I'm testing the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet (Android)

I've owned a number of ThinkPad laptops and convertible tablet PCs running Windows. I'm now testing the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet running Google Android as its operating system. I've only had this tablet for a few hours, so these are my initial impressions so far.

This is a business tablet and so it's built with features that are important to business users.

The ThinkPad runs Android 3 (Honeycomb) which is optimized for tablets and includes touch-based navigation for all the buttons. The ThinkPad also has hardware buttons.

Unlike most Android tablets, the ThinkPad Tablet also has the ability to work with an active digitizer pen. That was one of the most appealing features to me since I'm so accustomed to pen-based computing. You have to buy the Stylus pen separately and it uses the N-Trig Duo Sense so that you can use the pen and switch to touch-based input.

Here are a few other distinguishing features:

• Full-size USB port (you won't find this on any other Android tablet)
• SD card slot (instead of a micro SD card slot)
• Mini HDMI slot
• An optional keyboard folio case that includes a built-in pointer mouse (you won't find this on most tablets)

I'm still getting used to the idea of using a mouse an an Android tablet. If you're new to tablet computing, the ThinkPad Tablet could be an easier way to transition to the world of touch-based computing. I'll continue to review this device and will write more as I take this for a spin.