Tested: Lenovo Yoga Book Review

[@charlesstevenson3779]

This might be the only convertible that I've ever considered.

[@AylaMeo]

yup! actually is just that perfect size..

[@charlesstevenson3779]

Cameraman, this video loses focus too many times.

[@TheGamerCouch]

I definitely wouldn't recommend at the retail price, maybe like $330 though

[@TheR971]

I am seriously thinking about buying one for taking notes in university. Having automatically a digital version of all the notes sounds extremely tempting, especially in combination with it's usable keyboard.

[@gotekomusicc]

4 years ago , I purchased the Android version of this. It's 2021 and am buying this again except this time I'm getting the windows 10 version.

[@micglou]

550? That's a very good price for what is probably the best looking convertible out there.

[@MrFinigen117]

i mean it's the best in that price range. IMO it doesn't compare to the SurfaceBook, but then again thats 4 times the price.

[@downloader47]

Personally, the hinge on the SurfaceBook is a real turn-off, it doesn't close flat and I didn't find it was particularly smooth to operate BYMMV. I also think the Surface products are overpriced and a little too buggy, especially for the premium they charge; we've had a few Surface Pro 4s at work that only became stable after the 2 most recent firmware updates! This Yoga Book is definitely something I'll be considering, I've regained my faith in Lenovo hardware recently so I'll be looking out for the UK release.

[@stefanozurich]

Downloader47 The screen wobbles if you're an aggressive typer like me.

[@downloader47]

The Inebrati, I'll certainly bear that in mind, although I am reasonably gentle when I type (angry emails excluded!) I would find such a wobble rather irritating... I may have to try one first

[@klanny22]

Except you see that it's $550, yet in the UK, it's also £550, when it should be £100 less than that.

[@World_Theory]

How do they fit all the stuff in there?! Time Lord tech? Having a drawing tablet built in makes this attractive. Though I didn't see very good pressure sensitivity performance. I'd need to see more careful testing of the drawing feature.

[@SepehrNaserkhaki]

I hope chrome OS becomes way better at running android apps by gen2 of this and hope they make a version running that

[@atomixfang]

Wouldnt it be useful to make a little effort and get a real artist's opinion? that would be one of the main markets for this tablet...

[@jorgenmac]

Are you claiming that Patrick Norton is not an artist?

[@ficklampa]

Seeing as it slowed down during his drawing tests I doubt any serious artists would consider this when there's better performing devices on the market. Intels Atom CPUs are not really awesome.

[@annafilou]

atomixfang Speaking as an artist I very excited about this hybrid at first but after learning more about it, I changed my mind. First of all let me tell you, drawing on a blank slate and seeing the actual drawing on a separate screen is VERY disorienting. Many years ago there was not a better choice and up to a few years back, a screenless Wacom tablet was a lot cheaper than a tablet with a screen. A lot of artists got used to working like this so they're the ones who would actually find this device fantastic. Unfortunately for Lenovo, there ARE good pressure sensitive tablets (the pressure sensitivity is actually in the pen but it needs a wacom digitizer built into the screen in order to work) out there that DO have screens. I have a Galaxy Note 8 (bought it used so it only cost me 130 Euros) which has practically the same digitizer as the Yogabook but I CAN ACTUALLY DRAW DIRECTLY ON THE SCREEN.

[@jonacheson]

I read on Lenovo's website that the Yoga Book has Bluetooth support, so if you were doing a lot of typing you could use a Bluetooth keyboard with actual keys. I bet the touch keyboard would be fine for light typing, though. It's essentially the same as an on-screen tablet keyboard, only it doesn't smudge up the screen.

[@retroshack2960]

Great, a hardware review! There aren't enough of them any more, especially since Will left and Adam has been around more.

[@MTInsanity]

I think this is too ahead of its time. I would say it is not going to be good at sales but is gonna be the standard format in a few years

[@pgicruiser3128]

Would love to see a dual-boot version of this. 1st exciting 2n1 I've seen. Lots of potential. Looking forward to seeing future beefed up versions for real productivity. Good 1st start.

