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Hands-on with the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S

Check out our review of the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S convertible hybrid laptop.

Like the Yoga 13, but think it’s too big? You’re in luck. Lenovo’s new Yoga 11S takes the already ultra-portable convertible and downsizes it further. The result is a light 11.6-inch system that can be taken nearly anywhere.

We had the opportunity to take a close look at the new Yoga. And what can we say? It truly is a tiny Yoga. Though both the keyboard and touchpad are smaller the look and feel of the system is virtually identical to its larger cousin. That means an excellent (though cramped) keyboard, a relatively spacious touchpad and unique hinge that allows for multiple viewing positions.

It’s a looker, too. The unit we handled was coated with the non-gloss orange finish the company features in most press material. It successfully balances aesthetics and practicality. Fingerprints don’t show easily and the texture seems to provide a basic level of scratch resistance similar to that found on many ThinkPads.

Hardware specifications are mundane with the exception of the processor. It’s one of Intel’s new super-low-voltage processors revealed at the company’s CES press conference. This part makes it possible to downsize the laptop without sacrificing a chunk of battery life.

Display resolution has taken a dive from 1600×900 to 1366×768, though we found it hard to see the difference in person. 720p can still provide a sharp, attractive picture when its crammed in a small area.

Availability is expected in June of 2013 at a price of $799. That’s about $200 less than the current Yoga. We’re happy to see a newer, smaller device sold for less instead of more.

Editors' Recommendations

Matthew S. Smith
Matthew S. Smith is the former Lead Editor, Reviews at Digital Trends. He previously guided the Products Team, which dives…
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