We take a closer look at the Lenovo Miix 510, a very capable 2-in-1 convertible

Lenovo is one of the few companies that has opted to innovate in the PC world. For this he has mixed the world of tablets and laptops. The latest example is its Lenovo Miix 510, a mid-range convertible or 2-in-1 that acts like a tablet with laptop aspirations. A solution to work and to enjoy leisure anywhere thanks to its 12.2-inch screen and its magnetic dockable keyboard .

Lenovo has come up with different configurations, but this magnetic keyboard tablet can incorporate a 6th generation Intel i7 processor . And it can also be accompanied by up to 8 GB of RAM. Qualities that give sufficient power to work with documents and programs of any kind. Of course, not for the most demanding games on the market. But what catches the eye is the accompaniment of a Wacom signed active pen to draw, write or take notes of whatever comfortably and accurately. We have tested it, and here we tell you our impressions.

As a painting easel ...

2-in-1 convertibles are here to stay, and Lenovo knows that well. This Miix 510 is what the user wants it to be. As a tablet it can be somewhat heavy and robust due to its measurements 300 x 205 x 9.9 and its 900 grams of weight . It is not very ergonomic to carry in the hand, or to read or play for several hours. Of course, in this mode, Lenovo has inserted a hinge in the middle of its back to support it like a painting easel. This is how you enjoy the content, without having to carry it with you all the time.

How could it be otherwise, this hinge comes with the Lenovo signature. It is the now classic watch chain made up, in this case, of 280 shiny and resistant pieces. The result is that this flap can be rotated up to 150 degrees to achieve any tilt on the screen. Something that makes it very comfortable in any circumstance. Of course, the posture is maintained if too much pressure is not exerted on the screen. Therefore, it is more useful when this Miix 510 is used as a traditional computer. A 2-in-1 more practical as a laptop than a tablet.

As a laptop ...

But it is in its portable format that we have enjoyed it the most. In fact, this is how these letters are being written. It is comfortable to wear when folded (casing mode). But also when it is displayed and written on it. And that has a lot to do with its case-keyboard. In addition to having a 1.5mm travel to simulate a bubblegum keyboard, it has wide buttons. With a little practice it is not only effective, but you can write really fast . But the key is in the fold next to its magnet. And it is that this silhouette allows you to tilt the keyboard so as not to write completely flat. Something that offers us a lot of comfort in long hours in front of the computer.

In this case, as a laptop, the Lenovo Miix 510 reaches a weight of 1.25 kg, and it only gains a few millimeters. All this serving as a protective case for the screen. This is how comfortable and useful this 2-in-1 device is really useful. By the way, the keyboard is backlit , although this function can be switched on and off as desired by pressing the key combination Fn + space bar. Its magnetism is really powerful, as much as to attach the active pencil that this set includes.

Powerful as a computer

The data sheet of this Lenovo Miix 510 makes it really useful for office or classroom consumption. And it is capable of handling text documents, web pages, basic editing programs and even some games without problems. Our regular editorial work is solved without difficulties or delays . Also, the use of its 256GB SSD hard drive makes it very capable for storage and instant use. In about 10 seconds this convertible goes from total shutdown to full start-up.

Lenovo Miix 510

In our test unit we have, specifically, a dual-core Intel Core i5-7200U processor. These run at 2.50 GHz and 2.71 GHz, more than enough for any regular work with a computer. Even with multiple browser tabs, PDF files, and other programs open. Also in the use of the multiscreen. Of course, its 8GB of RAM also helps make this all work really smoothly. The graphics card is not far behind with an Intel HD Graphics 620. Something that reminds us that it is not a device for playing the latest titles in the market, but solvent with any program editing photo and video .

It is Lenovo's mid-range 2-in-1 PC, and in our tests it has been more than enough for an average office or class job. The only problem is that constant and demanding work activates the device's ventilation system , which can be somewhat annoying due to its sound. But never more than a laptop to use.

Saturated screen but not for outdoors

If we look at the screen of the Lenovo Miix 510 we find a 12.2-inch panel. It is capable of displaying a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, or what is the same, Full HD +. The result is a sharp, well-saturated image. With a lot of brightness, although it is detracted by its coating, which produces reflections outdoors in direct light. The tactile response is very correct and allows the jump between keyboard and screen without problems. A basic requirement for a 2-in-1 device that Lenovo complies with. By the way, the size of the toolbars of the programs and the configuration of icons and other elements is acceptable. Although it looks smaller than a normal laptop, it is functional and comfortable.

If we look at the multimedia section of the Lenovo Miix 510 we find two cameras. The rear 5 megapixel with automatic focus, and the front 2 megapixel with fixed focus. One front and one back. They are compliant to make video calls, but without bragging about the details. Yes we were pleasantly surprised by its stereo speakers. These produce Dolby Audio quality sound, but the best part is that they are powerful and do not distort the sound. They prevent reverb and canned sound from other similar devices. A point in favor to enjoy movies and series in your tablet mode.

