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Thankfully Lenovo resisted the urge to equip the ThinkPad Yoga 260 with Intel's Core M processor, the chip of the moment in 13-inch and smaller laptops – including the new business-focused Dell Latitude 13 7000.
The firm instead opted for Intel's more capable Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 sixth-generation Skylake processors, which are better equipped to handle the average business professional's demands – from modern apps to legacy software and everything in-between.
However, those full-fat CPUs mean that Lenovo struggled to keep the 260 compact. It measures 31 x 22 x 1.78cm (W x D x H – 12.2 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches), which can't match the XPS 13's 30.4 x 20 x 1.5cm (11.9 x 7.87 x 0.59 inches).
It's also bested by the HP EliteBook 1020's measurements of 31 x 21 x 1.57cm (12.2 x 8.27 x 0.62 inches). Another device with an InfinityEdge display, the XPS 12 is the most compact of them all, measuring 29.1 x 19.2 x 0.8cm (11.46 x 7.6 x 0.31 inches).
As for weight, the Yoga 260 tips the scales at 2.9 pounds (1.32kg), making it heavier than the 2.8 pounds (1.27kg) of the XPS 12 and the same as the XPS 13. The 260 is noticeably heavier than the 2.2-pound (1kg) HP EliteBook Folio 1020.
Here is the the configuration of the ThinkPad Yoga 260 sent to techradar for review:
Spec sheet
- CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U (4MB cache, Turbo Boost up to 3.10GHz)
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
- RAM: 8GB
- Screen: 12.5-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS, multi-touch
- Storage: 512GB SSD (SATA3)
- Ports: 2 USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, HDMI, OneLink+, microSD
- Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8260, Bluetooth 4.1
- Camera: 720p HD webcam
- Microphone: Dual digital-array microphone with VoIP enhancement
- Speakers: Stereo speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio
- Battery: 44Wh 4-cell, Li-Polymer
- Weight: 1.3kg
- Size: 31 x 22 x 1.78cm
As mentioned before, the ThinkPad Yoga 260 is highly configurable and can be ordered with hardware such as a Core i3, i5 or i7 processor, 1080p display and up to 16GB of RAM as well as Windows 10 Pro 64-bit.
Windows 7 Professional 64 is offered as a pre-installed downgrade option, accessible within Windows 10.
The 260 is also available with a range of solid-state drive (SSD) options, all the way from a standard 128GB SATA 3 drive all the way up to a faster 512GB PCIe-NVMe SSD, which ramps up the overall cost.
Additional extras include various Microsoft Office, Adobe and McAfee subscriptions, and an optional smart card reader for physical authentication scenarios.
Unlike competing devices, such as the Dell XPS 12, Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro, the Yoga 260 is included with a free stylus. It's Wacom-branded and handily slots into the side of the machine for transportation and charging.
Ports and connectivity
You'll never catch a business laptop with a single USB-C port (at least yet), and the Yoga 260 has a sensible selection of connectivity options.
They include two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, mini DisplayPort and an SD card slot.
The number of ports can be extended using Lenovo's proprietary OneLink+ dock that allows one of Lenovo's docking stations to be connected to add USB, Gigabit Ethernet and extra display ports while charging the battery.
The Yoga places its power and volume buttons on the right-hand side, which is designed to help you locate them when the device is used in tablet mode.
Inside the machine is Intel's Dual Band Wireless AC8260 for Wi-Fi, and all configurations come with support for NFC. There's also a SIM slot for an adapter, but a card wasn't provided with my test sample.
Security options include a fingerprint reader and TPM 2.0 as standard, and you can get a full-sized smart card reader for a measly £14 (US$20 or AU$32).
Bundled apps
- Wacom Pen: Save and restore your Wacom settings across devices
- Lenovo WriteIt: Can convert handwriting to data in nearly any text field
- Lenovo Companion: Keeps your system up-to-date with firmware straight from Lenovo
- Lenovo ID: Grants access to exclusive features from Lenovo and its partners
- Lenovo Settings: The firm's custom hardware settings toggles for Lenovo computers
- Microsoft Office (Trial): A 30-day free period to try out Office 2016
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