Lenovo is taking the wraps off a unique mobile product at CES. It is called the IdeaPad U1 (not to be confused with the Irish rock band) and is being dubbed as “hybrid PC”. The U1 is actually two computers in a single form factor: the screen detaches from the notebook to become a tablet PC complete with its own battery and independent operating system.

The IdeaPad U1 is a 11.6″ PC and weighs just 3.8 lbs. total. When the screen is detached, it turns into a multitouch tablet that runs Lenovo’s Skylight operating system on an ARM processor. The whole experience of switching from notebook to tablet is reported to be seamless – even web browsing sessions between the two systems are synchronized for uninterrupted browsing.

Other features include: 3G wireless, 30 hours of 3G standby, microphone, and video camera.

Pricing is expected to be under $1000 and available in June 2010.

Thoughts

This product has the potential to be a very compelling. Being able to detach the screen and use it as a tablet can make it a fun personal device, or a killer business accessory. If the tablet can be loaded with Skype and take advantage of the web camera, then I can see this becoming a compelling enterprise tool where employees can detach the slate to run into meetings or host impromptu web meetings.

This is an exciting product and we hope to get more details in the coming days.

Update:
Since posting this story, we have learned the specifications for this notebook. Follow the update here.
CES 2010: Lenovo Goes Hybrid - Notebook with Detachable Tablet Screen (UPDATE) - Mobile 2

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – January 6, 2010: Lenovo today announced the industry’s first hybrid PC for consumers, the IdeaPad U1 hybrid notebook, featuring a groundbreaking detachable screen. The IdeaPad U1’s unique design is engineered to provide consumers with two PCs in one device – each with its own processor and operating system – that work together and independently as either a clamshell laptop or a multitouch slate tablet.

“The IdeaPad U1 hybrid notebook is a game-changing technology in the PC industry that lets user switch their PC experience within a single device to match their dynamic lifestyle,” said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. “By fusing the functionality of a notebook with the slate tablet’s rich multitouch entertainment and mobile Internet experience, U1 provides consumers the freedom to choose the device they prefer for any activity.” 

The IdeaPad U1’s fashionable scarlet red exterior has a footprint just smaller than a piece of notebook paper and is paired with an equally impressive 3.8 pound thin and light design. With its unique detach-and-converge design, users can easily remove the screen to instantly switch from clamshell mode into a multitouch slate tablet. When the IdeaPad U1 is in its traditional clamshell form, the system boasts an 11.6 inch HD LED screen and runs Windows 7. When the 1.6 pound, multitouch screen is removed, it becomes an independent slate tablet with a powerful ARM processor, running Lenovo’s customized Skylight operating system.

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