Though it’s a little early to expect the Lenovo acquisition of IBM’s PC business to have any effect on product directions, hardware watchers will be interested to see the first Lenovo offering is a ThinkPad tablet.

But any hopes of a change in price point, can now safely be consigned to idle fantasies as the $3,749 (RRP) starting price sit squarely in the IBM range.

The ThinkPad X41 Tablet weighs in at a bantam class 1.61kg, is still a little thick at 29mm, but for a convertible that’s to be expected. The six hour battery life (with the optional 8-cell battery) is likely to attract some cashed up execs.

The company says the 1.6 kilos makes the X41 nearly 20 percent lighter than its closest competitor, while the battery life is said to be industry beating too. The X41 Tablet is available with the Intel Pentium M Low Volt or Ultra Low Volt processors for longer battery life, Intel 915GM chipset, up to 1.5 GB of PC2-4200 DDR2 memory, and robust graphics capabilities through the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900. 

With the ultra low voltage CPU and the right battery config the tablet should deliver all day computing. Combining the Extended Life Battery with the optional 8-cell system battery offers up to 8.5 hours.

There’s a range of security hardware including a fingerprint reader and Embedded Security Subsystem with integrated security chip and Client Security Software.

Of course the Tablet comes with an array of accessories, such as the ThinkPad X4 Dock, which provides the same functionality as the ThinkPad X4 Ultrabase Dock in a stationary form factor. The new dock includes 3 USB 2.0 ports, legacy ports, Ultrabay Slim device bay, 56W AC adapter and integrated key lock and cable lock slot for added security. Price is $329 (RRP).

The 8-cell Li-Ion battery is $239 (RRP), while a condom for the tablet, dubbed the ThinkPad X41 Tablet Sleeve, is .4mm thick and is priced at $69 (RRP).