Manuel Christa (translated by Liala Stieglitz), 03/29/2015

Business Convertible / 2-in-1 Laptop Touchscreen Windows Broadwell

Business convertible. The ThinkPad Yoga fuses two of Lenovo's lines to offer professional users the 360-degree display of a Yoga convertible in a hybrid device. Is it now finely tuned or poorly twisted?

For the original German review, see here.

Are convertibles only gimmicks for private users? Not at all, says Lenovo, and equips its business devices from the ThinkPad series with the 360-degree folding displays. As if this would not expand the use options enough, the ThinkPad Yoga is also equipped with a digitizer pen. This is a very useful accessory for professional users.

Lenovo invented this convertible model, i.e. the 360-degree display. The competition has already been copying the idea for a while, although not necessarily in business devices like the present ThinkPad Yoga 12. For example, Asus has the Transformer Book Flip in the market and Hewlett Packard its Envy 15 x360. These are 15-inch devices, but Lenovo offers the Yogas in different sizes: The 11.6-inch ThinkPad Yoga 11e is somewhat smaller than the ThinkPad Yoga 12. The Yoga 3 Pro has a screen size of 13.3 inches and the ThinkPad Yoga 14 - as the name suggests - features a 14-inch screen. Competition is also found on its own shelves: The ThinkPad Helix 2 with an 11.6-inch screen and Intel's Core M platform should also be interesting for business users.

We compare the ThinkPad Yoga 12 with business devices that have a similar size and performance. HP's Envy 15 x360 is equipped with the same processor, Intel's Core i5-5200U, although it is a 15-inch device. Other 12-inch convertibles that do not necessarily have a 360 degree hinge are, for example, Fujitsu's LifeBook T734, Fujitsu's Stylistic Q704 and Acer's Aspire Switch 12.

We use a ThinkPad Yoga 12 model equipped with an Intel Core i5-5200U, 8 GB of RAM, a hybrid hard drive with a capacity of 500 GB and an 8 GB cache, and a digitizer pen for this test. This configuration of the ThinkPad Yoga 12 is available for approximately 1150 Euros (~$1238).

Test device courtesy of Campuspoint.de

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Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12 (ThinkPad Yoga Series)

Processor

Intel Core i5-5200U

Graphics adapter

Intel HD Graphics 5500, Core: 300 - 900 MHz, 10.18.10.4013

Memory

8192 MB , dual-channel, soldered

Display

12.5 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, capacitive + digiti-pen, LEN40E4, IPS, glossy: no

Mainboard

Intel Broadwell-U PCH-LP (Premium)

Storage

Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive, 500 GB , 5400 rpm, 413 GB free

Weight

1.584 kg ( = 55.87 oz / 3.49 pounds), Power Supply: 285 g ( = 10.05 oz / 0.63 pounds)

Links

Lenovo homepage
Lenovo notebook section

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Case

Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12

We are used to the high-quality casing standard of ThinkPad laptops. Once again, Lenovo has installed a magnesium-aluminum chassis that is considerably more stable than common plastic casings, although it is slightly heavier. The laptop's build is impeccable as expected from a device in this price range. No irregular gaps or protruding edges are found. The consistently positive impression is continued in the design. A plain yet elegant matte black is in line with the style of an unobtrusive office device.

The ThinkPad Yoga 12 is not exactly a lightweight among the convertibles. The weight of just over 1.6 kilograms (~3.5 lb) has not changed since last year's precursor. However, other convertibles, such as Fujitsu Stylistic Q704 or Acer Aspire Switch 12, are a few hundred grams lighter. On the other hand, their keyboards are detachable.

The 360-degree display hinge allows four different modes of use. Lenovo calls them Laptop, Stand, Tablet and Tent. The keyboard tray rises at an opening angle of approximately 270 degrees until it is flush with the keyboard and the keys lock so that they can no longer be triggered. This also protects the keys when the device is resting on this surface in Tablet or in Stand mode.

