I was recently researching some features on Lenovo’s latest Windows 8 tablets – the ThinkPad Tablet 2 and the ThinkPad Helix – and was shocked to see that the pricing listed appeared to be in some cases less than our cost!
The devil is in the detail of course!
It turns out that what Lenovo offer via the website direct are “consumer” models. What’s the difference?
Lenovo Website:
There are two main differences – Lenovo vs Tablet PC:
- Windows 8 vs. Windows 8 Pro
- 1 Year Warranty vs. 3 Year Business Warranty
For businesses, Windows 8 Pro allows you to connect to your company network. Windows 8 does not allow this. Also, since business users don’t often buy a new PC every year a 3 year warranty is essential.
So two get the same model from Lenovo direct, you need:
- Windows 8 Pro Pack to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro – Obtained from Microsoft – $249.00
- ThinkPad Warranty Upgrade via the Lenovo Store – $265 Inc GST.
So to get the same unit as ours costs $2653, but according to the Lenovo website it won’t be dispatched for another 2-3 weeks.
Our model is ready to go today for our web price at $2549 Inc GST.
However, if you call us today or order online today you can have a shiny new Helix tomorrow!
From the Microsoft Website:
I know that this detail has tripped up others too, so hopefully we can save you the trouble too!