[@Scio_]

As an artist I _do_ look at this and go "this is amazing!" :) Oddly, since its announcement and then release I've not been able to find a single video from an illustrator reviewing the tablet with a demo. Can anyone link me to one?

[@Dezember456]

Just comment to see a link too :D

[@viniciussbenz4301]

Col_Disco Same

[@thejuanpa88]

You cant find any because this is shit. What can an artist do with 4gb of ram?

[@Scio_]

JohnDoe: Then where are the "this is shit for drawing" videos? I'd love to see one of those too, and the internet is hardly averse to them!

[@thejuanpa88]

Sayantan Chaudhuri Because lenovo is only giving this away to people who are going to give "positive" reviews. And no independent youtuber is going to spend 500+ dollars on an item that is nor good nor relevant enough to make a video.

[@LordTrilobite]

That lag on the drawing tablet mode looks terrible. If that lag is always there that feature is kinda useless imo. Also the lack of being able to use keyboard at the same time as tablet bars the use of all sorts of shortcuts and will make using it a big hassle.

[@iforkinglovelemonade]

THANK YOU!!! I was just thinking how to put my words together and yours have nailed it

[@ralexand56]

Well lag on pen to real paper is non-existent so creating art that way should be fine.

[@LordTrilobite]

Not really. What you may be drawing on a paper might not be one to one on the screen depending on the settings like brush size. It's cool technology yes, But with lag like this, its practical purposes will be very limited.

[@bearmann0016]

LordTrilobite well he probably had the correction high on the art software it lags it to make the lines straight

[@Liatin1]

I plan to get this. I wish they had a 12.5 or 13.3in version

[@noreworks]

after watching several reviews, finally I'm sold because of this one. thanks guys

[@Lyric.S-]

But the question is ... will it expl... ahem ... will it blend ?

[@HoTTab1CHtv]

...press?

[@VincentMartens93]

Is it a good idea to microwave this? (For those who remember)

[@azyfloof]

Will water cut it?

[@KidWiz3]

I love the microwave dudes!

[@azyfloof]

KidWizzer Are they still going? 😄

[@ryleeoreo]

is it good for students? really diggin for that sleek design and battery life

[@melvinmccl]

Great Job Lenovo.....Moving towards the future of virtual keyboards. Lighten the load as much as possible.

[@Dara-vq9cx]

Getting this for Christmas absolutely love it

[@baconbliss4796]

you could also use that paper note pad in the reverse which is more useful going from a piece you had on paper and making it into a digital file

[@pantstime4529]

I’ve been waiting so long to find an affordable drawing pad/tablet that was right for me. This is just perfect.

[@clownerycalamity]

Gleppy Gloop has it been doing good? I might get it to draw but idk if it's good for it

[@riveraluciano]

The whole idea of having a wacom tablet integrated is really attractive (as well as note taking and recording it), but I noticed the lag after doing a long stroke, and that's running proprietary software, I can't even imagine the issues you could have using Photoshop. If the tablet were running something a bit beefier (idk, a Tegra maybe? a proper Intel CPU?) there shouldn't be a problem, but this is just off putting.

[@tomislavrastovac2127]

This look, a laptop with a blank slate instead of a keyboard, gets me off :D it looks so nice but it's probably ahead of its time. If Apple does this in 2 years I called it here first guys.

[@GuyLogen]

Tomislav Rastovac probably where Apple is headed to and when they do release it people are going to lose their shit because Apple. P.S: I do hope however that when Apple does it that it's priced affordably and uses a good enough processor + GCard + at least 8 gigs of ram and include some of their own good materials like a strong body and vivid Retina display. And most importantly price it affordably not expensively like all of their other products that use older tech.

[@aceyage]

No need for Apple to do this. They already have the iPad Pro line.

