Lenovo unveils its first 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet

Lenovo is launching its Miix 2, a first Windows 8.1 device this month. It's one of the latest tablets to use Intel's quad-core Atom Z3740 SoC processor clocked at 1.8 Ghz with 2GB RAM and 32 GB of storage. The Miix 2 include an 8-inch HD display screen running at 1280 x 800 resolution with multi-touch and 178 degree wide viewing angel; 16:10 widescreen IPS.

The tablet will also feature a microSD card slot allowing up to an additional 32 GB of storage, Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, 3G-GPS3 connectivity in selected countries, and a battery promising up to seven hours on a single charge. By taking the advantage of much improved Windows 8.1 support for smaller displays, the company should have a winner on its hands.

Lenovo includes an optional stylus and a detachable cover that makes it look a lot like Apple's iPad mini at first glance. The tablet equipped with a 5-megapixel camera at the rear and a 2-megapixel one at the front.

The Miix 2 comes with pre-installed Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013. It's not perfect for small screen display as Microsoft has still not created a Modern UI version of the office suite. Creating and editing documents using the desktop programs may prove to be laborious on such a small screen. However, it may be useful for some.

Lenovo's Miix 2 is a light weight (weighs only 350g) and is 8.35mm thick so it compares well to its small Windows-based competitors. A 32GB version will debut for $299 and a 64GB will cost $349. The optional cover with stylus pen is expected to retail at $20.

Up to 7 hours long battery life and low price makes it a great value tablet and consumers should take a look when it is released later this month.