14 DAY TRIAL // We've often dreamed about a system that manages to combine the efficiency of a notebook with the portability of an Internet tablet, and it seems that that's exactly what Lenovo has managed to achieve with their IdeaPad U1 hybrid with LePad slate.
Tipped ever since the Autumn of 2010, this hybrid solution is formed out of the U1 laptop PC base, that runs the Windows 7 operating system, and the LePad Android slate, that doubles as a display for the PC base when docked.
We'll start with the IdeaPad U1 hybrid laptop, that comes equipped with a full-size keyboard, as well as a Windows 7 Home Premium OS, accompanied by an Intel CULV processor.
It's also important to point out that the U1 offers users a Hybrid Switch feature, allowing them to seamlessly change operating systems to support a continuous Web browsing experience.
Now, moving on to the LePad tablet, we'll have to mention that the 10.1-inch device is built on Android 2.2, but has received some heavy customization from Lenovo in order to optimize the overall usage experience for the wider display.
The tablet weighs two pounds and measures only half an inch in thickness, while being powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and featuring a rechargeable battery that provides up to eight hours of functioning life.
“Our IdeaPad U1 and LePad truly fit today’s mobile lifestyle,” said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Idea Product Group, Lenovo.
“Use the light-weight slate when you’re mobile, and then simply slide it into the U1 base when you need to create and edit content. Consumers shouldn’t have to adapt their lifestyle to technology, and this product definitely delivers twice the functionality and fun in one device,” Mr. Jun added.
Unfortunately, if you hoped that you'll see the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 with LePad arrive in stores in the Western markets pretty soon, think again, because it seems that Lenovo's only bringing it to China, where it will become available starting with Q1, 2011 for RMB 8,888 (approximately US $1,300).
The LePad Android tablet is also available separately, selling for around RMB 3,499 (approximately US $520).