The Lenovo IdeaPad Twist is a laptop/tablet hybrid that is aimed at the more serious-minded end of the Windows 8 audience.



The 12.5-inch device looks, at first glimpse, like a traditional Lenovo business laptop, bringing with it the familiar red nipple controller and a touchpad with buttons at the top.



However, the Twist has, ahem, a bit of a twist with the screen of the device rotating wide to convert it into a tablet.



It's not a new idea, but this is certainly a sturdy looking entry into the novel category – allowing people to seamlessly move from keyboard to touch.



As you may imagine, this is by no means going to take on the ultrabooks. Indeed, when the screen is folded down this is a heavy and thick offering that will prove to be too chunky for many.



 


Lenovo's IdeaPad Twist - keyboard


 



Although it lacks elegance, the specs of the machine bear greater scrutiny. This laptop brings a 128GB SSD, a powerful Intel Core i7 and 8GB of RAM.


Lenovo's IdeaPad Twist


 



The screen is bright and responsive to touch both in tablet and laptop mode and boasts a resolution of 1366x768.



 


Lenovo's IdeaPad Twist - thick


 



The trackpad certainly takes some getting used to given the placement of the buttons – something which will be alien to many users.



 


Lenovo's IdeaPad Twist - in hand


 



However, the chunky buttons feel sturdy – a word that can be applied to much of the device – and the touchpad is pleasant to use.



 


Lenovo's IdeaPad Twist - screen


 



The keyboard is a little more old school than many modern laptops – and this may well prove to be a plus point for those who like a little travel in their keys rather than the spaced out chiclet style.



Windows 8, of course, brings a whole host of good functionality and the hybrid nature of the device means that you will be quickly flicking between using your hand as a pointing device and the trackpad/nipple.



 


Lenovo's IdeaPad Twist - twisted


 



It's an operating system that is made for this kind of device and it certainly shows off some of its better features.



For those looking for a portable PC that quickly flicks between laptop and tablet this may well be an option – especially if weight and thickness are less of an issue.