Lenovo Yoga: Tablet and Ultrabook in one with Windows 8

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 1600x900 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 coverageand 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