Lenovo pulled back the curtain on the Miix 630, a 2-in-1 PC powered by a Qualcomm chip rather than a traditional Intel CPU, at CEStoday.
Lenovo is just the latest manufacturer to join in on the new “Always Connected PC” type of computers, which feature LTE connectivity and 20-plus hours of battery life. The Miix 630 falls in with Lenovo’s line of other 2-in-1 Windows PCs that feature a detachable keyboard, including theSurface Pro, for example.
What sets it apart from Lenovo’s other 2-in-1 PCs is, of course, the Snapdragon 835. While you might not get the best performance out of it, the Qualcomm CPU does offer a huge benefit — a claimed 20 hours of battery life. That’s a solid 12 hours more than theLenovo’s Miix 720, a more expensive 2-in-1 with an Intel processor.
The Miix 630 is also the latest 2-in-1 to come withWindows 10 Sinstalled. Previously only featured on theSurface Laptop, Windows 10 S is a slightly pared-down version of Windows 10 Home. The only significant difference is that with Windows 10 S, you’re able to only install applications from the Microsoft Store. Lenovo is, however, offering a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for those who want to unshackle their PCs.
The Miix 630 comes with memory options of either 4GB or 8GB and storage options of either 128GB of 256GB. Other features include a backlit keyboard, an included stylus with 1,024 levels of sensitivity, and a 13MP, auto-focusing IR camera on the back.
At $800, the Miix 630 lands somewhere between the other two Always Connected PCs out there: The $600Asus NovaGoand the expensive (though currently unpriced)HP Envy X2. Lenovo’s entry fills out the gamut of pricepoints for these Qualcomm-powered PCs.
Although the Miix 630 will be compatible with select local carriers, we still don’t know how much it will cost to add these devices to current data plans. The Miix 630 will be available sometime during the second quarter of 2018.
Update: We’ve published our thoughts on it inour hands-on reviewas well ashow it compares to the HP Envy X2.
