​Lenovo is rolling out a host of new machines at the huge consumer trade show in Berlin this week, calling the lineup a “Holiday Makeover” for buyers. Among the latest is what is being called a “clone” of Microsoft’s Surface – the Lenovo MIIX 700, complete with kickstand.

News website Engadget declares the MIIX the “Surface killer.”

Plus, Lenovo is embracing Intel’s new Skylake chips. Unveiled Tuesday, the microprocessors are not only faster at booting up Windows but also could revive the PC industry’s lagging sales, says Intel. Hundreds of laptops and desktops will have the new chips starting this fall.

“Lenovo debuts a dozen PCs with Skylake, from ThinkCentre Tiny to huge AiOs [all-in-ones],” reported PC World. “This means fresh new choices for consumers and small businesses, in a wide variety of form factors.”

In addition to Yoga tablets, Lenovo launched new an updated “Tiny,” a mini-desktop PC designed to save space without compromising performance.

Lenovo, which recently toppled Apple from the No. 1 spot globally in combined PC-tablet sales and leads in computer shipments, is banking heavily on tablets such as its Yoga line and the new MIIX to help increase sales. While Lenovo has expanded its market share, the entire PC business is suffering a slowdown, and it is cutting its global work force by 7 percent or 3,200 jobs.

A big audience and lots of media attention are guaranteed for Lenovo’s refreshed product line at Berlin. The IFA show is one of the world’s largest such tech gatherings. It opens to the public on Friday, and more than a quarter of a million people are expected to attend.

Lenovo is just one of 1,500 companies presenting, but the company which operates its global executive headquarters in Morrisville, is already generating headlines with a host of product announcements.

After a quick review of the MIIX 700, tech news site Verge noted:

“Designed with Windows 10 in mind, the MIIX 700 is a 12-inch tablet with an adjustable kickstand at the rear. That all sounds similar to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3, and if you look at the Miix 700 then you’ll see the similarities aren’t minor.”

Declares Engadget in its review: “[I]t’s a pretty decent tablet on its own; and it has a well-built keyboard accessory that snaps on with a strong magnet. Even a Lenovo rep acknowledged that it was ‘inspired’ by the Surface. But just because it looks familiar doesn’t mean it’s not a worthy convertible entry.”

The MIIX is part of the Ideapad lineup.

It’s a “12-inch tablet with keyboard folio is designed to stand out from the party crowd. Recognizably different, the 2-in-1 tablet is powered by up to a new 6th Gen Intel Core m7 processor and features dual watchband hinges, opening the door for new and disruptive ways to work and play with seamless transition between laptop, stand and tablet mode – ideal for those who value stylish and progressive design,” Lenovo declares.

The MIIX will be available in November at a cost of $699.

Intel’s RealSense Camera is available as an option. RealSense offers 3-D capabilities as well as what Intel calls “professional” level photography.

“For more than 20 years with over 100 million ThinkPad and countless desktop units sold, Think products have continued to lead innovation for the benefit of customers. A new generation of decision makers is emerging seeking cutting edge technology,” said Tom Shell, senior vice president PC Business Group for Lenovo. “The latest innovations in ThinkPad Yoga and ThinkCentre Tiny further demonstrate Lenovo’s ability and commitment in staying ahead of the curve and transforming the way an emerging workforce will maintain a competitive edge.”

Other new machines include:

  • The ideacentr AIO 700 is available with 24-inch and 27-inch screens and optional Intel RealSense Camera. The 24-inch desktop starts at $899, available in October, 2015.
  • The ideapad 300 is available with 14-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch screens. The 14-inch laptop starts at $399, available in October, 2015.
  • The ideapad 500 is available with 14-inch and 15-inch screens (with optional Intel RealSense Camera on the 15-inch laptop). The 14-inch laptop starts at $499, available in October, 2015.
  • The ideapad 100S is available with 11-inch and 14-inch screens. The 11-inch laptop starts at $179, available in October, 2015.
  • The ideapad 300S is available with 11-inch and 14-inch screens. The 11-inch laptop starts at $249, available in October, 2015.
  • The ideapad 500S is available with 13-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch screens. The 13-inch laptop starts at $499, available in October, 2015.

For more about these machines and others, see:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2978260/computers/lenovo-debuts-a-dozen-pcs-with-skylake-from-thinkcentre-tiny-to-huge-aios.html