Lenovo announced the IdeaPad U1 hybrid with LePad slate, a two-in-one device that combines an Android slate and a keyboard base that provides a full Windows 7 computing experience. It comes with a unique Hybrid Switch dual mode capability that seamlessly switches between two different operating systems. The LePad slate can be purchased separately from the U1 base. Priced at US $520, the 10.1-inch LePad powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor, and is available in two stylish colors – scarlet and white – and with two different textures – brown “leather” and black “leather.” Highlights: up to eight hours of battery life, a front camera, and Android 2.2 Froyo.

For users who need the full functionality of a mainstream laptop for doing content creation with Windows-based productivity applications, the LePad can slide into the U1 base. The IdeaPad U1 hybrid laptop with a full keyboard transforms the user interface on LePad into Windows 7. The base features a Windows 7 Home Premium operating system and an Intel CULV processor. With the Hybrid Switch feature, users can seamlessly change operating systems to support a continuous Web browsing experience. The U1 hybrid laptop with LePad slate starts at approximately US $1,300.