Lenovo Sees Windows-Based Tablet Size Popularity Differ Globally

The picture for Lenovo tablet hardware around the world is a mixed one. Despite reports last week initially from ITworld that Lenovo had stopped selling small screen tablets in the American market, the reality is not quite so simple.

Correcting Misunderstandings

Lenovo spokesman, Raymond Gorman, gave several quotes over email about the state of the Windows tablet market. These comments were largely interpreted incorrectly to understand that Lenovo was pulling out all smaller size tablets from the US market and only selling 10-inch and larger tablets in the future.

In fact, their Lenovo Miix 8-inch tablet has completely sold out in the US market. However, the demand for the expensive ThinkPad 8 tablet has been lower and stocks of this business-focused model have been redirected to other markets. Lenovo plan to continue to offer the Miix 8-inch model Windows tablet in the American market.

The Lenovo spokesperson did state that market performance would continue to be monitored in the United States and so the Lenovo ThinkPad 8 could return later if interest picked up. Demand for the ThinkPad 8 tablets have been stronger in Asian markets like China and Japan, and also over in Brazil.

Lenovo Surface Mini

The fate of the Lenovo Surface Mini, a smaller tablet from Lenovo that was in development, is still up in the air. However, given the continued interest in 8-inch Windows tablets globally, development may continue.

Peter Han, VP of Worldwide OEM marketing for Microsoft, confirmed last week that they are working with several hardware partners to launch new 8-inch Windows tablets for the holiday season later in the year, including with Lenovo.

Reduced Hardware Requirements

Back in 2013, Microsoft saw a demand for the 8-inch form factor for Windows tablets. However, the demanding specification of the hardware was holding back new tablet developments from hardware partners. In order to resolve this, Microsoft cut back their hardware specifications on smaller tablets in order to qualify to install a version of their Windows tablet software.

8-Inch Windows Tablet Useful For Business?

This action has helped increase market interest in the smaller form factor overall.

An iPad mini may be used mostly for light surfing and consuming entertainment, but buyers of an 8-inch Windows tablet may want a tablet for work tasks as well.

It still remains to be seen how useful an 8-inch form factor will be with a Windows-specific tablet.