[@GuyLogen]

***** Yeah but the major complaint of the "pro" line is that it's still running iOS and not macOS.

[@aceyage]

Yeah, totally. That's what's holding it back. But it's actually quite easy for developers to port stuff over from macOS. With the Swift programming language it's even easier. The UI is different and that costs time, but I think it's worth it. Microsoft has a similar problem, where most apps are basically desktop apps and not suited for touchscreen. Both iPads and Surface are exciting, but ultimately frustrating products. I find iPad a little more focused and I can see the Yoga Book being really good fit for some people. For the price, it seems like a fine home office machine and great for quick sketching and (handwritten) note taking in the field.

[@777DrFeelgood777]

In all fairness the sort of pro software people talk about Windows being able to run like photoshop and the sort probably wouldn’t be able to run on something like the Yoga Book well anyway and while iOS might not have legacy applications, there are some absolutely killer apps for sketching and drawing like Procreate.

[@heyitsthatdude17]

Long time since Patrick has been on, good to see him

[@SeraphimKnight]

The problem with the keyboard becoming a tablet is that you WANT a keyboard with your tablet, you're using tons of key presses to quickly go through functions on software and eliminating the keyboard for the tablet means you have to plug in an additional keyboard... it's not ideal.

[@jbsvault]

So I had a question. You mention it works with windows apps, I was wondering if Photoshop works on it as well (combined with the notepad feature of drawing on paper), properly. I sorta have the same reasons for usage as Patrick sums up. Additionally, as a graphics designer in the making, I would find it very useful to be able to sketch on paper and render digitally at the same time. Yes, I do have a proper Wacom tablet, but as mentioned, it is quite bulky to carry around plus a laptop. I don't have the intention to replace that for this, it is just to expand my (cap)abilities. Secondly, excuse me if I missed it, but how's the battery life been? Maybe some examples with light, medium and heavy usage?

[@dumplingdude8083]

Hopefully a newer model with better specs come out next year, this looks more like a prototype

[@ralexand56]

Then you're in the $800 -$900 range which is way too much to pay for an ancillary device.

[@shasterdhari]

dumplingdude It's not meant to be your main PC. It's more of a secondary device.

[@greyareaRK1]

Great review. Did you try the android version as well? Also, what did the artists testers it think of it?

[@sundae1996]

I really like the in depth reviews

[@Torqd_Off]

The EMR you mentioned has been available with Samsung since the first note!!! It's not new, or even revolutionary. I would choose a Samsung Book 12, HP Elite or Spectr over this except for the halo keyboard. And even that's not really new or revolutionary. Like you mentioned, tablet keyboards are quite similar. All Lenovo really did was took one and added it to an extra fold out additional to a tablet.

[@Danman350]

Why not just put the wacom tablet in the screen? It's already a 2-in-1, perfect to stand it up like it were a cintiq.

[@impactkings]

Because that would increase its price by quite a bit. It would also then compete with Wacom's own Companion series of tablets. The Yoga Book is only $500 USD so you can't expect a whole lot from it.

[@MaskedMammal]

Wacom isn't competing in the $500 tablet market, nor is it trying to compete against highly portable tablets like this one at all. It's targeting professionals and serious hobbyists starting at $1500+ for a fully kitted out tablet with the whole set of shortcut keys on the side, nice quality screen and specs, ability to plug into a desktop, and a full Intuos/Cintiq professional pen. Putting the Wacom tablet in the keyboard instead of the screen is a huge missed opportunity. For the most part, there is no option around this size or price point that uses Wacom pens on the screen, but there are plenty at $1000-1600 that are doing that, so if anything Wacom is allowing them to compete much more directly with their offering than this would have been.

[@macbeth2354]

It's gonna get a lot more expensive to have a screen that works with the pen (assuming you still want those pressure levels and accuracy), just look at the Dell 3000 series, $300'ish, that people buy thinking of using with the stylus, which doesn't work since there's no digitizer, only capacitive capability. I think it's a good move.

