Lenovo Refurbished Thinkpad 2-in-1 Yoga Core i5 Convertible Touchscreen 12.5Inch 500GB HDD 8GB Ram - Black (Grade A)

Refurbished Thinkpad Yoga Core i5 Convertible Touchscreen 12.5Inch 500GB HDD 8GB Ram-Black

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.

Case

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 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.

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  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.

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.