Lenovo Miix 510

Can Lenovo’s latest take the fight to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4?

The 2-in-1 tablet hybrid is no longer a novelty. The market is flooded with devices with detachable keyboards that offer up Windows 10’s capabilities as a tablet and desktop OS, including Microsoft’s own Surface range.

While the new Surface Pro is Microsoft’s latest, the Miix 510 is more akin to the Surface Pro 4 or Acer’s Switch Alpha 12.

The Miix 510 is equipped with a latest-gen Kaby Lake version of the Intel Core i5 and a strong central pairing of 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. There are cheaper variants, but this is the one to go for in our book.

The Miix design language centres around two watchband-style hinges that give you more control and flexibility than the Microsoft Surface when it comes to the angle of the kickstand and therefore the screen. Another plus is that the keyboard cover is included with the device – unless you nab a deal you don’t get that with the Surface Pro.

Like previous models, the Miix 510 comes with an active pen. Pens have more functionality these days thanks to the new Windows Ink feature in Windows 10, and they’re an essential add-on for any tablet that takes itself seriously. Lenovo’s stylus doesn’t attach to the device via a magnet, although there is a pen loop on the included slipcase.

Price and availability

There’s an Intel Core i3 variant of the Miix 510 for £750 ($599), which has half the amount of memory and storage as well. The Core i3 version will be fine for most basic tasks, but if you’re looking at any kind of photo or video editing we’d recommend the Core i5. At the time of writing, you’re looking at £849 ($669) for this device.

The Surface Pro 4 has come down in price, but for a model with similar spec to the Miix 510 you can expect to pay around £899 ($729), a significant premium, especially when you factor in the cost of the Type Cover keyboard as well.