Lenovo unveils Windows 8 hybrid devices including business-focused Twist

PC maker unveils raft of ultrabook-tablets

Lenovo has unveiled a new range of Windows 8 hybrid tablets, including the ThinkPad Twist, an £800 convertible ultrabook that will be available mid-November aimed at businesses.

The 12.5in ThinkPad Twist will be powered by a third-generation Intel Core i7 processor, and comes with up to 500GB storage, or 128GB for those that opt for the solid state version.

Alongside the business-focused Twist, Lenovo has also announced three more forthcoming Windows 8 hybrid devices.

These consumer-orientated tablets include the two IdeaPad Yoga (the IdeaPad Yoga 11 is pictured above) devices and its IdeaTab Lynx - a dual-core Intel-powered tablet.

"We think these innovative convertibles are the best devices for a ground breaking touchscreen experience, plus their multi-modes give people even more ways to use their PC," said Peter Hortensius, president of Lenovo's Product Group.

ThinkPad Twist will be available via Lenovo's partners from mid-November, with prices starting at £809 through to £979 (exc VAT); the IdeaPad Yogas start from £699 (inc vat); while prices for the Lynx model have yet to be confirmed.

With the announcement, Lenovo is clearly trying to carve out a niche in the Windows 8 tablet market, where competition unexpectedly heated up earlier this year, when Microsoft said it would release its own hardware - the Surface.

Lenovo chiefs were unimpressed by Microsoft's vision, and in making a pitch for the Windows hybrid market, the firm is shooting for space where rival Asus enjoyed so much success in the Android market.