and ...

Bento box of chocolates?

 

Well, I don't really understand your point either.

 

What exactly does it do that would make it a nightmare compared to other Win 8 slates at this point though?

The delay won't fix my #1 problem with the device, no SD card slot. Not going to harp about the loss of trackpoint buttons in this thread. It looks like a really cool device provided it doesn't have the QC problems that the X1s and other recent devices have had. No excuse at all considering the price.

 

Regarding the SD slot, my surmise is that with the 128-256GB SSD Helix models, they probably figure you can copy data on and off the device via USB or via the cloud.

 

Not what it does, but how it is built. (This makes more sense to you if you know a bit about the release of the X1 Carbon.)

Things may look really good on paper, or as prototypes, or as review units, but turn out to be problematic in production.

 

Here's my checklist:
ULV ivy bridge CPU
4GB or more RAM
128GB SSD minimum
1600x900 or better resolution
Digitizer with pen (optional, but preferred)
A dock that allows me to choose the screen angle for the sake of convenience, not some fixed angle kickstand.

The first 5 narrow it down considerably, the last one means either the Helix or some Asus that isn't out yet (can't remember the model and no pen input either). In short, I need something that runs the full version of Windows and has a keyboard dock design that makes sense for someone who wants to get work done on the device other than in a pinch.

I do agree that QC could be horrible, but the point is that it was the only device that fits my requirements and that was coming out "soon" so I at least had one option to look forward to, now I got nothing.

 

The first sentence of his post is why I thought it was a matter of function. I'm well aware of the sub-par production quality of the X1, and it's silly when these models have such expensive base prices. Hopefully they use more of that for QC with this model.

The SD card slot would make this great to use with cameras though.

 

Such a shame. At this rate, by the time the professional reviewers have published their opinions and the early adopters have reported back with their experiences, Haswell will be out and we'll all be waiting yet another 2-3 months for the inevitable refresh.

Between the ATIV Smart PC Pro's overall unimpressiveness and the Transformer Book's uncertain launch date, I was really looking forward to the Helix...

 

Good news: Apparently, Lenovo backtracked a little from their earlier announcement, and is now saying that the Thinkpad Helix will ship in early March. It now looks like the delay will be more like 1-2 weeks rather than 1-2 months - assuming it doesn't get delayed again.

Lenovo: ThinkPad Helix to ship early March | Internet & Media - CNET News

 

helix is extensively discussed here
Thinkpad Helix

 

That Helix delay is understandable. The open paid beta for TPT2 has just ended, and Lenovo wants to let all the good testers' feedback slip into final release of both slates.:thumbsup: