If you’ve read my other review on the Asus Transformer Pad TF300 then you’re in for a bit of surprise. Instead of a tablet with a keyboard dock add-on making it a netbook, we now have the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, which is an ultrabook that is able to bend back into a tablet. With a 360 degree dual-hinge flip and fold design, the Yoga will be available in the second half of 2012 with an estimated starting retail price of $1,199. Mentioned at CES 2012, the Yoga will have 4 modes enabled by the hinges. With no specified names for these positional stands, the modes are standard laptop, convertible tablet, stand, and tent.
Although the Yoga is thicker and heavier than most tablets, as a notebook, it is quite lightweight. It is categorized as an ultrabook because it only weighs 3.1 pounds and measures 0.67 inches thick. Like most ultrabooks the Yoga will have a 13.3 inch but will be touchscreen enabled capable of ten-finger input. The display will have a 1600×900 resolution on an ISP panel as well, providing wide viewing angles and vibrant colours. The CES prototype did not include a gyroscope but rest assured, the final product will have one as well as a chiclet-style keyboard (no backlit).
IdeaPad YOGA Notebook: Four Experience Modes to Create and Consume (Left to Right) – Tent, Standard Laptop, Stand, and Convertible Tablet
Once released, you can expect Intel’s 3rd generation processor on Ivy Bridge as well as 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. Battery life on the Yoga has been estimated to about eight hours of moderate usage. Because the Yoga will have a touch screen, it’s in Lenovo’s best interest to use Windows 8 OS which was shown at CES 2012. Windows 8 also allows more functionality for the Yoga. If you are worried that the keyboard may be damaged when used as a stand or laid on a table, fret not. The Yoga will have leathered palmrests brought back from the IdeaPad U260 and will be really comfortable on the wrists.
The build quality of Lenovo’s Yoga has gotten plenty of good criticism from those who have reviewed it at CES 2012. The dual-hinges were designed to withstand up to 25,000 open/close cycles and the back plate has a soft and tactile finish. The Yoga’s touchscreen has also been praised for its responsiveness from taps to swipes. It will be very beneficial if you want the mobility of a tablet as well as using it for business purposes needed by a laptop.