[@Anaerin]

They tried it some time ago, back in the days of Windows XP. Look up "TabletPC Slate"

[@Danman350]

Bitcoon I don't know if it has the full pressure sensitivity, but those Surface tablets are meant to be using wacom tech, if the microsoft guy I had been talking to knew what he was talking about. My plan once my cintiq craps out is to get a surface 3/pro 3 on the cheap, since those are around $550 nowadays.

[@gregoire7471]

Looks amazing. Probably will want it as a replacement for my old laptop. I'm slightly worried about the touch of the keyboard 'cause i do mostly a lot of writing, but we'll see. Also does anyone know if it has a headphone port??

[@xjj99]

I was really hoping to see a test of stylus accuracy. Every review seems to have someone do giant scribbles with thick strokes, and this one is no different. Try writing small with thin lines, is it any good then?

[@jackyarrow9442]

THAT SCREEN BEZEL 😳😷

[@TheChipmunk2008]

It's needed for tablet mode tho...

[@MikkoHaavisto1]

This looks really sweet, but I would never type on a glass surface.

[@ralexand56]

So you never use a tablet?

[@MikkoHaavisto1]

Not for typing, no. Maybe a text message or a short comment on my smartphone, but nothing longer than that.

[@ralexand56]

Well this is akin to a tablet.

[@MikkoHaavisto1]

That is true, I guess it's a really good competitor for tablets. Laptops - not so much.

[@mikibish]

If I can use the Wacom digitizer whilst folded up (so it acts like I'm drawing on the screen) I might consider it. If not I'll stick with my note 10.

[@ElectricNikkiGames]

Oh my god I didn't know Patrick norton did stuff with tested. I just got my screen savers nostalgia fix.

[@Bobo_Tapia]

Kaymai He also does a youtube show called Tekthing and a podcast at AVexcel.com =)

[@DirceuCorsetti]

looking forward to Lisa Gade's take on mobiletechreview, but it was informative. Will wait for a core i7 version tough.

[@ralexand56]

That would be twice as thick. No one seems to get what this device is about. It's not meant to be a laptop replacement. You can't replace a laptop without a keyboard.

[@DirceuCorsetti]

An advanced touch interface without the power to handle most drawing software. I get it, it is a novelty facebook machine.

[@MrOnlyforcommenting]

if i havent brought tab a earlier this year , i would have easily gone with this but i dont see the reason to change other than just wanting the futuristic keyboard .

[@CoproMadness]

They never said that it was sponsored by Lenovo. Check the Austin Evans video. He reviews the same product but admits that it was sponsored.

[@UltraSonic73]

But afaik, every other video was made on the Android version, so maybe it actually wasn't sponsored :p

[@jacobmols7904]

Tried Artrage, Adobe illustrator, and Infinite painter, the one with the best Reaction to the pen was Infinite painter for me atleast the 2 other apps where slow when drawing and it was like Pulling the line and not drawing, aswell as the line lacking behind of the marker on the screen from the pen.

[@HifiCentret]

While I understand it may seem tempting I really doubt that for a machine you'll write anything more on than just short messages it'll be annoying. It's not much different on this keyboard than a normal onscreen keyboard. No haptics can replace the feel and "self centering" typing experience that physical keys can do. For drawing however they might have a winner. I just don't do drawings. And they even didn't make it a secondary screen to be able to configure it how you like, for regionalized keyboards etc. When first seen it advertized here I thought perhaps they used e-ink for the keyboard - that would be cool. But no just a fancy large touch pad with hardcoded keyboard layout. I'd rather look for another tablet like Yoga Tab 3 plus instead (looking for a new Android tab). Should I need a physical keyboard I have several bluetooth. Some of them thin and small salvaged from iPad covers. Works like charm and didn't cost me a dime and easily put in a bag with the tab.

