Touch tablet + 11’6 inch netbook = Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid

Lenovo realy kept us busy these last days. What we have here is an interesting idea, the Ideapad U1 Hybrid. Why Hybrid? Because this device is, on a first look, a standard 11.6 inch netbook, but if you look carefully enough, you’ll see that the screen is detachable and can be used independently as a touch tablet once you get it off. Niiiice.

In terms of looks and design, I’ll let the few available pictures speak for themselves. Overall it looks good, but i couldn’t let unnoticed the glossiness of the entire body though.

On the inside, there are actually two independent computers. When used as a netbook, the hardware inside the body gets in action, with an Intel CULV Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB RAM, 128 GB SSD graphics (there’s also an option for a standard drive) and good connectivity. Runs Windows 7 Home Premium and battery life is up to 8 hours.

When you disconnect the display, an entire different computer kicks out, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, with 512 MB of memory and 16 GB SSD storage, Linux based OS specially designed by Lenovo and nice connectivity, including 3G. Battery life varies from 5 to 8 hours in this mode, depending on whether you use 3G or not. The screen is of course a 11.6 inch one, with 1366 x 768 px resolution and supports multi-touch gestures.

Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid - netbook with a detachable tablet display

The weight of the entire thing is around 3.7 lbs, while the tablet alone only weighs 1.6 lbs .

All in one, i must say that this Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid is definitely one of the best ideas I saw in the last months. One that could easily catch up if marketed properly and if supported by suitable applications developed for Multi-touch display and running under Windows and Linux.

The device will be officially presented at CES 2010 and is expected to hit the stores at the beginning of the summer, for a price of around $999 . Hefty, but don’t forget this device comes with some appealing and unique features. And when you consider the rumored Apple tablet is expected to cost alone $1000, that price doesn’t feel that high anymore.

Source: NetbookChoice

Popularity: 4% [?]

Tags: Lenovo netbooks, tablet pc, touch tablet

Last updated: January 5, 2010 | Published: January 5th, 2010 | See the comments or add yours!