Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 260 20FD001XGE Convertible Review

Communication

Intel's Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 including a Bluetooth 4.1 chip (without vPro) always ensured a reliable connection to the router in the test. It also functioned outstandingly outside the building; the connection did not break off at the 45 meter (~148 ft) measuring point (outdoors). Optionally, a Broadcom 802.11ac (2x2) with Bluetooth 4.1 Wi-Fi chip can be selected in Lenovo's store. This adds vPro, but then Intel's Wireless Display will no longer be available.

Although an RJ45 port is not installed due to the slim build, customers do not have to forgo cabled networks. Intel's I219-V Ethernet Connections is on board so that the Ethernet port in the docking station functions.

Security

The Yoga 260 is equipped with a Trusted Platform Module (dTPM), which contains a cryptographic key for uniquely identifying the computer. A SmartCard reader, fingerprint scanner and Kensington lock supplement the security in terms of hardware.

Accessories

In addition to the 45-watt power supply, a digital pen is included in the box and handwriting detection software is installed. The ThinkPad Pen Pro is the same size as a pen. Its 2048 pressure levels are to ensure accurate inputs. The WRITEit software turns handwriting in almost every text field into data input. For example, we could jot keywords directly in the browser URL bar and WRITEit converted them, providing word suggestions when illegible. The stylus is recharged automatically in its compartment in the tablet. It reaches a capacity of 80% within a few minutes for quick use; the rest needs much longer.

Docking Options

Native docking stations are still an important criterion for professional users. The USB 3.0 docks have not changed in the recent years. Usually they function well, but they have to convert all data, such as image, audio or Ethernet, into the USB protocol. This always requires a bit of performance on the fly, and thus manufacturer-specific docks that are docked to the hardware (without drivers) are still in fashion. Lenovo has favored the OneLink port for years. It is an extension of the power supply and corresponding docks are offered for it. This technology has also moved into parts of the budget class.

This is different in the current Yoga 260. It has a OneLink+ port separated from the power supply. A OneLink dock cannot be connected. It has to be the "ThinkPad OneLink+" docking station. It also supplies the laptop with power (dedicated 90-watt power supply). This docking station is a better choice than USB 3.0 solutions when using two external monitors. Users who do not need a docking station can use a single adapter; Lenovo has a VGA/RJ45 and mini-DP/VGA adapter in its lineup.

Warranty

Yoga 260 buyers can select from a set of different services. A two-year warranty (bring in) is included. The ThinkPlus ePac warranty upgrade to 3 years with battery replacement in case of defect costs 120 Euros (~$131). Users who need on-site repair in a worst case scenario can buy Lenovo's ePac On-Site repair. This service extension includes time and effort as well as spare parts with response on the next business day.

The screen size is 12.5 inches, and offers 1920x1080 pixels as a finger touchscreen. The panel with the model number N125HCE-GN1 (LEN40E6) is an IPS screen mounted on a 360 degree hinge. The resolution equates to 176 PPI. The pixel grid is still visible at a close distance. Lenovo is the only manufacturer besides Toshiba that sells touchscreens with anti-glare surfaces. However, this only applies to elite business devices like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch. An IPS HD version with 1366x768 pixels is also offered in Lenovo's shop (touchscreen).

The brightness in the screen's center reaches almost 400 cd/m², but the average is "only" 335 cd/m² because the surrounding area is darker. The brightness differences are not great; we measured an illumination of 84%, which is in a good midfield. The rivals are also within a range of almost 400 cd/m².

Theoretically, the i7-6500U (2x 2.50 GHz) has a Turbo of 3.1 GHz, at least on one core. We did not come close to this clock rate in the tests. 2.2 to 2.3 GHz is achieved in both the Cinebench tests as well as during the Prime95 CPU stress test (multi). Thus, the computing performance quickly drops below the nominal clock in permanent load. The i7-6500U (Skylake) lags 9% behind its i7-5600U (Broadwell) predecessor in the R15 test. The single-core tests are roughly on par. This is also true for the R11.5 and R10 tests with minor deviations.

System Noise

The Yoga 260 is a rather quiet device. The active cooling remains disabled most of the time while idling. The noise level is approximately low 36 dB(A) during load no matter if via stress test, processor benchmark or 3DMark. This is proportionately little for comparable devices with active cooling. Lenovo's Yoga 3 Pro is a hybrid in this regard - although it is based on a Core M, it has a fan.

The stress test continues what the above CPU benchmarks had already indicated: High thermal load causes the processor clock rate to throttle significantly. Load from the iGPU is added in the stress test, and the clock drops even further to 1.4 GHz. The iGPU is favored, i.e. although it does not fully utilize its full potential at just 850 MHz, it still comes close to its maximum. The clock recovers its normal level of 2.3 GHz within 5 seconds after the GPU part of the stress test is stopped, which is the same as in the CPU tests.

The waste heat produced on the surfaces in the stress test - see chart - are of course not applicable to routine use. They represent the top rates in a negative sense. Thus, users can potentially expect at most 43 degrees Celsius (~109 degrees Fahrenheit) in individual areas during load. The average is only 32 degrees Celsius (~90 degrees Fahrenheit). The Yoga 260 always remains acceptably cool. Unfortunately, we also know why: It is due to the CPU clock rate's massive throttling in the extreme stress test (1.4 GHz) as well as during simple CPU load (2.2 to 2.3 GHz). The casing only heats up slightly while idling despite the mostly inactive fan. We only measured 25 degrees Celsius (~77 degrees Fahrenheit) in selective areas at a room temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (average: 24 degrees Celsius/~72 degrees Fahrenheit; average 75 degrees Fahrenheit). These temperatures are virtually unnoticeable.