The hinges fulfill all expectations that the flexibility of a convertible demands. They keep the display firmly in place in every opening angle. The hinges prevent light rocking and shocks and allow the display to be opened with only one hand. This is definitely due to the good stability.

Lenovo's ThinkPad Yoga 12 is more than just a laptop

Connectivity

In view of interface distribution, the ThinkPad Yoga apparently cannot decide whether it wants to be a laptop or a tablet. Some buttons and port are not where they would be expected. For example, the power button and volume rocker are found on the front right. These buttons are positioned where they would be used intuitively, i.e. in the upper right, when the Yoga is opened in Tablet mode. The headphone jack is in the front right in most laptops, but here it is on the left and also centered.

This rather unusual positioning cannot be seen as a drawback, but quite the opposite. The distribution of the ports on both sides prevents the USB and mini-HDMI from getting in each other's way. The digitizer pen is inserted in a corner of the device where it is well-hidden and does not interfere, but is easy to pull out at the same time.

Although with only two USB 3.0 ports (one with PowerCharge), one audio jack, and a mini-HDMI socket, the connectivity is not exactly abundant, it is sufficient. In addition, a proprietary port enables connecting an external docking station when additional interfaces are needed.

Left: Power, docking station, USB 3.0, audio

Right: Power button, volume rocker, screen lock, SD card reader, USB 3.0, mini-HDMI, Kensington

Communication

Intel's Wireless-AC 7265 module provides Wi-Fi in the common standards with a gross data rate of up to 867 Mbps. It also adds Bluetooth 4.0, which makes wireless linking of peripherals like keyboard, mice or speakers possible. We did not detect any shortcomings in the module's Wi-Fi connection range or quality.

Security

Security features are fundamental characteristics that distinguish business devices from consumer laptops. It is necessary for a professional laptop to have a TPM chip, which is also available in the ThinkPad Yoga 12. However, other security features like a fingerprint scanner or SmartCard slot are not present here. Fujitsu's Stylistic Q704, for example, comes with these.

Accessories

The digitizer pen is a very useful accessory for professionals, and enables quick sketching or making notes. The price difference between the models with a pen and without one is exactly 100 Euros (~$108). The screen reliably detects the palms and thus prevents erroneous inputs when using the digitizer.

The ThinkPad Yoga 12 can be expanded with the OneLink Dock via the mentioned docking port. It adds ports for video, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet and audio, and recharges the battery. The docking station is available for 119 Euros (~$128) from the manufacturer's online shop.

Maintenance

The cover on the underside can be taken off after removing some screws. It is closed quite tightly, which speaks for the casing's quality. When the ThinkPad is opened, the user can access internal components, such as the battery or hard drive.

Warranty

Lenovo includes a one-year Depot or Counter service as standard. Beyond that, many warranty upgrades are available, such as extending the warranty period up to 5 years or an on-site repair service.

Input Devices

Keyboard

Lenovo calls it a "Lift'n'Lock" keyboard. This refers to the automatic retracting and disabling of the keys when the display is folded to an angle of approximately 270 degrees. Small rubber stoppers are not only found on the underside, but also next to the keyboard's bezel. They protect the keyboard surface.

The keys in the ThinkPad only differ from a classic chiclet layout with their lightly curved lower edge. This feature has an effect only on the keyboard's looks, but not the typing feel, which is positive and consistent with what we are used to from ThinkPad keyboards. The keys fit securely, have a decent drop and a clear pressure point. Consequently, it is uncompromisingly suitable for all users who type fast and / or prolific writers.

A feature that also makes sense is the row of switchable functions. The volume or screen brightness no longer have to be adjusted via a key combination. A little green LED in the FN key reveals which function row is currently enabled.

