Ever since the launch of Windows 8 over a year ago, computer manufacturers have been trying to figure out how to make devices that will make it easier to benefit from the operating system that has been optimised for touch. Some tried twist, other tried turn and still others the tear. The Lenovo Lynx essentially falls into the last category with the screen tearing away from the keypad to be come a tablet. Such devices are best called hybrids, which are essentially tablets that can transform themselves into notebooks with an added keyboard. This keyboard often carries a bit of extra battery life, and of course the added weight. So the Lynx is nothing unique, as everyone from Acer to HP has tried this concept before.
Design
At first look, the Lynx looks like a slim netbook. But this is no netbook. In fact, this is a 11.6-inch tablet that slips in neatly into a keyboard dock. The tablet side is heavier than the keyboard, which I thought was a bit awkward. But that does not affect the balance of the entire device as the hinge raises the lower side a bit making it stable.
The tablet has a textured rear which makes it easy to grip, even with one hand. Thankfully, despite the 11.6-inch form factor, the tablet is not bulky in any way. The power buttons is on top along with the micro-SD card slot, volume keys on the left and a micro-HDMI port and headphone jack on the left. For anything else, you will have to insert this in the socket-like hinge of the keyboard side. There you have two full USB ports and a power port. Thankfully, you don't need the keyboard dock to charge the device, as the micro USB slot that connects the tablet to the keyboard can charge the former independently.
It is easy to unlock the tab from the hinge, unlike some other hybrid models we have seen. However, the keyboard leaves a lot to be desired and does not feel like something that can take a lot of tapping. So this one is not for people who want to use this to write a lot. The track pad is tinier that in most netbooks, but then this device has a touch screen.
Performance
The best part of the Lynch has to be the1366x768p display IPS display, which despite not being Full HD still is very clear and bright. The overall performance is good, as long as you don't really push your luck. After all, this is powered by anIntel Atom Z2760 processor, which is just not made for heavy duty stuff. Try opening a high resolution picture and you will see what I am talking about. But then this is a great device for content consumption thanks to the screen and multimode utility.
The audio quality is a bit of a dampener and you will often be craning your ears to figure out what's happening in a YouTube video. The other downer is the overall weight, which at 1.3 kg is almost as much as entry level laptops. It should be lighter when you are almost paying a premium for portability. There is front camera that is good for video chats.
The other great advantage of the Lynx is the extra battery life that comes in the keyboard. Together you can easily squeeze in over 12 hours, which is good for an entire day away from the charger. Even if you have to take the charge along, it is a small phone like pin.
This a good device if you are the sort who doesn't always need to use a keyboard, but don't want to forsake that capability all together. The Lynx has been available in Indian for a few months. I would not have recommended it at its original price of Rs 51,990. But now it is Rs 12,000 cheaper at Rs 39,990. At that price this is a good buy those who are not looking for a heavy duty laptop.
What's inside: This Windows 8 device is powered by a 1.8 GHz Intel Atom Z2760 processor with 2GB RAM. The 11.6-inch IPS screen has a resolution of 1366x768p. The device has 64GB storage with a micro-SD slot. There is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The keyboard dock weighs 660g while the tablet is lighter at 640g.
Price: Rs 39,990
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