Lenovo ThinkPad Helix refers to two generations of 2-in-1 convertible tablets that can be used as both a conventional ultrabook and a tablet computer. The first-generation Helix was announced at the 2013 International CES and was released on 21 May 2013. A second-generation Helix came out in 2014.
History
First generation
In April of 2013, Lenovo released the Thinkpad Helix. The Helix was announced at the 2013 International CES. Lenovo advertised the device as a “high performance Ultrabook with a detachable Windows 8/10 tablet.” The starting price for the base model Helix was $1,499. Reviewers noted the device overheating, and it having a sturdy build[1]
Second generation
The ThinkPad Helix II was released in October 2014. It is an Ultrabook-class convertible laptop based on the Intel Core M processor. The Helix II uses a vapor chamber with no moving parts instead of fans for cooling, achieving a significant noise reduction. It is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor at .38 inches thick and weighing 1.8 pounds.[2]
Features
Design
The Helix serves as a conventional notebook computer but uses a "rip and flip" design that allows the user to detach the display and then replace it facing in a different direction. Also, as all essential processing hardware is contained in the display assembly and it has multitouch capability, the monitor can be used as a standalone tablet computer. The Helix features include Gorilla Glass, stylus-based input, and Intel vPro hardware-based security features, and is designed to appeal to business users.[3] The Helix makes use of a refined version of the ThinkPad trackpoint. The five mechanical buttons featured on most ThinkPad trackpoints have been replaced with a fixed glass touchpad.[4] The included pressure-sensitive stylus is from Wacom and fits into a dedicated slot in the tablet portion of the device.[4]
The second-generation Helix introduced a vapor chamber cooling system with no moving parts, eliminating the need for fans and significantly reducing operating noise.[5]
Reviews
In a review published in Forbes Jason Evangelho wrote, "The first laptop I owned was a ThinkPad T20, and the next one may very likely be the ThinkPad Helix which Lenovo unveiled at CES 2013. In a sea of touch-inspired Windows 8 hardware, it’s the first ultrabook convertible with a form factor that gets everything right. The first batch of Windows 8 ultrabooks get high marks for their inspired designs, but aren’t quite flexible enough to truly be BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) solutions. Lenovo’s own IdeaPad Yoga came close, but the sensation of feeling the keyboard underneath your fingers when transformed into tablet mode was slightly jarring. Dell‘s XPS 12 solved that problem with its clever rotating hinge design, but I wanted the ability to remove the tablet display entirely from both of those products."[7]
Some critics praised the Helix's detachable "rip and flip" design as sturdier than many competitors, but noted its high price compared to other ultrabooks.[8] In a review published in CNET Vincent Chang wrote, "It gets worse once you add the dock, with the weight of the Helix increasing to 1.67kg with the accessory. That's not exactly light for an 11.6-inch device when you can find slimmer 13.3-inch Ultrabooks, such as the Acer Aspire S7. Of course, the Helix is a hybrid device that can be used in more ways than one--you aren't saddled with the keyboard like a laptop." Chang concluded, "With a starting price of US$1,499, the ThinkPad Helix is pretty expensive, even for Ultrabook convertibles. However, its business slant means that companies, which can afford the premium price for the extra security and enterprise features, are most likely the ones to purchase the Helix."[4]
References
- Techspot. Lenovo Thinkpad Helix Reviews, Pros, and Cons Techspot, 2 May 2025, retrieved 2 May 2025^
- Ryan Whitwam. Lenovo cools the Thinkpad Helix with a tiny vapor chamber, no fans necessary Geek, 28 November 2014, retrieved 5 December 2014^
- Matt Smith. Lenovo announces ThinkPad Helix and IdeaPad Yoga 11S convertibles