Touchpad

The ThinkPad Yoga 12 provides all thinkable methods of cursor utilization: Touchpad, touchscreen, TrackPoint, and three dedicated mouse buttons. Users of other devices can instinctively use their multi-touch gestures on the touchpad, while the ThinkPad fan would rather scroll with the center mouse button and TrackPoint. Like the keyboard, these input devices are disabled when the display is folded, i.e. is in either Stand or Tablet mode, and only the touchscreen is available for finger or digitizer pen use.

Touchpad

Keyboard

TrackPoint

Digitizer

Display

The IPS screen has a diagonal measurement of 12.5 inches or 31.8 cm, and a Full HD resolution (1920x1080 pixels). The (semi) AR-coated screen glass  is a positive feature since virtually all other touchscreens have a glossy surface.

The screen's average brightness of 366 cd/m² is quite impressive, and confirms the ThinkPad Yoga's outdoor suitability. Its precursor, based on a Haswell CPU, and the ThinkPad Helix 2 both presented similar brightness rates. The sister models with varying screen sizes, such as the ThinkPad Yoga 11e or ThinkPad Yoga 14, can only serve with a brightness considerably below 300 cd/m².

347 cd/m² 336 cd/m² 316 cd/m² 383 cd/m² 380 cd/m² 386 cd/m² 388 cd/m² 362 cd/m² 397 cd/m²

Distribution of brightness

X-Rite i1Pro 2 // Gossen Mavo-Monitor

Maximum: 397 cd/m² Average: 366.1 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 80 %
Contrast: 745:1 (Black: 0.51 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.57 | 0.8-29.43 Ø6.3
ΔE Greyscale 3.46 | 0.64-98 Ø6.6
Gamma: 2.43

The black level of 0.51 cd/m², which results in a contrast ratio of 745:1, represents a good image reproduction. However, similar convertibles like Fujitsu's Stylistic Q704 or the ThinkPad Helix 2 can boast with similar good rates. The assessments using CalMAN show clear color shifts that however, should not be visible to the naked eye.

CalMAN - ColorChecker

CalMAN - Grayscale

CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

Thanks to its relatively high maximum brightness and the AR-coated screen, the ThinkPad Yoga 12 is a good device for outdoor use. Although other convertibles have equally good brightness rates, they are highly glossy, significantly reducing their outdoor suitability. This is the case in, for example, both Acer's Aspire Switch 12 and Fujitsu's Stylistic Q704.

The ThinkPad Yoga 12 outdoors

Viewing angle stability

As expected from an IPS screen, the ThinkPad Yoga's viewing angle stability is quite good. The viewing angle is not necessarily at a right angle, particularly in Tablet mode, and thus the stability is even more important here. However, the image is clearly visible, even in acute angles - although the contrast decreases slightly.

Performance

The ThinkPad Yoga 12 is available in many different configurations from Lenovo's online shop. The least expensive model, for example, is equipped with an Intel Core i3-5005U, 4 GB of working memory, and a 500 GB hard drive. The low-budget version is sold for just 899 Euros (~$968) without a digitizer pen. The device's price climbs to 1409 Euros (~$1517) with an i7-5500U processor, 8 GB of RAM, SSD and digitizer pen.

CPU-Z

GPU-Z

DPC Latency Checker

HDTune

CrystalDiskMark

Processor

Our version of the ThinkPad Yoga 12 is powered by Intel's Core i5-5200U. It is a dual-core processor from Intel's latest Broadwell architecture, which clocks with a base rate of 2.2 GHz. The processor's Turbo can achieve a clock rate of up to 2.7 GHz during load. Furthermore, the chip incorporates Intel's HD Graphics 5500 graphics unit.

