Lenovo has been busy this year with various new products including new convertible laptop devices. The ThinkPad Helix and the IdeaPad Yoga 11s were recently introduced.

ThinkPad Helix

Lenovo ThinkPad Helix The Helix’s most outstanding feature (what caught my eye) was their Rip and Flip design, that allows users to pull off the tablet / display, and re-attach flipped 180°. The display can be folded down and used like a tablet, while keeping the ports available for use.

Not only that, once detached, the display becomes the world’s thinnest 11.6” tablet. It weighs in at 835 grams, and is powered by a 3rd generation Intel Core processor. Additional features include:

  • Price: Not yet available
  • Up to 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor
  • 11.6″ 1920 x 1080 IPS display with pen input
  • Up to 256GB SSD storage
  • Up to 8GB DDR3 memory
  • 3.8 lbs with keyboard
  • 10 hour battery life assembled, 6 hours as a tablet only
  • optional LTE high speed wireless
  • emerging Near Field Communications (NFC) technology (seamless data sharing by tapping devices together)
  • Intel vPro

IdeaPad Yoga 11S

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S Added to the IdeaPad Yoga convertibles, the 11S offers users Lenovo’s flip and fold, 360° hinge, allowing the display to be rotated around and then folded back to act as a tablet or a laptop. This unit comes with a 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processor and Windows 8. The frame is 0.68 inches thick and allows users to arrange it like a tent or a stand and watch movies with the Dolby Home Theater audio. (not sure how that works yet). Additional features include:

  • Price: $749+ USD
  • Up to 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor
  • Up to Windows 8 Pro
  • 11.6″ HD (1366×768) IPS display with 10-point multitouch; 16:9 widescreen
  • Weight – 3.1 lbs.
  • Up to 6 hours battery life
  • Up to 256GB SSD storage
  • Up to 8GB DDR3 memory
  • Motion control – hand gestures in front of webcam advance frames, etc.

 

Thoughts

These units appear to have somewhat similar makeups, both convertibles, similar battery life and both come with (up to) an Intel Core i7 processor. The Helix however disconnects from the base when desired and the resolution is tremendously better. Outstanding. I didn’t think  would be excited about a tablet that wasn’t an iPad until now. I really want one of these, but I would be hard pressed not to look at the Yoga 13 inch for a bigger display (but still not as good as the smaller Helix). I’ll take both. 🙂