Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Cracking Open the Lenovo IdeaPad K1

1 of 68 NEXT PREV
  • 6289382.jpg

    The Lenovo IdeaPad K1 is the company's consumer-focused tablet. The 10.1" Android tablet has a dual-core processor, two cameras, and comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. Follow along as I crack open the IdeaPad K1 for a look at the hardware inside.

    For an in-depth analysis of the Lenovo IdeaPad K1's internal hardware, check out my post, "Lenovo IdeaPad K1 teardown: Easy to open, not so easy to service".

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289383.jpg

    According to Lenovo's documentation, the IdeaPad K1 is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. But as of this writing, only the 32GB model ($499.99 US) is available for purchase on Lenevo's site. The current versions support Wi-Fi, but there's room in the case and on the motherboard for a 3G card.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289384.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289385.jpg

    A power adapter, USB connector cable, and product documentation are included with the IdeaPad K1.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289386.jpg

    The Lenovo IdeaPad K1 weighs 1.65 lbs. and measures 10.4" (W) x 7.4" (H) x 0.5" (D). Unlike some Android tablets, the IdeaPad K1 has a physical Home button.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289387.jpg

    The removalable back cover has a textured surface. This makes the IdeaPad K1 less likely to slip out of your hands than a device with a slick back.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289388.jpg

    Along the IdeaPad K1's left edge are the built-in microphone, power button, volume controls, screen rotation lock switch, and microSD card slot.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289389.jpg

    Along the IdeaPad K1's bottom edge are the Mini HDMI port, 3.5mm audio jack, and connector port.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289390.jpg

    Using a thin metal blade, I popped loose the IdeaPad K1's plastic back cover.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289391.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289392.jpg

    With the back cover removed, we get our first look at the internal hardware the powers the Lenovo IdeaPad K1. As with most of the tablets I've disassembled, the battery occupies much of the space inside the K1's case.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289393.jpg

    The replaceable battery is held in place with four Phillips screws.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289394.jpg

    One of the battery screws is hidden under a pair of ribbon cables and a piece of tape.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289395.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289396.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289397.jpg

    Before removing any other internal components, I wanted to remove the metal rim that surround most of the IdeaPad K1's outer edge. The rim is held to the front panel assembly with several Phillips screws.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289398.jpg

    With the screws removed, I used a plastic spudger to pop the rim loose from the front panel assembly. I was very careful not to damage the assembly, LCD, or any other components when doing this.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289399.jpg

    A metal rim surrounds most of the IdeaPad K1's back edge. Once I removed the screws that held it in place, I was able to gently pry it loose from the front panel assembly.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289400.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289401.jpg

    After removing the metal rim, I turned by attention to the many printed circuit boards (PCBs) inside the IdeaPad K1. This PCB contains the device's left-side controls and internal microphone.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289402.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289403.jpg

    The internal microphone, power button, volume up/down buttons, and screen rotation lock switch are all located on this small circuit board.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289404.jpg

    As with the IdeaPad K1's left-side controller circuit board, the microSD card reader is mounted to a separate PCB.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289405.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289406.jpg

    The speakers are held in place by the rubber cushions that surround them.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289407.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289408.jpg

    The IdeaPad K's 2MP front-facing camera is held to the front-panel assembly with a single Phillips screw.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289409.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289410.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289411.jpg

    Before removing the IdeaPad K1's motherboard, I detached all the remaining ribbon cables and connectors.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289412.jpg

    The IdeaPad K1's motherboard is held to the front-panel assembly with several Phillips screws.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289413.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289414.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289415.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289416.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289417.jpg

    The IdeaPad K1's physical Home button is also a separate component.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289418.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289419.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289420.jpg

    After removing the motherboard and most other internal components, I stopped dissecting the front panel assembly. The IdeaPad K1's is held to the front panel (digitizer) with several screws and likely adhesive. There are also several pieces of thin metal foil that are glued to the back of the LCD and assembly. Removing the LCD from the assembly would likely require me to remove and damage these piece of foil.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289421.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289422.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289423.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289424.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289425.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289426.jpg

    The Mini HDMI port and 3.5mm audio jack are mounted on their own circuit board, which is held to the motherboar with Phillips screws.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289427.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289428.jpg

    The IdeaPad K1's 5MP rear-facing camera is held to the motherboard by its connector and a piece of tape.

