Lenovo Unveils Dual-CPU, Dual-OS ThinkPad Hybrid
Just as hybrid cars run on both gas and electricity, the ThinkPad X1 Hybrid runs on both Windows and Linux—with a processor for each.
We've seen dual-boot laptops that run Windows—for full access to a user's software library—and a simplified Linux menu—for convenient Web surfing and media browsing. Lenovo's new ThinkPad X1 Hybrid, however, takes the idea to the next level by switching between environments at the click of an icon, with no rebooting required, and by running Linux on its own dual-core Qualcomm processor.
The X1's so-called Instant Media Mode promises double the battery life of Windows, as well as smartphone- or ultrabook-style instant-on and resume from sleep.
According to Lenovo, the $1,599-and-up upgrade to last year's 13.3-inch offers up to 10 hours of Web, music, and photo perusal or eight hours of video playback using an optional snap-on second battery pack or slice. Instant Media Mode runs on a 1.2-GHz Qualcomm 8060 CPU with 1GB of memory and 16GB of flash storage. The Windows 7 half of its split personality relies on an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor, up to 8GB of DDR3, and a choice of spinning or solid-state storage. The vendor brags that the X1 Hybrid offers double the CPU performance and quadruple the graphics performance of previous Lenovo 13-inch laptops.
Both environments enjoy a 1,366-by-768 Corning Gorilla Glass display and backlit keyboard with both TrackPoint and touchpad. HDMI, mini DisplayPort, and USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports are standard, as are Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) and Dolby Home Theater audio. Lenovo says RapidCharge technology recharges the batteries to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes. The X1 Hybrid measures 9.1 by 13.3 by 0.8 inches, weighs 3.7 pounds, and is due to ship in the second quarter of 2012.