Apple's iPad Vs Lenovo's IdeaPad U1Hybrid Notebook (w/ Video)

(PhysOrg.com) -- Apple's announcement on their new iPad left some disappointed in its capabilities and lack of. The iPad is sleek and thin at .53 inches and weighs only 1.4 pounds. According to Apple the iPad will run iPhone apps without any modification. There are however some features that will have consumers thinking twice before considering to buy the iPad.

The iPad has no multitasking capabilities which can be counter-productive; how can you copy and paste between two application? This is a basic requirement that is even available in some smartphones.

No Flash support. Many websites use flash for video streaming as well as movie content providers like Hulu, Fancast, and others.
The screen ratio is 4:3 and is not HD ready. The screen itself displays 132 ppi as compared to the iPhone’s 163 ppi. This leaves much to be desired when viewing streaming video.

The good news is the iPad has optional keyboard dock, camera connection kit and an Apple-designed case; all of which will raise the basic cost.

In the 2010 CES, Lenovo announced their IdeaPad U1Hybrid Notebook. This device has unique detach-and-converge design that lets users easily remove the screen to instantly switch from clamshell mode to a multi-touch slate tablet.

In the clamshell mode the ideaPad runs Windows 7 Home Edition and when detached, in the tablet mode, runs Skylight OS. Skylight OS is a custom user interface by Lenovo built on top of the Linux kernel. Since both OS’s support Adobe Flash there’s no problems watching flash multimedia in clamshell or tablet mode.

Both operating systems also provide users with a wide range of existing applications that are not found in the iPad except for existing iPhone apps.

Of course these are not the only two touch tablets that we will see in 2010. This year we can see completion heating up between eReaders and touch tablets. The winner will have to be a device that is both innovative and affordable.

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