Lenovo uncloaks Android tablets

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Lenovo has finally entered the tablet market by unveiling a pair of devices running Android 3.1, with a Windows tablet to follow.

Lenovo unveiled tablets at CES in Las Vegas at the beginning of the year - and released the LePad in China - but the ThinkPad and IdeaPad are the first to be given release dates in the US, our sister title PC Pro reports.

First up is the ThinkPad Tablet, a business-focused device running Android, which is generally regarded as a consumer OS. The tablet will be released in September in the UK along with a carry case featuring a built-in keyboard and integrated optical trackpoint. It will also come with an optional, pressure-sensitive capacitive pen to make note-taking easier, Lenovo said.

The 10.1in ThinkPad Tablet runs a 1GHz, dual-core Nvidia Tegra, and features a 1,280 x 800 IPS display made of Gorilla Glass for extra durability. It's 13.3mm thick and weighs 750g, with Lenovo promising an eight-hour battery life.

The ThinkPad comes preloaded with software including security tools for encryption, VPN, and remote device wiping, as well as popular games such as Angry Birds. It features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and supports a SIM card for 3G, as well as USB, micro-USB and Mini HDMI ports.

Prices will range from £399 to £549.

IdeaPad Tablet K1

Lenovo has also unveiled a more consumer-focused version, called the IdeaPad K1. Running Android 3.1, the IdeaPad will go on sale today in the US for $449, and next month in the UK for £369. The company also plans to release a Windows 7 tablet running a 1.5GHz Intel processor by the end of the year.

The IdeaPad features similar hardware to the ThinkPad, but doesn't feature the Gorilla Glass display or a full-sized SD card reader. While it does feature $50 worth of software, it doesn't include the enterprise-level security tools.

Lenovo has also created its own App Shop, hand-picking apps that work best on its tablets.

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