Chinese computer colossus Lenovo on Tuesday unveiled an IdeaPad computer that serves as a laptop for work tasks then converts to a touch-screen tablet for play time.
The IdeaPad U1 hybrid, with a “LePad” slate that serves as a laptop screen but unplugs to become a tablet computer, made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “It is one device to balance life and work,” said Leo Li, product manager, Lenovo.
The LePad tablet is powered by Android software backed by Google and a Snapdragon chip from Qualcomm. Once plugged into the keyboard base, the computer switches to Windows 7 operating software by Microsoft and a beefier Intel processor.
LePad has a 10.1-inch colour screen, weighs less than two pounds and connects to the Internet using 3G telecom service. IdeaPad U1 with LePad will be available in China by the end of March. IdeaPad U1 with LePad will be priced at $1,340 and the tablet will be sold separately for $528 dollars.
Harnessing walking power to charge
A US company has come up with a baton-shaped device that charges gadgets using power generated by walking, hiking or running.
Tremont Electric was in Las Vegas on Tuesday for the Consumer Electronics Show, where it will tout the nPower PEG (personal energy generator) as ideally suited for today's gizmo-dependent lifestyles.
“It's for any outdoors enthusiast who is deep in the woods and doesn't have access to a power outlet or for a commuter who constantly needs backup battery power,” said Jessica Davis of Tremont.
“It's for any outdoors enthusiast who is deep in the woods and doesn't have access to a power outlet or for a commuter who constantly needs backup battery power,” said Jessica Davis of Tremont.