[@lilwashu]

would you guys suggest the ideapad miix 700 or the lenovo yoga book, or the microsoft surface 3, for artists and writing on the go for a cheap mobile laptop/tablet?

[@ccjh0806]

Liked this for Windows 10. And also thumbs up for picking the Win 10 edition!

[@MrPatrickRevuelta]

I've had the android version 2 weeks now, only a few cons thus far: - long battery life my ass, definately won't last a full day warching video's. - no otg, or normal usb port, I get around this using a Seagate wireless HDD. - In tent mode, the buttons and speakers are on the panel away from you (i hope that makes sense) Other than that I love this device, and still happy I bought it (ps, let's be honest, most people such as myself, won't use the writing pad, it's over hype).

[@MarneusAndMilkyBlood]

Yes, but does it come with superfish and BIOS level backdoors?

[@bassett_green]

as is tradition

[@hongtanke]

so no

[@ethanma1722]

This would be amazing for taking notes in class

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Is the hardware identical between Windows 10 and Android versions? I wonder if dual booting would be possible?

[@dorkytehl]

I can't find much on what apps are compatible on the Windows model. Just that using Sai is a no-go because it has no pressure sensitivity.

[@sdushdiu]

A blend of many worlds offering Windows compatible functionality for basic business applications, reasonably versatile AV IO for business/classroom use, at a price point that makes sense - unlike the overpriced underperforming ultrabooks that equal the price of an Asus GS402VR with a quad core i7 and a 1070! And the paper/electronic whiteboard capability is wonderful as well! The answer for the business/classroom/personal project management portable compliment to a more powerful i7/1070 laptop!

[@Paulina_the_luna]

looks so cool! i'm "artist" and writer, and i'm very interesting of these 8D but which is better Win 10 or Android?

[@aminaahmed8737]

ValentinaDeLaRosa if you want in other colors then windows 10

[@silasg9869]

Cool Video! Could you guys please test the free but professional Program "Krita"? Does it run it and if how well?

[@rockstatus90]

Best review yet! Thank you for an unbiased take.

[@TobiPlayHD]

How is drawing on the screen itself though? Pressure-sensitivity, angle detection and so on? I know about these things working on the bottom portion.

[@ralexand56]

Screen doesn't support pressure.

[@TobiPlayHD]

***** Very unfortunate :/ To be expected for the price though, I assume. Would've been amazing :)

[@ixidorstrinity]

That professional sailor moon sketch at 6:37 tho XD

[@henrikkristiansen410]

Is it possible to connect it to another computer and use it as a traditional drawing tablet, like a wired Wacom?

[@edtechlounge]

No multitouch on the keyboard - I'm surprised that a two finger long-press doesn't make a coursor - like an iPad does.

[@p.ipross5718]

Would it be good for a student using Microsoft access, excel, PowerPoint and word? And would you recommend it for a student?

[@p.ipross5718]

Ah right ta buht

[@maurafolkertsma6153]

where can i draw better on the apple ipad 2017 or the yoga book? I am a industrial design student and i would like to know which of these work better with precise drawing. And in other specs which one stays faster than the other one and which one has a better screen?

[@lorenzomontenegro4313]

Does it get sluggish when watching FHD videos on KZbin and Netflix?

[@FictualKyle]

how much does it cost tho. looks cool

[@brofvm]

Does it have a USB port

[@fmoreno2]

An OTG mini usb

[@jprsfragoso]

2 questions: 1º Can you connect a mouse to it? If so, how? 2º What kinda of graphical performance does it have? Im not asking if it can run Witcher 3 with max settings, but smaller games like Rocket League or CS:Go.... can it run them on windows? Thnks in advance

[@Tfin]

It looks like the keyboard is only going to respond to two keypresses at once (dual touch). Even if CS:GO were light enough to work on it, you'd barely be able to move around, never mind combat.

