Lenovo reportedly developing convertible Windows RT tablet
The company is working with Nvidia to design a Windows RT device that can function as both a tablet and a notebook, says The Wall Street Journal.
Lenovo may jumping into the Windows RT convertible business.
The Chinese PC maker is cooking up a convertible notebook/tablet outfitted with the ARM-based version of Windows 8, according to The Wall Street Journal. Citing "people familiar with the matter," the Journal said that the new device would offer a keyboard that flips around to transform it from a notebook into a tablet.
Equipped with a processor from Nvidia, the convertible would run Windows RT, the version of Windows 8 designed to work on devices powered by an ARM chip rather than a traditional Intel or AMD CPU. Windows RT is a limited version of Windows 8, allowing users to run new Windows 8 apps but not existing desktop software.
If true, the new device would be Lenovo's second Windows 8 convertible tablet. Earlier this year, the company unveiled the IdeaPad Yoga, a notebook that can bend itself backward into a tablet. Unlike the new device, the Yoga will be powered by an Intel chip and run the full version of Windows 8.
In related news, Lenovo announced the ThinkPad Tablet 2 at a business event in New York City Wednesday night. The 10.2-inch tablet will use Intel hardware and run Windows 8 Pro.
No specific details were revealed as to when the new Windows RT convertible would hit the market.
However, Dilip Bhatia, general manager of Lenovo's ThinkPad business, said Wednesday that the company will launch a Windows RT device in October along with the debut of Windows 8, the Journal added.
CNET contacted Lenovo for comment and will update the story if we receive more information.