Lenovo adds a “twist” to Ultrabooks for Windows 8

With the impending launch of Microsoft’s next operating system and its more tablet oriented design, you’re going to see more computers with touch screens in the next few weeks than ever before. This week, Lenovo is showing us what it intends to launch, with the announcement of the ThinkPad Twist.

Taking a business-grade Ultrabook and literally giving it a twist, this computer resembles a 12.5 inch laptop but throws in a hinge that allows you to face the touchscreen away from your keyboard and flatten it.

“The 12.5-inch ThinkPad Twist provides professionals with the technologies they need for both their business and personal computing requirements, delivering new levels of flexibility, agility and productivity,” said Lenovo’s David Heyworth.

“This multi-form factor device is the first of its kind by Lenovo and we believe it is going to revolutionise the future of convertible computing.”

Lenovo’s 12.5 inch screen is protected by Corning’s scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and shows a resolution of 1366×768, while the technology inside features third-generation Intel Core processors, up to 8GB RAM, either a 7mm hard drive of up to 500GB or a 128GB solid-state drive, Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, and ports including USB 3.0, mini-HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, mini-DisplayPort and a card slot.

Battery is expected to offer 7 hours of life, and the entire package weighs 1.58 kilos and measures at roughly 2cm thin.

Availability looks to come right when Windows 8 launches – which will be installed here – so expect the ThinkPad Twist on October 26th where it will start at $1049 RRP.