Lenova IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro: The Hybrid Laptop to Beat

Less than a decade ago, our perfect solution to mobile computing came in the form of portable PCs or laptops. This device moved computing from the confines of a desktop to just about anywhere you can imagine—on the bus, plane or train, on the beach or your backyard. However, laptops came with limitations, mainly due to their bulky design and poor battery life. With the onset of tablets and smartphones as alternative mobile solutions, PC makers struggled to redefine the laptop and market it to consumers.

 

The “ultrabook” is one of the latest types of laptops to hit the market. Unlike notebooks and conventional portable PCs, this Intel-inspired version offers thinner and sleeker framers without compromising battery life and performance. Some ultrabooks also feature flexible designs which allow them to function as both laptops and tablets. For those who want a high-end laptop which offers tablet capabilities, Lenova IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro is a great option.

 

The Evolution of the Lenova IdeaPad Yoga

In 2012, Lenova introduced the world to IdeaPad Yoga 13 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). It was dubbed by reviewers as one of the best hybrid laptops due to its versatility and affordability. However, it had a few drawbacks including a size and weight that made it uncomfortable to use in tablet mode.

 

Lenova rectified many problems related to the Yoga 13 with the introduction of the Yoga 2 Pro —a device which features better specs while maintaining the flexibility which inspired the laptop’s name.

 

Design and Features

The Yoga 2 offers both an attractive and versatile design. At 0.61 inches thick and 3.1 pounds, the ultrabook is sleeker and thinner than its predecessor. Customers can choose either silver or orange models. Since the device is made from a scratch-resistant material, expect a laptop that remains sleek for years to come. The device also features a backlit keyboard that provides a great feel as well as fingerprint-resistant keys.

 

The Four Modes of Flexibility

One of the main reasons to love this device relates to its flexibility. Unlike traditional laptops, the Yoga 2 boasts a sturdy hinge which allows it to fold up to 360 degrees. The convertible ultrabook easily transforms from a clam-shaped laptop to several modes including that of a tablet.

 

• Laptop: This is the standard position of the device. When it is in this position it looks exactly as clam shape laptops appear and is the preferred use for laptop users.


• Stand: While in this position, the screen tilts at an angle for optimum viewing without the keyboard getting in the way.  This position is ideal for displaying videos, slideshows or presentations


• Tent:  The laptop can also be bent into the form of a tent. Though this may be a peculiar shape for many laptop users, it offers interesting usability and is suitable for those who are interested in a more versatile PC.


• Tablet: The Leno IdeaPad Yoga 2 flips into tablet mode when users bend it to a 360 degree angle. But don’t expect the ultra-thin tablets like the Apple iPad Air. This tablet mode results in a thicker tablet. It also leaves the keyboard exposed unlike the Levova’s ThinkPad Yoga which offers similar flexibility.

 

Those who want a convertible laptop will be pleased with the multifaceted positions which the Yoga 2 offers. However, be aware that the device is primarily a laptop. Therefore, do not expect an ultrabook which functions flawlessly as a tablet.

 

The Display

The Yoga 2 offers an extraordinary “touch” experience via a high resolution display. The 13.3-inch screen boasts a 3,200 x 1,800 resolution. Such a display makes Yoga 2 compare to high resolution laptops like the MacBook Pro with Retina Display and The Chromebook Pixel.

 

With such a high pixel resolution, this display provides sharp picture and color quality without being oversaturated. This results in a high-quality visual experience ideal for movies, video clips, etc. The fact that the device offers such an impressive resolution makes it a great buy, especially since the device is one of the most affordable ultrabooks on the market.

 

However, there’s one drawback for which consumers should be mindful. Since some apps and features are not optimized for such high resolutions. Consumers may have experiences which make the resolution more bothersome than beneficial. For instance, the controls in the Windows Media Player app are tiny enough to make even those with 20/20 vision squint.

 

 

 

Battery Life and Performance

The Yoga 2 looks great on the outside but what’s on the inside and how does the device rank in terms of performance? Expect a powerful ultrabook when you buy this device. The ultrabook with its Intel processor boasts specs and features typically found in more expensive laptops.

 

In addition to a 1.6GHz Core i5 Haswell processor, the laptop features 4GB of RAM and 128GB solid-state drive. With such features, the Yoga 2 offers high-end performance, takes seconds to boot and offers the kind of multitasking abilities that PC users usually require from their ultrabooks.

 

When it comes to battery life however, this Yoga model falls short. The device offers 9 hours during idle time, i.e. when rarely being used, or about 6 hours at best during video playback. Those who frequently perform tasks that will quickly drain their batteries may need to look elsewhere. Many ultrabooks offer enough juice to last throughout the entire day. Take Apple’s MacBook Air for instance which with a single charge lasts as long as 12 hours.

 

However, if affordability is your main concern, this laptop may be well worth it. You’ll simply need to ensure that you keep the charger nearby when the Yoga is in use.

 

Adjustable Configuration

Gone are the days when consumers had to settle for preset configurations in a laptop of choice. With a device like the Lenova IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro, consumers have the option of choosing the type of processor as well as the amount of RAM and storage. This is one of the great aspects of the Yoga 2 since you get a high-performance device which you can modify based on your preferences.

 

The base IdeaPad Yoga 2 comes with a 1.7Ghz Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD). However, if power is your main interest, you’ll be pleased to know that you can upgrade to an i7 processor. You can also choose a 512GB SSD and up to 8GB of RAM. Below are some of the configurations which the Yoga 2 offers:

 

• Core i5, 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD


• Core i5, 4GB of RAM and 256GB SSD


• Core i7, 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD

 

The Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro is an exceptional device due to its flexibility features, high-resolution display and relatively affordable price. Since it’s an ultrabook, users can also expect a device that offers strong performance. However, the device’s mediocre battery life might leave consumers feeling more than a little disappointed. If a long-lasting battery is a priority consider other ultrabooks like MacBook Air. But be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets.

 

Lenova IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro: The Hybrid Laptop to Beat