FollowCan you envision a laptop that feels like a tablet? That’s what the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga devices are about. The latest in the Yoga line – Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s – is powered by an Intel Core-i processor and runs on Windows 8 OS. It is one of those Windows-based tablets or hybrids or convertibles, whatever you would call it. This hybrid device has a built-in keyboard that you can fold out of the way to make it a tablet. And, the way the device rests, with the keyboard under the screen, to lie flat or propped up in a tent mode, gives the name “Yoga.” Priced at $799, the Yoga 11s is scheduled for launch in June 2013.
It is one of the first devices to use Intel’s enhanced ultra-low voltage processors. This feature is an advantage for ultra-thin devices which have a smaller battery due to size constraints. Its Core-i processor is standard in Ultrabooks.
The Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s comes with a soft-touch texture on the exterior, giving a splendid look and robust grip. Despite the slim and lightweight build, Yoga 11s is a sturdy device. The 0.67-inch thickness is a bit high, and at 3.08 pounds, the device is heavier than its predecessor. But,it is an evolution in Lenovo’s efforts to bridge the gap between laptop and tablet.
At first glance, you might think that this device’s thickness adds to the weight and makes the laptop challenging to transport. However, its thick frame enhances its performance and usability by offering a sturdy frame for the screen to pop-up on.
Specifications
Screen size: 11.6 inches
Weight: 1.4kg (3.08 pounds)
Thickness: 0.67 inches
Screen resolution: 1366 x 768
Keyboard: AccuType keyboard
Battery: 6 hours of battery life
Processor: Intel Core i5 low-voltage CPU
Operating System: Windows 8
RAM: Up to 8 GB DDR3
SSD: 256 GB
Positives
• Cutting-edge hybrid design
• Soft-touch exterior texture
• enhanced ultra-low voltage processor
Not so positives
• Heavier than its predecessor
Display
The 11.6-inch screen has a resolution of 1600 x 900 and gives appreciable viewing angles. The IPS HD graphics multitouch feature gives sharp images, so movies look really great.
Camera
Yoga 11s comes integrated with a 720p webcam.
Keyboard
Yoga 11 has a built-in keyboard that you can fold out of the way to make it a tablet. The full-size QWERTY keypad and multi-gesture trackpad are excellent in the laptop mode. The keyboard is an ideal size for this laptop and makes typing and clicking comfortable.
This laptop’s touchpad is ideal for a regular typer, though you should remain aware that over time, the touchpad can become slightly greasy if you regularly use it instead of a mouse. Many customers speak highly of the accuracy of the right and left click, which is responsive and reliable every time.
Noise and Fan
This Lenovo IdeaPad features a fan that is quiet in operation and ideal to regularly use in a silent environment. Using a loud device in a busy office can be a nuisance to everyone as well as a distraction to yourself as you feel as though the unit will seize to work.
Performance
With a multi-touch display and Windows 8 experience, Yoga is impressive. Its 360 degree hinge is a unique design that makes it stand out from the rest. Just rotate the screen from the notebook mode, tent mode, stand mode or tablet mode. The tent mode is more or less similar to the stand mode, but Lenovo says it can be useful on uneven surfaces. And, the built in accelerometer lets the device rotate appropriately whether you hold it in the landscape or portrait position. In the tablet mode, you have access to volume buttons on the side and start button on the front, so there’s no need to look for the keyboard.
And, the sturdy build eliminates concerns over twisting the screen in either direction. The keyboard is disabled when it is folded underneath.
Battery life
Lenovo rates up to 6 hours battery time for Yoga 11s, much less than the 13 hours battery life of Yoga 11. However, the Intel Core i5 low-voltage CPU favors the battery life.
Software/hardware
Yoga 11s is powered by Intel Core i5 low-voltage CPU processor and runs on Windows 8 OS.It can accommodate up to 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, something that matches the size, specifications and OS.
Yoga 11s offers all the standard connectivity features found in Yoga 11– Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 2.0 ports, three-in-one SD card reader, two-in-one headphone & mic port. And, there is an extra USB 3.0 port.
Wrap up
The 11.6-inch device is unsurprisingly heavy for a tablet, but you cannot make a comparative analysis as the market is dominated by 7-inch and 10-inch tablets. In a nutshell, Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11s is a well-built hybrid device that works efficiently in both the laptop and tablet mode. It is advancement over the earlier versions of Yoga, but still comes with a starting price almost equivalent to that of Yoga 11.
There may be a few finicky pointers we’d like to change with this unit, but that doesn’t mean to say it’s not a winner in our eyes. If you can look past its heated bottom that makes it unsuitable to place on your lap (as is the same procedure with all laptops and tablets), it’s a great device to use on the go.
Many complain that the power button is too difficult to press, though if you adjust the power settings, the device can automatically switch on and off just by opening and shutting the lid.
Fortunately, this laptop’s vibrant, colorful display makes this device an all-rounder for playing games and watching movies. And when it’s time to focus on work, the comfortable keyboard protects your fingertips while ensuring you don’t damage the keyboard if you have a fast typing speed.
