Lenovo teases Helix Windows 8 laptop/tablet hybrid

DailyTech got to test Lenovo's upcoming Helix laptop/tablet hybrid at CES Unveiled. This new 11.6" device features a hybrid design, the laptop's screen doubles as a tablet, it's attached to the laptop's base with anodized zinc-alloy tabs. The tablet features an Intel Core i3/i5/i7 series processor, integrated graphics, up to 8GB DDR3, a SSD with up to 256GB of storage capacity, and a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. The tablet has a battery life of six hours by itself, and up to ten hours when the base is attached.

The total weight of the tablet is 1.8 lb -- or roughly a third heavier than the current iPad from Apple, Inc. (AAPL). And the device is a little thicker than the latest full-sized iPad (11 millimeters versus 9.4 millimetrs). With the base, the weight jumps to 4.75 lb.

Lenovo preloaded the tablet with the company's Start Button replacement, which adds a new icon/menu to the Windows 8 desktop. The Chinese PC builder explains this button "should help users by presenting them with a familiar placement of the shutdown option, as well as other missing functionality". It should be largely similar to other Start Buttons for Windows 8 like Classic Shell and Start8.

The Helix laptop/tablet hybrid is expected to be launched in February with prices starting around $1,500.