[@azyfloof]

You can probably plug a USB OTG cable or adaptor in it, and plug a USB mouse into that. I would be _very_ surprised if that wasn't the case.

[@ralexand56]

Yes, you can.

[@buckrogers5331]

So far, none of the reviewers of this product has engaged someone who can type-touch at speed to try out this notebook out. And if you find the keybod hopeless, use a BT external one instead.

[@nanobreaker]

This could be an interesting form factor if they decide to upgrade the Pixel C.

[@Unknownpersonsx]

It is a good convertible 2 in 1 tablet laptop ala notebook items has a Full Hd display it is basically a travel laptop ...the only dissapointment is the 25cm 10.1 inch screensize

[@nukedathlonman]

Well it's a neat concept brought to reality.

[@jeffsmith63]

>That anime doodle.

[@Abthebest13]

full size laptop ^^ how many computers does one person need?

[@spunkmire2664]

Whoooa! HOw bout reviewing that in a honda truck! Stick it in a bag and get it to perfect temp!

[@shenkers]

Can somebody please explain if this microUSB is also a regular USB port and if so what version it is or is it just for the charging?

[@adamo4723]

Can you use the pen to write whilst using the final draft software???

[@Adenite95]

So, this is good for students then?

[@bar10dr]

Love the keyboard and width, but that huge border around the monitor is a big fat no

[@takitus]

I had the previous Yoga tablet and it was terrible. I was supposed to have video conferences every morning, but it couldnt even run google hangouts doing video chat without freezing up. I dont understand how companies sell computers like this. It was returned immediately. Id rather have something nice + a wacom.

[@FreakyShirley]

it is just another concept device, if this success, just buy the Gen 2 (assume Lenovo Yoga Book 2)

[@debadwolf9727]

Miss you Patrick. Need to make a tech/TV like youtube channel. So miss tech / TV before the whole G4 garbage.

[@ARCStudiosyt]

Can you use the pen on the screen?

[@megatfitriaziz]

How much and where can I buy this?

[@walneyr]

Windows takes much memory the "HD"?

[@TheWingrider92]

yet to find this selling here

[@fluffyerica1072]

Does the Yoga Book have 64-bit architecture?

[@skaterboi65]

LMAO the takedown notice

[@theblackhundreds7124]

Soltero Le Savage ?

[@skaterboi65]

***** "lemme get off marvel.. "

[@qomoyo]

the real question is.. will it run Crisis?

[@haydenbedard6577]

How much does the windows 10 version go for?

[@dom_4805]

Just wondering is it touch

[@thelunarmagus7521]

Coding in BlueJ, will it be bad? Or will it work decently?

[@thelunarmagus7521]

Also, how are the specs on power? You might not want to heavy edit videos but how about a little not exactly light but i little bit more than light programmjng on something as basic as BlueJ or NetBeans?

[@LolizationROTMG]

Android vs Windows? You said you would take Windows, but why?

[@kenbee1957]

Where's Adam Savage?

[@funnykenji]

I wonder what is the performance on lightroom Photoshop and Ai

[@paulhartzer10]

if you write on the paper notes, will it be able to convert that into a word document/text on the pc in real time? Will there be an app for this?

[@paulhartzer10]

would be very cool for e.g. university!

[@luca_sbll]

it converts your drawings in real time using one note for the windows 10 version and a custom app for android, but I don't think it can covert notes into text

[@xKevinIsMe]

Can you use a mouse?

[@zaaazach]

Can you play video games on this?

[@Brie-NYC]

Why does the US not have the option of micro sim????? This is what I want :(

[@SH3player]

Need a 13.3 inch screen model!

[@DavidLorellHoskins]

Great vid. Thanks

[@Rowlett54]

im still waiting for lenovo to release a chrome os version of this laptop

[@tuxedoleana96]

hmmm this or the surface i need to see a video on the two side by side

[@jdb4517]

Can it play games from 10 years ago?

[@davecastle1095]

Im getting one for my birthday for use at school