Laptops are getting thinner and the users are getting… less thin? The handy portables are even getting more flexible, like Lenovo’s Yoga-devices. What exactly does that say about its users? Just kidding… we are sure you are plenty flexible.
Lenovo has been leading the way in flexible devices, or rather laptops that double as tablets, and according to Julian Pienaar, Product Technologist at Lenovo South Africa, all portable PC’s shipped by 2020 will be flexible devices. Now they have launched three new Yoga-devices to join the gym later this year, along with two new gaming devices. Yes, you heard correctly, Lenovo is delving even deeper into the gaming scene.
Gaming on a laptop has been a topic of controversy in the gaming community since Razer made the first true gaming laptop in 2011. Many have followed this path and failed — but Lenovo has decided to launch a new gaming brand, Legion, which includes gaming peripherals, mouse pads, speakers and external monitors. And honestly… it looks completely awesome.
Some Yoga before you start gaming
When buying a laptop you probably have one key feature in mind — portability. Whether it has the best specs or not doesn’t really matter at this stage, as long as you are able to lug it around without hassle. Lenovo has upped its game and made the Yoga even more yoga-esque. They even go as far calling them “convertibles”.
The new devices, called the Yoga Y920, Yoga 720 and Yoga 520, are all powered by the latest 7th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and Windows 10. The 15-inch Yoga 720 boasts an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 and a Thunderbolt 3 for on-the-whim data transfers.
When you get tired of using your boerewors-fingers on the screen, making it filthy and clicking on all the wrong icons — both the 720 and 520 can be controlled with a pen-style stylus which features pen-on-paper sensitivity. Lenovo has even built in their own version of Siri, a voice-controlled digital assistant that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn from your habits, and some biometric-level security like we see on most flagship smartphones.
These transformer-like devices can go from business in the front to party in the back in seconds and it might be a viable direction to consider if you’re looking for ultra-portability and decent power considering the range. They are also excellent companions for graphic designers and illustrators.
Time to join the Legion
Okay, we know what you are thinking… Anonymous much? But still, the branding of this line looks on point, and Lenovo is taking on the portable gaming scene with enthusiasm.
The gaming segment starts with the new Lenovo Legion Y720 and Y520 Laptops – two gaming PCs designed for, well… gamers. Now to the part we know you are waiting for: the graphics capabilities on these bad boys. Most gamers know that a screen is only as good as the GPU driving it, and that’s why both of these portables are outfitted with up to the latest NVIDIA graphics cards and Intel’s latest 7th Gen Core™ i7 processors. They are also kitted with 16GB DDR4 RAM, which is decent, but we aren’t sure whether they can be expanded (one of the iffy features on gaming laptops).
High-quality screen resolution is something gamers are always looking out for, and the Y720 features a UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS anti-glare display. And, if you are looking for external monitors, Lenovo has also launched the 27-inch Lenovo Y27g Curved Gaming Monitors. Yes, they’ve thought of everything.
Soundwise the Y720 is equipped with Dolby Atmos speakers fitted to run on a Windows-based PC. They should deliver great sound quality both in-and-out of the headphone space. Another big-up to Lenovo for making the Legion range VR-ready so the kit should last long after all games are released in the AR space.
Another great feature is that the Y720 comes with the option of an integrated Xbox One Wireless receiver, and is able to support up to four controllers simultaneously so no-one feels left out.
Local pricing and availability
Lenovo has upped their game and it doesn’t matter whether you are anti-gaming laptops or only pro-console — this should be a great toy to have in your gaming arsenal. The Legion range will be available through Evetech and other selected gaming retailers. The Legion Y720 retails from R24,999, and the Legion Y520 is available starting at R13,999.
If you are more into the more-work-no-play category you can opt for the more adaptable Yoga range available from selected retailers from R8,999 for the Y520 to around R9,999 for the Yoga Y920. Find out where they are available here.