A convertible for artists

Lenovo includes a very useful tool in the Miix 510 package. At least for brush and handwriting fans. This is an active stylus or digital pen . A kind of pen that does not require a battery and includes several interesting features.

On one side is its sensitive tip. It is slightly retractable, and this function allows you to detect different pressure levels in use. In the end this translates into realistic strokes on the Miix 510 screen, with different thickness depending on pressure or speed . The results are realistic depending on the application used and the type of brush chosen. In addition, this pen is precise and very capable for those who have notions of painting or prefer to write by hand.

On the other hand are its two buttons . The Wacom software included in the Miix 510 allows you to calibrate the active pen and configure its buttons. In this way they can be used to go back in the browser, to display a contextual menu, or for any other function that is activated. Something that allows you to interact without the need for a keyboard and mouse in drawing or note applications.

Windows 10, upgradeable

Of course, Lenovo has thought of a device with a professional side. Either so that a worker can continue to hit the key outside the office. Or for a student to do work on the way to class. It is logical, therefore, that you have included the Windows 10 operating system as standard in the Lenovo Miix 510 .

Of course, in its home version: Windows 10 Home 64. More than enough to house the Windows store with thousands of applications and games. Or being compatible with all current programs for editing documents, photos, videos and others. This 2-in-1 even comes with the desktop version of Microsoft Office , which you can start working with right out of the box. Although it is a trial version that needs activation.

By the way, although our test model of the Lenovo Miix 510 came with Windows 10 as standard, we have been able to update it to the new version. The well-known Creative Update integrates some interesting novelties such as the new Paint 3D. Something that gets more out of thanks to the Lenovo Active Pen.

Without abusing Lenovo apps

If we look at the programs that Lenovo has included, we find a small selection of doubtful utility. These are the Lenovo ID, Settings, Lenovo Companion, and Lenovo App Explorer apps . With the first it is possible to keep the user account of the Lenovo program always active to use the rest of the tools. The others offer some solutions in the field of configuration (battery, behavior of the apps, etc.). Elements that reiterate what Windows 10 already does per se. Useful, perhaps, for those who are new to Windows 10 and want to have all these settings localized. Lenovo App Explorer, for its part, acts like the Windows Store itself, but with its own recommendations for applications and games. Nothing that is going to stand out especially or that will solve user problems.

An autonomy at the height of the circumstances

Its technical file is complete and capable. But it has a but in the field of autonomy. Of course, always attending to this point as a concept extremely relative to the use of each person. According to Lenovo figures, your Miix 510 is capable of handling about 8 hours of video playback. In our experience this time is somewhat shorter. The 8 hours are fulfilled with a fairly basic work rate (text editing), and in saving mode. Without excesses. However, if we alternate with functions such as streaming playback, those times are reduced by a couple of hours more.

Therefore, this autonomy of about 6 hours of light work makes the Lenovo Miix 510 a travel tool.  Easy to transport, just as it was designed. It is not a substitute for a laptop, nor is it as portable as an average tablet. And this logic also affects its battery, which is halfway between both types of devices. Ideal for trips and trips, but not for work days. Or for intensive work.

Just connections

In the field of connectivity, it is difficult to ask for more from the Lenovo Miix 510. Of course, it has 802.11 ac WiFi. It also has a dual antenna for data or LTE , that is, high speed through SIM card. There is also Bluetooth 4.0, a USB 3.0 type A and another type C port (the reversible one), and a combined audio jack.

With this we have the option to charge devices, connect a hard drive or a pendrive, or even connect the mobile phone by cable to transfer files. Of course, if a mouse is connected to use (USB type A), only the USB type C port remains free, with no option to connect other devices. Although given the mission of this Miix 510, it is difficult for all these requirements to match at once. In any case, Lenovo meets any need, but one at a time .

Conclusions

After using the Lenovo Miix 510 we are clear about the potential of this convertible market. And it is a tablet that has grown . An even more portable ultrabook but with an important nod to tablets. Of course, in our case we have barely made use of its format without a keyboard. And it is that its drawing easel format has stolen only several hours without typing. All this thanks to its active pencil.

It is a powerful device for editing tasks. Any user with the need to surf the Internet, create documents of almost any type or manage programs with Windows can do so on this Miix 510. And quite comfortably, this being the key point. And it is that the inclination of its keyboard and the depth of its keys make us almost forget that it is not a real laptop. He is solvent and capable.

Now, its price of 700 euros can make the user think twice about getting this device. A full ultrabook can be found with a little more capacity for the same value. Thus, it is the 2-in-1 concept of the Lenovo Miix 510 that must be balanced when making the disbursement.

The biggest drawbacks that we find in this 2 in 1 are its tight autonomy and the protection of its screen . The latter causes reflections and direct light to prevent the correct viewing of the contents outdoors.