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289429.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289430.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289431.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289432.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289433.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289434.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289435.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289436.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289437.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289438.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289439.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289440.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289441.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289442.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289443.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289444.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289445.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289446.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289447.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289448.jpg

    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • 6289449.jpg

    The Lenovo IdeaPad K1 wasn't difficult to disassemble, but would-be K1 service people should know the following:

    • The battery can be replaced, but at least one of the screws is hidden under a pair of ribbon cables and a piece of tape.
    • The outer metal bezel should be removed before removing the motherboard.
    • Most of the internal components (card readers, ports/jacks, buttons, etc.) are mounted to separate PCBs. The PCBs are easy to remove, but held in place with lots of screws.
    • Separating the digitizer (front panel) from the LCD display requires removing (and likely damaging) several pieces of thin metal foil.
    Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

1 of 68 NEXT PREV
Bill Detwiler

By Bill Detwiler | September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • 6289382.jpg
  • 6289383.jpg
  • 6289384.jpg
  • 6289385.jpg
  • 6289386.jpg
  • 6289387.jpg
  • 6289388.jpg
  • 6289389.jpg
  • 6289390.jpg
  • 6289391.jpg
  • 6289392.jpg
  • 6289393.jpg
  • 6289394.jpg
  • 6289395.jpg
  • 6289396.jpg
  • 6289397.jpg
  • 6289398.jpg
  • 6289399.jpg
  • 6289400.jpg
  • 6289401.jpg
  • 6289402.jpg
  • 6289403.jpg
  • 6289404.jpg
  • 6289405.jpg
  • 6289406.jpg
  • 6289407.jpg
  • 6289408.jpg
  • 6289409.jpg
  • 6289410.jpg
  • 6289411.jpg
  • 6289412.jpg
  • 6289413.jpg
  • 6289414.jpg
  • 6289415.jpg
  • 6289416.jpg
  • 6289417.jpg
  • 6289418.jpg
  • 6289419.jpg
  • 6289420.jpg
  • 6289421.jpg
  • 6289422.jpg
  • 6289423.jpg
  • 6289424.jpg
  • 6289425.jpg
  • 6289426.jpg
  • 6289427.jpg
  • 6289428.jpg
  • 6289429.jpg
  • 6289430.jpg
  • 6289431.jpg
  • 6289432.jpg
  • 6289433.jpg
  • 6289434.jpg
  • 6289435.jpg
  • 6289436.jpg
  • 6289437.jpg
  • 6289438.jpg
  • 6289439.jpg
  • 6289440.jpg
  • 6289441.jpg
  • 6289442.jpg
  • 6289443.jpg
  • 6289444.jpg
  • 6289445.jpg
  • 6289446.jpg
  • 6289447.jpg
  • 6289448.jpg
  • 6289449.jpg

Bill Detwiler cracks open the Lenovo IdeaPad K1. Inside this Android tablet, he found hardware from NVidia, Elpida, Toshiba, and Broadcom.

Read More Read Less

The Lenovo IdeaPad K1 is the company's consumer-focused tablet. The 10.1" Android tablet has a dual-core processor, two cameras, and comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. Follow along as I crack open the IdeaPad K1 for a look at the hardware inside.

For an in-depth analysis of the Lenovo IdeaPad K1's internal hardware, check out my post, "Lenovo IdeaPad K1 teardown: Easy to open, not so easy to service".

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Published: September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

1 of 68 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Mobility Hardware Smartphones Mobile OS Security Reviews
Bill Detwiler

By Bill Detwiler | September 1, 2011 -- 08:29 GMT (01:29 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • First look: Galaxy S21 and everything else announced at Samsung Unpacked [in pictures]

    Browse all the products and highlights from Samsung's January 2021 Unpacked event.

  • Winter Zoom backgrounds: New year, new virtual meeting decor

    Choose from beautiful landscapes, snow birds, winter holidays and more.

  • Incipio Grip case for Google Pixel 4a 5G: Enhanced grip and 14 feet drop protection

    While the Pixel 4a 5G is an affordable phone, it is still worth protecting from accidental drops. Incipio has its Grip case available in two colors for this black Pixel phone. ...

  • ZAGG Pixel 4a 5G hands-on: Cases and screen protectors for Google's affordable 5G phone

    There are Gear4 cases and InvisibleShield screen protectors available for the new Google Pixel 4a 5G smartphone. These products offer protection for one of Google's best values. ...

  • BodyGuardz cases for Apple iPhone 12: Unequal drop protection and antimicrobial treatment

    BodyGuardz incorporates its Unequal technology to help protect your phone from drops. The cases do not add much weight or thickness, but provide a nice option for protection for less ...

  • ESR cases for the Apple iPhone 12: Kickstands, protection, and MagSafe support

    Video content is enjoyable on a smartphone, but it helps to have a kickstand case to prop it up. ESG makes some of the best kickstand cases, but also has other case options for the new Apple ...

  • Incipio and Survivor cases: Sleek, stylish protection for the Apple iPhone 12

    The four new Apple iPhone 12 devices are available to purchase and case collections from Incipio and Survivor are now available to protect your new investment. ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums