Lenovo Android tablets coming down under in September

Better late than never, right? PC manufacturer Lenovo today announced that its first range of Android-powered tablets, the IdeaPad Tablet K1 and the ThinkPad Tablet, will both be available in Australia from September.

The IdeaPad Tablet K1 is aimed directly at consumers

Lenovo says the IdeaPad Tablet K1 is aimed directly at consumers, during business and corporate clients will be better suited to the ThinkPad Tablet. But, both tablets run the latest Google Android 'Honeycomb' 3.1 operating system, and possess similar specifications.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet, the company's "business model", has nearly identical specifications to the IdeaPad Tablet K1, nevertheless possesses a slightly thicker design that intends to mirror the company's ThinkPad range of business notebooks. The main differences in design surround the squarer, sharper edges, and the physical keys below the display. The ThinkPad Tablet as well has a full-size USB port, and a full-size SD card slot, neither of which are features of the IdeaPad Tablet K1.

"Lenovo Tablets will change computing as we know it, bringing a more personalised device to consumers and to commercial clients, a device that enables business and doesn't restrict it," said Alan Munro, vice president and managing director, Lenovo Australia and New Zealand. "It has built-in security, manageability and flexibility. We don't believe in a 'one size fits all' device, Lenovo is committed to developing tailored solutions that can be configured to users' needs." "We've created a family of tablets that has something for everyone; from entertainment-friendly features and content for consumers, to business-friendly features to enhance productivity and maximise security and manageability for professionals. We have listened to our clients and are delivering Android tablets designed to meet their particular needs."

The business-orientated Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet includes anti-theft software and the ability to disable the tablet if the device is lost or stolen, along with SD card encryption. Both the IdeaPad Tablet K1 and the ThinkPad Tablet come with 2GB of free cloud storage. The Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 comes in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G options in 16GB and 32GB sizes, starting at $569 for the entry level 16GB Wi-Fi only model. It costs $709 for the 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model, $679 for the 32GB Wi-Fi only model and $809 for the top of the range 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G model. Lenovo sells a 64GB model of the tablet in overseas markets, nevertheless will not offer this larger capacity model in Australia.