CES 2011: Lenovo unveils LePad slate with U1 laptop PC base

Lenovo IdeaPad U1 with LePad

Lenovo today announced the rather unique LePad slate with IdeaPad U1 PC base. Essentially a two-in-one device, the LePad tablet can turn into a netbook-like device when docked into its U1 laptop base.

“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.”

The LePad Slate is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Android 2.2. It comes with CDMA connectivity, a 10.1-inch touchscreen display and a front-facing camera.

When users need a more traditional laptop, they can slide the LePad Slate into the U1 base. The base comes with its own Intel CULV processor and Windows 7 Home Premium. It also comes with a Hybrid Switch feature allowing users to switch between operating systems.

The Lenovo IdeaPad U1 with LePad will be available in China later this quarter. It will sell for about US$1300. The LePad Slate will also be available on its own for about US$520. There is no word yet on whether beyond China unfortunately.

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