CES 2016: Lenovo details modular tablet and updated X1 Carbon in portfolio refresh

Lenovo unveils new X1 Tablet, ThinkPad, Yoga convertible and ThinkCentre desktop

Lenovo has started 2016 with an expanded X1 systems portfolio, comprising a modular tablet that can be adapted through clip-on modules, an updated version of the acclaimed X1 Carbon ultrabook, the X1 Yoga convertible and a ThinkCentre X1 all-in-one desktop.

Unveiled at the CES show in Las Vegas, Lenovo's new X1 portfolio is a collection of systems aimed at professional users, or "designed and engineered for forward thinkers" as the firm puts it. With a new ultraportable laptop, 2-in-1 convertible, Windows tablet and desktop, Lenovo is clearly aiming to cover all the bases as far as business and professional users are concerned.

Top billing is given to the ThinkPad X1 Tablet (below), which offers customers the ability to add functionality through the use of optional modules that clip on to the bottom edge of the device. These currently consist of a Presenter Module with built-in projector, 3D Imaging Module with an Intel RealSense camera, and a Productivity Module that extends the maximum battery life from 10 to up to 15 hours.

On its own, the X1 Tablet weighs 793g and is just 7.6mm thick. An optional ThinkPad Keyboard bumps this up to about 1kg. It is based on Intel's Core m7 processors from the latest Skylake generation, and is claimed by Lenovo as the first Windows tablet to offer LTE Advanced support for even faster 4G wireless connectivity.

One key feature for IT departments is that the ThinkPad X1 Tablet features a removable rear panel for maintenance and upgrades, making it almost unique in the tablet market. It is set to be available from February with prices starting at $899 (£609).

Many professionals will already be familiar with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook (below) with its carbon fibre chassis, and Lenovo has updated the laptop, claiming it as thinner, lighter and more powerful than ever, weighing about 1.2kg and measuring about 16mm thick.

The 14in system delivers a number of improvements, including more display options, larger memory and storage capacity, and improved connectivity with the same 4G LTE-A support as the X1 Tablet. It includes Non-Volatile Memory Express storage, with up to 1TB SSD connected directly to the PCI Express bus for much higher performance.

Lenovo's X1 Carbon also features WiGig wireless docking for a cable-free desk environment, a capability that Intel brought to its Core vPro platform last year, supporting wireless docking stations with USB and Ethernet ports and up to two display outputs capable of delivering 4K resolution. It is set to be available from February starting at $1,299 (£880).

Meanwhile, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga (below) is claimed by Lenovo as the first convertible laptop/tablet to feature an OLED display as an option, providing richer colours and deeper blacks than standard displays.

The Yoga also features a Lift and Lock keyboard mechanism that retracts the keys when the device is folded over for use in tablet mode, plus an active pen to support on-screen writing and input that slots inside the chassis for recharging and when not required.

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga is due to be available this month priced from $1,449 (£981), while the OLED models will be available from April.

Finally, desktop users have not been overlooked with the ThinkCentre X1 AIO (above), a 23.8in all-in-one system that is claimed as one of the world's thinnest desktops thanks to an 11mm-thick frame. It has been designed to offer a premium anti-glare display providing a bright picture from any angle, according to Lenovo, and will be will be available from March priced from $1,029 (£697).