CES 2010: Lenovo unveils 'hybrid' computer

The hybrid design of the device means that the IdeaPad U1 is effectively two computers – each with its own process and operating system – in one portable gadget. Lenovo said the laptop and the tablet could work together or operate independently, with users able to choose whether to use them as a conventional laptop, or split them apart to use the tablet screen as a separate device.

“The IdeaPad U1 hybrid notebook is a game-changing technology in the PC industry," said Liu Jin, a senior vice president at Lenovo. "It lets user switch their PC experience within a single device to match their dynamic lifestyle.

“By fusing the functionality of a notebook with the slate tablet’s rich multitouch entertainment and mobile internet experience, the U1 provides consumers the freedom to choose the device they prefer for any activity.”

When connected together, the devices form a 1.7kg laptop that runs Windows 7, Microsoft's latest operating system. But when split apart, the 11.6in screen transforms in to a tablet-style computer, allowing users to send emails, browse the internet and log on to social networking sites over Wi-Fi or the 3G mobile phone network. It runs Skylight, Lenovo's own computer operating system.

The two devices can be synchronised to share data, documents and wireless connectivity, and if a user is surfing the internet on the laptop, they can detach the tablet to continue browsing those same web pages on the move.

The IdeaPad will initially be available in the United States, at a price of $999 (£630), with a UK launch expected later this year.

Tablet-style computers are proving to be one of the major trends at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, with a host of manufacturers unveiling devices that can be used for computing on the go. Entourage Systems has shown off the eDGe, which features two screens; one is an eInk screen, and is designed predominantly for reading ebooks, while the other LCD screen is a tablet-style computer, running Google's Android platform.

Apple is widely expected to launch its own tablet computer later this month, although the company has refused to comment on the rumours and speculation surrounding the so-called 'iSlate' device.