Lenovo ThinkPad Twist Puts a Spin on Laptops

The new ThinkPad Twist converts from an ultrabook to a tablet. By Rachel Cericola

October 30, 2012

Lenovo’s ThinkPad Twist has a bit of an identity crisis. It’s an ultrabook and a tablet—and it’s pretty darn cool.

Designed for business and personal use, the newly announced 12.5-inch ThinkPad Twist can do it all via an impressive list of specs. According to the company, the ThinkPad Twist can be configured with up to third-gen Intel Core i7 processors, up to Windows 8 Pro, optional 3G3, up to 8GB of RAM, and either a 128GB SSD or a 320GB or 500GB hard drive. Talk about options!

Small business users will also appreciate that the Twist comes packing a few perks like Lenovo Solutions for Small Business powered by Intel Small Business Advantage and Lenovo Cloud Storage by SugarSync.

Work the thing all day, using the ThinkPad keyboard for word processing, editing video and spreadsheets, and much more. It can handle that busy workday, boasting up to seven hours of battery life. Then just give the Twist a little twist at the top to switch to a convertible, easy-to-read tablet.

In addition to the laptop and tablet modes, Lenovo says that the unit throws a third option into the mix. The Twist also has a stand or tent mode, to make the unit into a media presenter, which is great for video and other visual presentations.

Other features include a 1366x768, 350-nit IPS display and Dolby Home Theatre audio. The Twist has a memory card reader and two USB 3.0 ports to add in plenty of your own documents, photos and other digital content. There’s also a mini-HDMI output and a mini-DisplayPort for connected the Twist to a larger display.

Weighing in at 3.48 pounds, the ThinkPad Twist is a bit on the heavy side, but certainly packs a lot into its that 0.79-inch frame. (And it still fits neatly into your bag, by the way.)

The ThinkPad Twist is available now, via Staples and other retailers, business partners and the Lenovo website. Expect the unit to start with an MSRP of $849.