Available this spring, the new Lenovo Skylight will occupy uncharted ground between the smart phone and the netbook, offering high-definition video, ultra-light structure, 3G mobile broadband Internet access and a battery that will last up to 10 hours on a single charge. You heard it right – 10 hours.

<– Check out the Lenovo Skylight SmartBook!

Blending the best of two technologies, the company has unleashed the Skylight, a 10-inch machine powered by a low-voltage Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a Linux operating system that functions with the assistance of “Web gadgets,” which for practical description’s sake, are much like the Apps found on Apple’s iPhone and iPod, with one exception: they’re better!

The Lenovo Skylight – Taking the SmartBook Market by Storm

With a projected starting price of about $500, Lenovo has decided that the netbook just wasn’t good enough. It’s actually a pretty novel idea, considering that users can get the best of the smart phone – always-on technology, easy use and near unlimited connectivity range – and the best of the netbook – larger screen size, extra storage, and the ability to use peripheral devices.

Lenovo is definitely taking this market by storm, and may very well surpass similar products already out there.

Optimized – For Web and For Life

Lenovo calls the Skylight’s operating system a “Web-optimized interface,” which means that you can count on easy Internet surfing without wasting power required for more complex, superfluous software bundles. The system also allows users to enjoy quick use without long startup and shutdown times.

The Lenovo Skylight isn’t a data storage machine; it has a 20GB internal flash drive and Lenovo offers 2GB of free online storage. Though if you want to carry around an external USB hard drive, there’s that option. Either way, you’ll always be able to upload a bunch of music, photos, or even a few of your all-time favorite movies.

Outstanding – In Size AND Beauty

The 10-inch high definition display on the Lenovo Skylight is a beauty. It’s much larger than a smart phone, which makes watching movies a real joy, but it’s also small enough that you can put it right into a backpack or purse. If you want to pipe your movies to a screen that’s a bit larger, there is an integrated mini-HDMI port for external displays.

What’s really interesting about the Lenovo Skylight is that it has a full-size keyboard, so you’ll no longer have to use jeweler’s glasses and pointer finger attachments to type messages. There’s also a generously sized TouchPad, which has gone buttonless – double tap for selection – and features two-finger technology which allows for touch-controlled zoom and scroll.

Connection options are limited, but perhaps that’s what makes the Skylight so appealing. There is an integrated mobile broadband card, which, when equipped with a SIM card from a 3G wireless provider, will give you a nearly unlimited range in which to travel while remaining connected.

Lenovo Skylight – Innovative Design

The design of the Lenovo Skylight is innovative as well. It has a clam-shell shape to it with a hinge point that fuses the display and the body into a single unit, and even though the machine is light – less than two pounds – there’s a good deal of sturdiness to it, so it seems that Lenovo is still carrying its build quality to its consumer products.

It’s pretty, too, coming in a full range of vivid colors. Currently, glossy red and black models have been making their rounds on the review circuit, but there is talk of other options.

Lenovo Skylight Specifications

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 1GHz ARM II CPU

Operating System: Lenovo Skylight Customized Linux U/I

Hard Drive: 22GB (20GB(8GB Mini SD + 8GB Flash + 4GB USB Stick) + 2GB Online)

Optical Drive: N/A

Display: 10″ HD (1280 x 720)

Battery: Built-In

Ports: 2x USB, Micro SDHC, SIM Slot, Card Reader (SD, SDHC, MMC), Headset Jack, mini HDMI

Dimensions: 10″ x .68″ – .74″ x 7.9″

Weight: < 2 lbs.

Lenovo Skylight Video Review

Lenovo Skylight – Is It Worth It?

With a starting price of about $500, this machine is a great choice for someone looking to upgrade from a smart phone to something a bit more capable. It is also great for someone who wants to stick with PC over Apple, or for someone that wants to have some of the perks of a netbook without the additional weight and re-charge hassle. Whatever your reason for going with the Lenovo Skylight, you’re getting a great quality machine.