After making substantial changes to the keyboard on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon last year, Lenovo (HKG: 0992) is reverting the changes in this year’s model. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2015 edition features physical function keys that long-time users of the series are familiar with, eschewing the adaptive touchscreen panel found in last year’s variant.

Lenovo also made changes to the trackpad, again aimed at retaining a sense of familiarity. The two right and left click buttons that are used in conjunction with the red tracking stick are back. Other than that, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2015 is similar in the features it offers when seen against last year’s model: You get a 14-inch touchscreen panel with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440, fifth-gen Intel Core Broadwell processors, RAM configuration of 4 or 8 GB as well as SSD variations of 128/180/256/360 GB. Users looking for a faster storage solution can select a PCIe-based SSD in 256 or 512 GB versions.

There’s even the option of adding an LTE radio for those looking to stay connected on the go, Lenovo will commence sales of the 2015 edition of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon from later this month, with prices starting from $1,299.

In addition to the flagship ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Lenovo also announced a slew of business-oriented notebooks in the ThinkPad series at CES. There’s the ThinkPad X250 and T450s, both of which are iterative updates over last year’s models, the X240 and T450. The 12.5-inch screen X250 is set to go on sale from $749, with the 14-inch T450s set to be on offer from $999. Both notebooks feature sub-FHD resolutions as standard — the X250 has a 1,366 x 768 panel and the T450s 1,600 x 900 — but there is the option of choosing full-HD panels.

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Users looking to get a decent notebook in the business segment have had to forego features for design or the other way around. HP is looking to put an end to that with its upcoming EliteBook series, which includes models with minimalist designs built for productivity.

Of particular note in the series is the EliteBook Folio 1020, which features a thickness of just 15.7 mm. Internal hardware is in the form of Intel’s brand-new Core M processors, 8 GB RAM, 128 or 256 GB SSDs. Other features include 720p webcam, HD Audio with DTS Studio Sound and a noise-cancellation software that minimizes external sound during teleconferences. HP is also touting a nine-hour battery life as standard with the notebook.

The EliteBook Folio 1020 comes in two editions: a standard version with a full-HD display and a special edition, which features a QHD display. Also included on the special edition is a shell made out of carbon fiber and a magnesium-lithium alloy along with a red color accent around the frame. There is an option to configure a touchscreen with both models. There’s also a weight differential between the two models, with the former coming in at 1.2kg while the latter at just 1kg.

Business-centric features of the EliteBook Folio series include the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2/2.0, pre-boot authentication, fingerprint reader, HP’s enterprise port and a self-healing BIOS. Other security features include HP Client Security and HP BIOSphere, which are designed to secure data. The notebooks also comply with the US military’s MIL-STD-810G standard, making them immune to drops, humidity, heat and pressure.

The standard version of the EliteBook Folio 1020 will be making its way to shelves February 2015, with the special edition launching in the month of April. No word on pricing yet, but considering the feature-set and the segment HP is targeting, expect to pay a lot for the flagship models. HP states that a consumer-centric model based on a similar design will be announced sometime later next year.

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Lenovo just released the Yoga 3 Pro and the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro, while it announced the Yoga Tablet 2.  The Yoga 3 Pro has a new watchband hinge, QHD+ display (3200×1800), and the new Intel Core M Processor.  The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro has a 13.3″ QHD IPS display (2560×1140), 2GB of LPDDR3, Intel Atom Processor, and features an integrated projector in the frame.  The Yoga Tablet 2 features a kickstand , ergonomic cylinder grip, and a Intel Atom Processor

Yoga 3 Pro

One thing that is first noticeable about the new design is the watchband hinge that is made out of 813 individual parts.  It is supposed to provide a much more stable touch usage and has the ability to lay flat at 180°.  The notebook is incredibly thin at half an inch thick and it weighs only 2.62lbs.  The Display is a 3200×1800 wide view display that has touchscreen capabilities. Interestingly the audio which is by JBL is said to optimize itself to every way that you use the device.  The Intel processor tasked with powering the device is the brand new Core M-70 CPU.  The device sips power, giving it up to 9 hours of battery life.  The Yoga 3 Pro is available to order from Lenovo’s web store now and it starts at $1,350.

Yoga Tablet 2

Clearly one of the first things that you will notice about the Yoga Tablet 2 design is the battery cylinder along the side.  The design is supposed to help give you a good grip on the unit, though it also houses the battery.  That battery has some definite power since it is supposed to be able to power the device for up to 18 hours, which is more than enough for a Netflix binge session.  A very unique feature you will find in the line is Wolfson audio processing, which is much higher quality that most standard equipment.

The devices have an integrated 8MP rear camera that features a f/2.2 wide aperture lens with a glare reducing glass element, this is paired with a back illuminated sensor for higher quality images.  The Yoga Tablet 2 is available in 10″ and 8″ screen sizes (1920×1200 IPS) with either Android 4.4 or Windows 8.1 as the operating system.  All of the devices share the same processor, the Intel Atom Z3745.  The starting price for the devices is $250, for the 8″ Android 4.4 model.

Yoga Tablet 2 Pro

The Pro model has the same specs as the base model, but spices things up a lot.  The most interesting thing you notice is that there is an actual pico projector the cylinder in this model.  This would be amazing to take to show grandma and grandpa a slideshow of pictures of the kids, or your vacation shots to your friends.  Also getting the Pro treatment is the audio system which is an 8 watt system that incorporates a 5 watt subwoofer and Dolby™ surround sound.  The display is also upgraded to a 13″ quad HD IPS panel that has a resolution of 2550×1440.  The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro is priced at $500 and is available now.

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