After making an appearance at CES 2013 with the IdeaPad Yoga 11S (shown above), Lenovo is reportedly planning to introduce an Android version of the convertible.

The IdeaPad Yoga 11S comes with an 1,600 x 900 IPS screen, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. Despite these great specs, the Yoga 11S measures only 0.68 inches thick and will run you $799 come this June.

Just in case you were wondering, Lenovo is not planning to introduce an Android-based sports car. Convertible tablets, or notebooks, typically have a screen that is connected to a keyboard. The screen is usually able to rotate 180 degrees and fold down over the keyboard, forming a tablet.

These transformers of modern technology have become more popular with the introduction of mobile operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows 8, etc). Although they may not have caught on as “the next big thing”, Lenovo is planning to build for the specialty market.

Industry sources recently told DigiTimes that “Lenovo’s planned offerings will target the Android tablet segment, meeting Intel’s previous commitment to rolling out Android-based tablets through joint efforts with Lenovo”.

Lenovo has been trying to release an Android convertible tablet since third quarter of 2012 (codenamed mfld_dv10). However, the project had been continually delayed due to iPad and Windows 8 releases.

Do convertible tablets have a place in today’s mobile market? Would you buy an Android based Lenovo convertible tablet? Let us know in the comments below.

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Windows 8 is almost here, and with it comes a flood of new devices. One of the biggest changes with Windows 8 is that it could finally bring hybrid devices to the forefront. Up until now, most Windows hybrids have been decent as traditional desktop devices but have been limited when it comes to their touch abilities and the lack of Window 7 applications that work well with touch.

Lenovo is one of many companies diving headfirst into the convertible market. There are a few different offerings and each of them have their own unique aspects.

IdeaPad YOGA

The Yoga has a 13-inch form factor and can do a 360-degree flip in order to turn from an Ultrabook to a fully capable tablet. The Yoga 13 will start at $1,099 and features an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor- depending on which price configuration you choose.

The new tablet/ultrabook also has a 1MP HD webacam, HD4000 integrated grahpics, and USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. This is a lot to ask for a tablet, but the good news is that it a fully capable laptop solution as well.

Want something a bit smaller and thinner? A 11-inch YOGA model also existsa and is just 15.6-mm in thickness. This multi-touch device runs on Windows RT, which is a major distinction. For those that don’t know, this means it is more like a traditional tablet and can only run new Windows 8 apps— it won’t work with existing Windows (XP/Vista/7) applications and drivers.

This model has a an ARM processor, more specifically the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core. It also has 2GB of DDR3 RAM, up to 64GB of storage, built-in 720p HD webcam, USB 2.0 connectivity and optional Bluetooth. The battery is rated at 13 hours. This model starts at $799– which could be considered a lot for a device that is basically just an Android tablet or iPad with a built-in keyboard.

IdeaTab Lynx

The third offering is a 11.6-inch IPS multitouch tablet doesn’t have a built-in keyboard that rotates, instead it turns into a laptop through a special dock connector. This model features a dual core ATOM processor at 1.8GHz, 2GB of RAM and up to 64GB SSD storage. There is also microSD, microUSB and microHDMI. The tablet itselft is more expensive than the iPad at $599- without keyboard.

Considering you get a similarly spec’d device that also has Windows legacy application support, it may or may not be worth it for you. Want the keyboard dock? It will cost $149.

The time for hybrid domination might finally be drawing near. What do you think of Lenovo’s offerings? Worthwhile or not?
Via: Lenovo

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If you love taking your skateboard no matter wherever you go, you might agree that it is difficult to carry the lengthy thing around. The Snap Skateboard, which is said to be the world’s first folding skateboard, might be the answer to your troubles. As you can see, the skateboard can be folded up and will easily fit into your backpack.

The Snap Skateboard can be folded from 36 inches down to 14 inches all thanks to two patented hinges.  Its deck is made up of aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum. A wooden deck was avoided most probably because it would crack if cut into pieces. The board features high-strength steel pins for locking the hinges in place, and also comes with grip tape. You will also be able to replace the wheels and trucks with skateboard parts of your choice.

As for the safety, its makers are saying that it has been designed for both tricks and cruising, although the middle might buckle if it’s pushed too hard. So you might wanna do some ground tricks first before moving onto big jumps.

The Snap Skateboard retails for $119.

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We know that many of you out there are interested in some of the Ultrabooks and tablets that have been unveiled at the ongoing CES 2012. But what if you could play with a device that would let you enjoy the best of both worlds? Well, that is what you will be getting with the newly unveiled Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga.

The IdeaPad Yoga is a 13.3-inch Ultrabook which runs Windows 8. What makes it different from all other Ultrabooks is that the Yoga uses a dual-hinge design which will allow you to bend back its screen 360 degrees and you will have a tablet in front of you.

As you might already know, manufacturers from around the world prefer the two piece approach and offer a screen that fits into a separate keyboard dock. With the Yoga, you will be able to use the bottom keyboard as a stand for the touchscreen, and of course simply as a keyboard.

With two modes available, you will be able to take full advantage of Windows 8. The Yoga features 10 point multitouch capability and the display comes with a resolution of 1600×900.

It’s only 0.67 inches thick and weighs in at 3.1 pounds. The company is promising a battery life of up to 8 hours, not bad at all. But the device might end up as quite a workout weighing that much when used as a tablet. What do you think?

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga will be powered with Intel Core i3/i5/i7 and is coming with as much as 256GB of SSD storage. It will arrive sometime in the second half of 2012 with an estimated starting price of $1,199.

And just in case you are wondering, Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline from India. People who practice Yoga have to twist and turn and ‘bend’ their bodies a lot. Now you know why the name.

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