Lenovo unveils Windows 8 devices

Lenovo has announced a new family of Windows 8 convertible devices including the the IdeaPad Yoga 13, Yoga 11 and ThinkPad Twist, a business-ready device that puts a new spin on the traditional convertible tablet.

‚”Our family of Ultrabook convertibles addresses the unique needs of consumers, businesses and everyone in between by creating high performance laptop-tablet combinations in new designs and different sizes,‚” said Oliver Ebel, executive director and general manager for Lenovo in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). ‚”We think these innovative convertibles are the best devices for a groundbreaking touchscreen experience, plus their multi-modes give people even more ways to use their PC.‚” IdeaPad Yoga 13 Flexes Into Totally Unique Poses The IdeaPad Yoga’s revolutionary hinge allows it to uniquely move 360¬∞ and fold from laptop to tablet in one simple motion. As one of the world’s first multi-mode Ultrabooks, Yoga 13 provides a high level of flexibility between work and play without compromises. Infused with powerful 3rd generation Intel Core processors and powered by Windows 8, Yoga 13 provides laptop-grade performance to get work done all day without slowing down, thanks to its super slim 16.9 mm frame and eight hours of battery life. At the flip of the hinge, Yoga 13 transforms into a media-friendly tablet primed with rich audio-visual features like Dolby¬Æ Home Theatre¬Æ. Visuals, such as photos, videos and websites, look stunning on its 13.3-in high definition IPS display, which provides bright background and vivid colors. Users can gesture to flip through photos with Yoga 13’s special Motion Control technology or simply use their fingers on the multi-touch screen. ‚”The Yoga convertibles are a great example of the commitment Lenovo has made to continued innovation with Windows,‚” said John Case, vice president, Worldwide OEM Marketing, Microsoft Corp. ‚”The commitment is evident in the beautiful hardware designs that exhibit flexibility, mobility and extended battery life: combining that with the new capabilities of Windows 8 these PCs provide an experience that is sure to delight customers.‚” IdeaPad Yoga 11 Balances Power and Mobility Its smaller screen size counterpart, Yoga 11, is the world’s slimmest multi-mode PC, measuring just 15.6 mm. Yoga 11’s slim design, 11.6-in screen and long 13 hour battery life make it a great convertible for mobility. Equipped with NVIDIA Tegra 3 the world’s only quad-core processor for Windows RT Yoga 11 lets users watch HD movies, play games, get connected and stay productive with Microsoft Office applications virtually all day long. As an added bonus, both Yoga 13 and 11 can be used in completely new ways: convert them into a Stand1 by flipping the keyboard behind the screen to watch movies or view pictures, or bend them upright like a Tent2 to play games or video chat. ‚”The IdeaPad Yoga 11 is elegant, thin and light, combining the convenience of a tablet with the capability of a laptop,‚” said Rene Haas, vice president, Notebook Business Unit, NVIDIA. ‚”Powered by the energy-efficient Tegra 3 processor, the Yoga 11 lets you work and stay connected all day long and leave your laptop charger at home.‚” ThinkPad Twist Puts New Spin on Small Business Computing ThinkPad Twist makes it easy to choose one affordable device that can do it all. Use it as a full-performance Ultrabook, and then twist the top to switch to a convertible tablet. The 12.5-in ThinkPad Twist gives professionals the technologies they need for both their business and personal computing. For exceptional business-class productivity, ThinkPad Twist packages up to 3rd generation Intel¬Æ Core‚Ñ¢ i7 processors, up to Windows 8 Pro, optional 3G3, large storage up to 500 GB or 128 GB SSD and the ThinkPad-brand’s legendary keyboard, quality and reliability features. Users can work for hours with nearly all-day battery life and tablet-like quick resume from standby. This powerful machine also includes dedicated software tools specifically for small business including Lenovo Solutions for Small Business powered by Intel Small Business Advantage and Lenovo Cloud Storage by SugarSync. ThinkPad Twist’s luminous high definition 350nit HD display and Dolby Home Theatre audio produce a stand out multimedia experience, and whether it’s a client video presentation or action-packed movie, simply connect to high definition video with Twist’s mini-HDMI or DisplayPort jack and turn up the volume. Like Yoga, Twist can convert into new modes like Stand, a great position for work collaboration via the multi-touch screen. ‚”Lenovo was one of the first to embrace convertible design coupled with touch interaction in a big way and the Yoga 13 and ThinkPad Twist are both remarkable devices that are sure to wow consumers,‚” said Kirk Skaugen, corporate vice president and general manager, PC Client Group, Intel. ‚”These designs fueled with powerful Intel 3rd generation Core processors will deliver the key attributes of the PC and tablet into a single system‚Äîessentially people are getting ‚’two for one’.‚” The previously announced ThinkPad Tablet 2, designed for Windows 8 and powered by Intel’s next generation CPU technology, will also debut this month alongside the new convertibles. This multi-use tablet lasts over 10 hours on a single charge, weighs in at 1.3 pounds lighter than its leading tablet competitor – includes an optional digitizer and pen for precision input, offers 3G wireless for anywhere, anytime connectivity and runs Windows 8 apps and familiar desktop applications. This versatile tablet lets users work the way they want to with multi-finger touch support, pen input or the ability to connect to the optional ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock for a PC-like computing experience. The ThinkPad Tablet 2 includes a host of IT manageability, security and corporate-level service and support to help IT managers easily deploy in their business environments. Flexible Service and Support Lenovo offers a full suite of services for the new devices, including In-Home Warranty upgrades for service at the owner’s home or business, and Accidental Damage Protection on select products to help insure against damage from accidents like drops, spills, electrical surges, or screen malfunctions. A full line up of Lenovo Services for Small Business backs up ThinkPad Twist. Customers can select from a portfolio of warranty upgrades, Accidental Damage Protection, Keep Your Drive and other protection services valuable to today’s small businesses. Additionally, Lenovo Premium Support’s expert technicians are available when needed with convenient over the phone or remote session support from the comfort of home. Pricing and Availability Customers can buy the IdeaPad Yoga 13 late this year from R13 999 or the IdeaPad Yoga 11 from R10 199.00.

The ThinkPad Twist will be available later this year starting from R11 999.

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