The scores of the different Cinebench versions exhibit the expected results: There are barely any performance differences to competing devices based on the same CPU. Processors from the particularly efficient Core M family are clearly inferior to the i5 chip, but they enable a noiseless, passive cooling. A fan that is very audible during load is crucial in the case of the ThinkPad Yoga 12.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit

4161

Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit

8628

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit

5604

Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit

26.31 fps

Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit

2.86 Points

Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit

1.2 Points

Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit

31.4 fps

Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit

98 %

Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit

108 Points

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit

258 Points

Help

... in comparison

Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive	1.2 Points ∼51%-3%
Fujitsu LifeBook T734 HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX	1.24 Points ∼53%0%
Fujitsu Stylistic Q704 HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Samsung MZNTD128HAGM	0.66 Points ∼28%-47%
Acer Aspire Switch 12 SW5-271-61X7 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10c, 128 GB SATA SSD	0.96 Points ∼41%-23%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB	1.13 Points ∼48%-9%
HP Envy 15-u200ng x360 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Toshiba MQ02ABF100	1.25 Points ∼53%+1%
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive	2.86 Points ∼12%+1%
Fujitsu LifeBook T734 HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX	2.94 Points ∼12%+4%
Fujitsu Stylistic Q704 HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Samsung MZNTD128HAGM	1.05 Points ∼4%-63%
Acer Aspire Switch 12 SW5-271-61X7 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10c, 128 GB SATA SSD	1.98 Points ∼8%-30%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB	2.04 Points ∼9%-28%
HP Envy 15-u200ng x360 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Toshiba MQ02ABF100	2.82 Points ∼12%0%

System Performance

The i5 processor alongside 8 GB of working memory and a hybrid drive provides a solid basis for smooth workflow on the desktop. The hardware equipment enables far more than just simple browsing and office tasks. Even more sophisticated applications, such as image editing or video editing, are not a problem for the ThinkPad Yoga 12. As mentioned, Lenovo allows customizing the hardware configuration from its online shop, so that it can be adapted to meet personal requirements.

It might seem surprising that the convertibles based on the weaker Core M CPU suddenly score better in the PCMark 7 benchmark at first glance. However, both the ThinkPad Helix 2 and Aspire Switch 12 not only have a hard drive, but also a faster flash memory, and the better performance is reflected in the score of the overall performance.

PCMark 7 Score		3872 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2		2841 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2		3358 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2		3827 points
Help

... in comparison

PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive	3872 Points ∼45%0%
Fujitsu LifeBook T734 HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX	2745 Points ∼32%-29%
Fujitsu Stylistic Q704 HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Samsung MZNTD128HAGM	3248 Points ∼38%-16%
Acer Aspire Switch 12 SW5-271-61X7 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y10c, 128 GB SATA SSD	4112 Points ∼48%+6%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB	4602 Points ∼54%+19%

Storage Devices

Users who want the capacity of a hard drive and, and at the same time, want to come close to experiencing the operating speed of an SSD will find the installed hybrid drive suitable a compromise. It has both a 500 GB hard drive and an 8 GB cache. The Seagate's ST500LM000 model SSHD with an average transfer rate of almost 80 MB/s is also average in terms of quality. Depending on the capacity, Lenovo charges an additional 90 to 130 Euros (~$97 to $140) for a solid-state drive.

HD Tune

CrystalDiskMark 3.0

Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive

Transfer Rate Minimum: 1.3 MB/s

Transfer Rate Maximum: 110.8 MB/s

Transfer Rate Average: 78.3 MB/s

Access Time: 17.3 ms

Burst Rate: 153.7 MB/s

CPU Usage: 4.3 %

Graphics Card

Power saving rather than high performance is the motto of a processor-integrated graphics. This is also the case for Intel's HD Graphics 550. Although it supports DirectX 11.2 and has a base clock of just over 900 MHz, the user should not even consider up-to-date games. It is quite sufficient for basic 3D applications and desktop software. Rendering videos with a resolution of up to 4K smoothly is not a problem with this graphics unit.

The 3DMark benchmarks confirm the expected. Intel's older and weaker integrated units also achieve these low results; for example, Intel's HD Graphics 4400 from the former Haswell generation or even Intel's HD Graphics 5300 from the more frugal and weaker Core M family.

