I think this is great! Finally an open and vastly superior ecosystem!
Windows 8 FTW!
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We enjoy the process far more than the proceeds.
~ Warren Buffett
I like the idea of a tablet that can also function as a notebook. It provides the best of both worlds to me, functioning as a tablet most of the time yet coupling with a keyboard when I need to bang out some text. Most companies take the two piece approach with a screen that pops into a separate keyboard dock, but the Lenovo Yoga puts it all together for a one piece fits all approach.
See also: All Ultrabooks are thin, what else have you got?
The Yoga is a Windows 8 Ultrabook with a 13.3-inch screen that uses a dual-hinge design that bends back 360 degrees to also form a tablet with 10 point multitouch capability. It goes from a Windows 8 notebook to a tablet with just a bend of the display, taking full advantage of the Windows 8 capability. The advantage of the Yoga method over that of the detachable screen is the ability to use the bottom keyboard part as a stand for the touchscreen at any desired angle.
When used as a tablet it brings a high-definition 13-inch slate to the table, running at 1600×900 for tremendous touch tablet operation. The device is only 0.67 inches thick and 3.1 pounds for easy operation in any configuration. Lenovo claims the Yoga will get up to 8 hours battery life, a decent run time for a full Ultrabook.
The Yoga looks like a fit for those primarily wanting an Ultrabook, with occasional use as a tablet. I’m not sure 3.1 pounds makes for a comfortable tablet experience for very long. It will likely get more extended use as a laptop with a touchscreen.
The Lenovo Yoga is expected to hit the market the second half of 2012, at an estimated starting price of $1,199.
Also see: CNET’s CES coverage and Join us for Lenovo’s CES 2012 press conference (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m. PT) | Lenovo IdeaPad Z, G, and Y series updates focus on better graphics, not much else
