Rumor: Lenovo might be offering the Miix 720 as a second Miix 700 replacement

Intel’s Kaby Lake processors have kicked off a new round of Windows 10 notebook updates, with a number of manufacturers announcing new versions of existing models that accommodate the more powerful and power-efficient CPUs. According to an unconfirmed rumor based on Federal Communications Commission data, Lenovo will be jumping onto the Kaby Lake bandwagon soon with more new versions than expected of its Miix 7XX series of Windows 10 tablets.

If the leaked data is correct, then Lenovo appears to be planning to introduce not just one, but two, replacements for its Miix 700 tablet, according to Notebookitalia.it. The Miix 710 was leaked in September as a direct replacement for the current Miix 700, and apparently Lenovo plans an even higher-end model in the Miix 720.

The information comes via an FCC notification of a recently certified device, which seems to indicate that Lenovo could be releasing a Miix 720 that will at least offer higher-voltage Kaby Lake versions. Such a move would create a stratification of devices, with the Miix 710 representing a more power-efficient device based on Kaby Lake’s 4.5W Y-versions and the 720 using the more powerful 15W Kaby Lake U-versions.

For now, it’s unclear if the rumored Miix 720 will utilize a different form factor than the current Miix 700 or the Miix 710. So far, it looks like the same 12″ 2,160 x 1,440 pixel screen will be offered, along with the Wacom pen with 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, the 4GB to 8GB RAM options, and between 128GB and 512GB of SSD storage. The FCC data does seem to indicate that a new hinge mechanism could be on hand, but that’s unconfirmed.

Indeed, unconfirmed is a word you should remember. FCC rumors often pan out, but not always. It is very likely that Lenovo will release a Miix 700-series system with Intel’s new hardware. Inevitable, even. But these exact specifications shouldn’t be taken as gospel.

The Miix 7XX series is a hybrid Windows 10 device that bears a striking resemblance to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4, with a fold-out kickstand and detachable keyboard. If you’re looking for a Surface Pro alternative, then the Miix 7XX series is something to consider. You’ll just need to decide if the 710 or 720 is worth the wait, or if taking advantage of the usual price breaks on the current 700 model is a more attractive option.

from Planet GS via John Jason Fallows on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2dTFQok
Mark Coppock