We hoped Lenovo was done rolling out new stuff at this year's CES (after all, it had a full day yesterday), but it seems there are still a few cool things left to share with the world. And it really doesn't get any cooler than the IdeaPad U1 hybrid notebook announced today, since what we're talking about here is the first notebook to come equipped with a detachable screen that works independently from the main computer.

What makes this hybrid system so revolutionary is the fact that it has been 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. 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.

The two devices can synchronize to work as one with the ability to share battery power, 3G wireless, data and documents, which means that, practically, the base laptop system can serve as a hub and docking station and the slate tablet as a mobile device. Furthermore, the two computing systems are able to work together and independently through Lenovo’s Hybrid Switch technology that enables seamless toggling between the two processors. For instance, users can surf the Web in laptop mode and then continue from the same point without interruption if they detach to tablet mode.

The IdeaPad U1’s laptop and tablet modes each support more than five hours of 3G Web browsing and 60 hours of 3G standby. In addition, the U1 comes with integrated video camera and two stereo speakers with integrated microphone with echo cancellation.

“The IdeaPad U1 hybrid notebook is a game-changing technology in the PC industry that lets users 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.”

Unfortunately, we'll have to wait quite a long time before even dreaming of getting our hands on the U1. So, according to Lenovo, its IdeaPad U1 hybrid notebook will be available on June 1, 2010, with an estimated retail price of $999, which might make an interesting solution for those people looking to get a portable computing system and an Internet tablet, but not affording to get them both.


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