The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro is a long awaited update of the Lenovo’s flagship convertible laptop.
As same as the previous version and other Yoga-branded machines, the 13.3-inch Yoga 2 13 can operate in four modes: as a standard laptop, as a slate tablet, in a tent mode, or in a stand mode. The main improvements are a higher screen resolution and new processor options.
The notebook sports a Retina-like resolution of 3200 x 1800 pixels, up from the previous 1600 x 900 which was also reasonably high for a 13.3-incher. As expected, the new display delivers incredibly sharp picture thanks to the high pixel density. Its above average brightness of 350cd/m2 contributes to overall quality of the screen, while IPS tech enables wide viewing angles of up to 180 degrees. All of these result in a very high picture quality in all aspects. The only downside is glossiness of the display, so it isn’t suitable for use in bright light.
The CPU options got upgraded from the last year’s Intel 3rd Generation “Ivy Bridge” Core family to the 2013 4th Gen “Haswell”. The chips used in the new Yoga 13 are made with power efficiency in mind. The laptop features CPUs with Y suffix. The model we saw at the 2013 IFA Show had the Intel Core i7-4500Y, which hasn’t been officially released yet. Since it’s a Y-series model, it should consume only up to 11.5W of power, whereas the “Haswell” U-series chips such as the i7-4500U consume 15W. On the negative side, the Y version is a bit slower than the U. The IdeaPad Yoga 2 13 Pro should be able to satisfy most users in terms of computing speed, even those who do hardware consuming tasks like video and photo editing. On the other side, the included Intel HD graphics isn’t aimed at gaming audience, but that’s expected for an ultra-thin laptop.
Since the laptop has new power-saving CPU, Lenovo has increased the battery life estimation for the new 13.3-inch Yoga. It’s now “up to 9 hours” versus the previous “up to 8 hours”.
Another positive thing is that the Yoga 2 13 weighs 3 pounds, down from about 3.3. Dimensions are about the same. The machine measures 12.99″ x 8.66″ x 0.61″, so it’s fairly portable for a 13.3-incher and very thin.
Other important internal hardware specs are 8GB of DDR3 system memory and up to 512GB of solid state drive storage, which are both high-end capacities. For connection to the outside world, the laptop uses Wi-Fi and there’s also Bluetooth 4.0 built-in. For sound, there are stereo speakers and for video chats you can use the integrated 720p webcam.
The keyboard with its AccuType ergonomic keys is comfortable for use and AccuType appears to be the best keyboard on consumer class laptops. Yoga’s keyboard has LED backlight. When you set up the device in tent, stand or tablet modes, the keyboard gets disabled. But it doesn’t flatten like on the ThinkPad Yoga.
The trackpad is precise, but click buttons integrated in the touchpad surface may be a turn off for some users who like real physical buttons.
Outwardly, The IdeaPad Yoga 2 is a fancy looking device with aluminum lid and bottom. They can be in orange or silver color. Interior is made of some other material, but we weren’t able to find out if it’s magnesium-alloy, carbon fiber, or simply plastics.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 13 “Pro” will start shipping in October for $1,099 and up.