The speakers are situated above the keyboard with their opening toward the display. This reflects the sound waves slightly toward the user. The little speakers are not particularly strong. Mids are emphasized, but trebles and low-pitches are neglected. The sound is sufficient for background music while typing. Speech is very intelligible. At least the little membranes do not scratch at maximum volume. The pink noise at the side shows that only half the frequency bandwidth is rendered. This is typical for basic speakers in little laptops. Speech and music are sufficiently covered, but any differentiation beyond that goes by the boards. This results in a thin, vague sound impression (compared with stereo speakers, subwoofer laptops).

The microphone only does a satisfactory job. Unfortunately, the recorder in conjunction with the stereo microphone beside the webcam does not record static-free. A base noise not only remains, but the voice also clangs and it sometimes records a muffled distortion of speech no matter at what distance the user speaks. The distortions decrease the closer the speaker is to the laptop and the more he speaks directly into the microphone. Lenovo states a dual-digital array microphone with VoIP optimization. We find its outcome less than ideal.

Power Consumption

The 45-watt power supply always provides enough energy. The charger needs only two hours for fully recharging the Yoga 260's 44 Wh battery when idling. The power consumption is very low. 23 watts during peak load is very little for a 15-watt Skylake system. That would be exemplary if we did not know that throttling leads to a lower stress test power consumption than temporary normal load.

The battery life of almost six hours is useful, but not extraordinary. The EliteBook Revolve 810 G3 achieves 44% more with the same capacity in the Wi-Fi test (2:30 hours longer!). The idle power consumption does not look quite as bad. In relation to almost 16 hours (idle) and almost 6 hours (Wi-Fi), almost seven hours might be possible. Lenovo states up to 10 hours of runtime (MobileMark 2007, estimated maximum rate), but we cannot confirm that. Toshiba's Portégé Z20t steps out of line with its 72 Wh battery. The Core M easily achieves almost 13 hours in the Wi-Fi test with this lavish reserve.

The smallest version of the Yoga 260 already costs 1131 Euros (~$1234) in Lenovo's shop. It comes with an IPS HD panel (touch, matte), a Core i3 and a 128 GB SSD. The review sample is priced at 1480 Euros (~$1614) with higher configurations (16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) available. A device has to offer more than just the aura of legendary ThinkPad subnotebooks to justify these prices.

The Yoga 260 accepts the challenge and follows in the footsteps of Lenovo's ThinkPad X250 Ultrabook. The input devices are adopted 1:1, which is very positive. The rest of the 360 degree convertible's aura is a completely different one than that of the classic ThinkPad X250. Converting a laptop into a tablet is undoubtedly avant-garde in a meeting. The same is true for Tent Mode that allows making lovely presentations. However, the Yoga 260 becomes unique with its combination of matte touchscreen and stylus with pressure levels. Fill out a Web form via stylus, make side notes - the modern ThinkPad user can now do that productively.

Only the mediocre battery life restricts productivity somewhat. At least the battery is recharged fully within two hours. We like the bright, matte touchscreen. Besides that, the OneLink+ docking port adds multiple ports externally without needing the USB protocol and it even recharges the Yoga 260. The multiple configurations of low-end (i3, 4 GB, HD panel) up to high-end (i7, 512 GB, FHD panel) are typical business. The optional LTE module (M.2 not in review sample) and SIM card slot enable mobile data connections independent of a smartphone. Low emissions round off the package of a practical and light convertible.

There does not seem much to complain about. But then why is the rating "only" in the upper Good section (86%)? The Yoga 260 cannot outclass the "quasi-predecessor" ThinkPad X250 (87%) despite its multiple modes. We mostly disliked the breaking point in the bezel. As nice as it is to store and recharge the stylus here, the designers should have thought about a potential risk of breakage. The TFT's color reproduction is quite weak, but that can be remedied if not eliminated via calibration or using the installed color profiles. And then there is the issue of CPU throttling during just normal load. Why should the fastest 15-watt i7 be purchased if it cannot deliver what it promises?

In our opinion, HP's EliteBook Revolve 810 G3 with better runtimes and also very good input devices is a lucrative rival. It also has a docking port and LTE modem, but the very good IPS TFT only has an outdated HD resolution of 1366x768 pixels. The price of 2000 Euros (~$2181) is good but somewhat exaggerated. Then we would prefer the Portégé Z20t-B with a Full HD panel (AR coated!). The tablet with docking keyboard also costs 2000 Euros (~$2181).

Thus, Lenovo's Yoga 3 Pro (starts at 1100 Euros/~$1200) remains to be our favorite among the rivals in terms of price. It has a resolution of 3200x1800 pixels, but is glossy. It also lacks some business options, such as upgrade possibilities, docking and security. We have not finished testing Toshiba's Satellite Radius 12 P20W-C, but we can already say: The Radius 12 is a high-quality device with decent input devices that, however, lacks relevant professional features (maintenance, connectivity, security).

It is ultimately not a question of choice: The buyer or company either has 2000 Euros (~$2181) at their disposal, which would make the EliteBook Revolve 810 G3 or Portégé Z20t-B the matching device (almost) without compromise, or the Yoga 260 is a good choice when "only" 1000 to 1500 Euros (~$1090 to ~$1636) are in the budget. Its entry-level configuration is relatively affordable and features professional business qualities that HP and Fujitsu provide at approximately 2000 Euros (~$2181). Dell's Latitude 13 7350 with a Core M-5Y10 and FHD touchscreen for around 1400 Euros (~$1527) should not be forgotten. The long battery life of 8:42 hours (Wi-Fi test) is complemented by very good input devices, a superb FHD panel and a maintenance hatch. However, the device's stability is a shortcoming just like the comparatively weak computing performance.