Lenovo's shown no shame about how their Miix 2-in-1 tablet series has aped the Microsoft Surface, from the 3:2 aspect ratio display to the integrated full-width kickstand to the snap-on keyboard cover. And that's okay, because the Miix tablets are generally great, and the new Miix 720 unveiled at CES 2017 is no exception — and it brings hardware updates that we're still waiting to see in the Surface Pro line.
Being a tablet, the focus here is the display; it's a 2:3 aspect ratio 12-inch LCD panel with a dense 2880x1920 resolution and 400-nit brightness. Above that you'll find a 1MP front-facing camera that offers IR support for Windows Hello facial recognition authentication (there's a 5MP shooter on the back). On the bottom of the Miix 720 is a magnetic mount for the keyboard cover, which features keys with 1.5mm of travel and backlighting — and it's included with the tablet.
All of this is built into a 14.5mm-thick 2.4lb metal body. Lenovo includes a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port (also the tablet's charge port), a microSD card slot, and a pair of full-size USB ports — one of which is always-on so you can charge your phone off the Miix 720's battery even when the tablet's off. Speaking of the battery, Lenovo estimates up to 8 hours of battery life for the Miix 720.
In addition to the included keyboard cover, there's an updated Lenovo Active Pen 2 in the box. This AAAA-powered touchscreen pen offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity (double the first version) and has a built-in programmable shortcut button.
The Lenovo Miix 720 is due to go on sale in April 2017 for a starting price of $999.99 (keyboard cover and Active Pen included) in your choice of Iron Gray or Champagne Gold. You'll also be able to purchase the Lenovo Active Pen 2 separately starting in February for $59.99.