3DMark 11 Performance		1105 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score		48582 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score		4928 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score		740 points
Help

... in comparison

3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive	4928 Points ∼10%+48%
Fujitsu LifeBook T734 HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX	3322 Points ∼7%0%
Fujitsu Stylistic Q704 HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Samsung MZNTD128HAGM	1733 Points ∼4%-48%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB	3522 Points ∼7%+6%
HP Envy 15-u200ng x360 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Toshiba MQ02ABF100	4265 Points ∼9%+28%
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 12 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive	48582 Points ∼4%+26%
Fujitsu LifeBook T734 HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX	38418 Points ∼3%0%
Fujitsu Stylistic Q704 HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Samsung MZNTD128HAGM	13430 Points ∼1%-65%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB	35119 Points ∼3%-9%
HP Envy 15-u200ng x360 HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Toshiba MQ02ABF100	41365 Points ∼4%+8%

Gaming Performance

The gaming performance is rather secondary for a business device. Thus, the integrated graphics unit is neither gaming suitable nor inappropriately weak for the intended application purposes. However, this does not mean that Yogas without a dedicated graphics card do not exist. The larger ThinkPad Yoga 14 features a mid-range GeForce graphics.

As for the tested games, we used slightly older game samples. For example, it was quite possible to play the 2011 role game “Elder Scrolls: Skyrim”. Classic games are playable on lower resolutions at approximately 30 fps.

	low	med.	high	ultra
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)	28.2	14.2	8.1	4.4	fps
Total War: Rome II (2013)		30	22	8	fps
Civilization: Beyond Earth (2014)	38	16	10		fps

Emissions

System Noise

The ThinkPad Yoga 12 needs a fan. However, the fan is virtually silent when only browsing on the Internet or working with office suites. More demanding applications, such as benchmarks or even games, quickly speed up the fan. The maximum 36 dB(A) that we measured is roughly on par with comparable devices.

Buyers looking for a silent device will have to go for models with passively cooled Core M processors. They are, for example, found in Acer's Aspire Switch 12 or Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix 12 - but not in the business convertibles.

Noise Level

Idle		30 / 30 / 30 dB(A)
HDD		30.1 dB(A)
Load		35.1 / 36.9 dB(A)
	30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud
min: , med: , max:  Voltcraft sl-451 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Stress test

In everyday use, the ThinkPad Yoga 12 does not get unusually or noticeably warm. Our measurements displayed isolated areas that reached up to 40 degrees Celsius (~104 °F), but the wrist rest, for example, reaches a maximum of 30 degrees (~86 °F) under full load.

Throttling! This is the diagnosis of the stress test. The laptop was put under full load via the Prime95 and FurMark tools, which limited the CPU to just 1 GHz. This was not the case with load via Cinebench. Thus, performance losses due to throttling could be experienced when certain applications demand occasional performance peaks. However, this high load will hardly occur during routine use, and thus it is unlikely that the user will notice any throttling. At least the CPU's sensors recorded a maximum temperature of perfectly acceptable 88 degrees Celsius (~190 °F).

Max. Load

Idle

26.5 °C 40.4 °C 33.6 °C 26 °C 33.4 °C 32.8 °C 25.6 °C 26.9 °C 31.2 °C

Maximum: 40.4 °C Average: 30.7 °C

28.3 °C 40.9 °C 40.4 °C 27.3 °C 32.8 °C 37.8 °C 26.5 °C 29.9 °C 32.9 °C

Maximum: 40.9 °C Average: 33 °C

Power Supply (max.)  43.9 °C | Room Temperature 20.6 °C | Fluke 62 Max

Speakers

The ThinkPad Yoga 12 cannot really score with its sound quality. The sound is rather tinny and both stereo speakers simply lack bass. However, a 2.1 sound system, including a subwoofer, is found only in multimedia laptops for private consumers. Ultimately, the ThinkPad has been designed for work and not for play, and thus it is logical that little importance has been placed on the speakers' sound quality. Nevertheless, it is sufficient for occasional video conferencing.

Energy Management

Battery Runtime

Verdict