So, you want the latest in technology? Something that’s cool, smart and fun – but useful as well?

Do you want a stylish laptop with an Intel Core 2 duo processor and the latest Windows 7 operating system? Or perhaps you are looking more for a multi-touch PC tablet that runs the Linux operating system?

Well, the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 could be just the thing you’ve been looking for – in both cases. That’s right, this hybrid laptop – or is it a PC tablet? – gives you the best of both worlds.

This device is a cool looking laptop that features a snazzy rounded lightweight case – the whole device comes in at just under 2 kg – with eye-candy red paint. Open up the case and it looks just like your normal laptop computer. A good sized keypad, comfortable rubber palm rest and touchpad complement the 11.6 in HD LED screen. So far so good.

But wait, as they say in the adverts, there’s more! In under three seconds you can remove the screen and it becomes a fully operational PC tablet, weighing a little less than a kilogram with its own operating system, an onscreen keyboard and a six-panel interface. What’s more, you can share files and data between the two devices and they share the same battery in a system that Lenovo call Hybrid Switch Technology.

This technology enables you to surf the Internet on the laptop, and continue where you left off on the PC tablet after you’ve removed it. The six panels on the tablet can be customised for email, calendar, and social networking or RSS widgets, among other things. Alternatively, you can use it in 4-panel mode to split the screen into music, videos, photos and documents.

Each of the two components has a battery life of five hours normal use, with up to 60 hours in standby mode. Throw in a built-in video camera, two stereo speakers and an integrated microphone with echo cancellation and you have a very desirable gadget.

But you may have to wait to get your kicks – the Lenovo IdeaPad U1 is not due to be released until June this year. Time to save up?