Lenovo, one of the most renowned suppliers of business-oriented personal computers has announced its second-generation ThinkPad tablet PC. The new slate-type system designed for business users will support Lenovo's proprietary technologies, but will be vastly different from the first-gen tablet as it will be powered by Intel Atom processor and will run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows 8 Pro operating system.

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 will be based on the upcoming Intel Atom microprocessor (Cloverview) and Microsoft Windows 8 Pro. The tablet with 10.1" high-def screen will have thin and light design measuring 9.8mm thin and will weigh less than 600 grams (1.3 pounds). The forthcoming ThinkPad Tablet 2 will also feature front and rear-facing cameras, noise canceling microphones, HDMI port and wireless video streaming. The slate supports multiple input methods: multi-finger touch and an optional digitizer and pen, the optional ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock can be paired with the tablet for more PC-like computing in the office. With an array of ports including a full-size USB port, workers easily can attach existing devices like monitors and printers. Models with integrated 3G and 4G/LTE will be available alongside Wi-Fi-only models.

“Our new ThinkPad Tablet 2 marries incredible hardware and software to give consumers a great device for office, home or travel while also offering companies and IT managers the oversight they need to help secure and manage their company’s networks and data. For the next generation of Lenovo PCs, designed to be great with Windows 8, we are working closer than ever with Microsoft and our silicon partners,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president and general manager of ThinkPad business unit.

While users will like the tablet for its aesthetics and powerful features, IT managers will particularly enjoy its security-enhanced and manageability technologies. With the optional Fingerprint Reader, passwords are biometrically stored. The encrypted internal and external storage meet the highest levels of security requirements. Using Windows 8 Pro and the Intel x86 architecture, IT managers can provide for VPN access, utilize existing Windows management tools, manage application deployment and block users from installing certain apps. In addition, Lenovo Services offer a complete suite of packages, including sealed battery warranties, accidental damage protection and custom imaging.

The ThinkPad Tablet 2 is intended to be available when Windows 8 launches in October.

Tags: Lenovo, ThinkPad, Windows, Microsoft, Windows 8