CES 2011: Lenovo Gets Official With The IdeaPad U1 Hybrid Notebook With LePad Slate

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This is far from the first time we have mentioned the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid, however this time there is some official information which includes some release timeframes, some prices and the fact that you will be able to buy the complete device or a standalone LePad Slate.

“Lenovo today announced the IdeaPad U1 hybrid with LePad slate, a unique two-in-one device that combines the mobility of a media-rich, high-definition slate featuring access to Android applications and a keyboard base that provides a full Windows 7 computing experience.”

First and foremost, the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid with LePad slate will be heading to China and is set to arrive for sale sometime in the first quarter of 2011. In terms of pricing, the complete set will be RMB 8,888 (approximately US $1,300) and the stand-along LePad slate will set you back RMB 3,499 (approximately US $520).

Moving past the pricing and we learn that the IdeaPad U1 will feature a 10.1 inch widescreen display, have built-in 3G and weigh in at under 2.2 pounds. Furthermore, the device will measure in at about a half inch thick, and be able to offer up to 8 hours of run time.

When in notebook mode, the IdeaPad U1 will be running Windows 7 Home Premium and be powered by an Intel CULV processor and then when in slate mode it will be running Android 2.2 and be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. As for the Android experience, according to the details given, it looks like Lenovo has taken some time to offer customization. Well, at least in the form of an email app. And at least for now, the LePad slate will be taking advantage of the “Android ecosystem that Lenovo has already established in China for the LePhone Smartphone” but hopefully that will change to the Android Market should this come available here in the US.

And for those wondering, according to Lenovo;

“With the Hybrid Switch feature, users can seamlessly change operating systems to support a continuous Web browsing experience.”

Otherwise, the LePad will be available in two colors — scarlet or white and with an option to choose one of two different textures, either brown “leather” and black “leather.”