At the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week, Lenovo announced its new lineup of consumer and business Windows 8 touch-optimized devices.  Lenovo is one of about a half-dozen major PC makers who are showcasing Windows 8 notebooks, tablets, and convertibles.

ThinkPad Helix convertible

The ThinkPad line’s top 11.6-inch convertible, Helix, now features what Lenovo dubs a “rip and flip” design.  You can put the tablet in Stand mode by flipping the tablet 180 degrees and snapping it back into the base to watch a movie or presentation, or you can use it as a stable tablet while in the base by folding the screen down.  When removed from the base, the 1.84-lb. (835 grams) Helix can be used just like other mobile tablets with finger gestures or with the included touch pen.

The Helix convertible runs the full version of Windows 8, and includes a full-size detachable keyboard and a new five button clickpad that is 20 percent bigger than traditional ThinkPad clickpads.  The Helix is powered by Intel 3rd generation Core tablet with vPro, runs up to 10 hours, and has a high definition 1080p IPS Gorilla Glass display–  the brightest screen in the ThinkPad portfolio.  The Helix comes with 5-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front-facing cam, NFC to let you tap-to-share data, and optional LTE 4G cellular connectivity.

The ThinkPad Helix will be available from Lenovo starting in late February for a rather pricey $1,499.  Engadget has posted a short hands-on video of the ThinkPad Helix here.

IdeaPad Yoga 11S convertible

Lenovo’s new IdeaPad Yoga 11S has the same rubberized exterior as the IdeaPad Yoga 13 and will be available in silver grey and orange.  This full Windows 8 convertible runs on Intel’s  lower power 3rd gen Intel Core i5 chipset, and comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of solid-state storage.  Like its predecessor, users can work with Yoga 11S as a laptop, or flip the screen around for tablet mode. Even convert Yoga 11S into stand or tent modes for a space-saving way to watch movies, as it’s tuned with great Dolby Home Theatre audio and Intel integrated high definition graphics.

Measuring two-thirds of an inch (17.2 mm), the Yoga 11S features an 11.6-inch HD IPS (1,600 x 900) display — a bit better than on the Yoga 11 —  and supports 10 finger multi-touch.  The convertible slate now includes features previously only available on Yoga 13: Motion Control lets you swipe your hand in front of the webcam to advance photos, videos and other documents; and with Lenovo Transition, users can automatically open applications in full-screen when using Yoga in tent, stand or tablet modes.

The IdeaPad Yoga 11S will be available starting in June for $799.  Laptop Magazine tried out the IdeaPad Yoga 11s motion control feature in this hands-on.

IdeaPad U310 and U410 Ultrabooks

Unlike their mainstream Ultrabook predecessors, Lenovo’s new IdeaPad U310 and U410 notebooks now offer 10-finger touch support, and can wake up from sleep in just one second with Lenovo’s ‘Instant Resume’ feature.  The Ultrabooks are a slim 0.7 inches (18mm), and come with up to a 3rd gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce graphics with DirectX 11, and a promised all-day battery.  The IdeaPad U310 Touch will be available starting in March starting at $779, while the IdeaPad U410 Touch will be available in April for $850.

IdeaPad Z400 and Z500

Lenovo’s higher-end IdeaPad Z400 and Z500 laptops, at 14 and 15.6-inches respectively, support Windows 8’s 10-point touch, come with up to 3rd gen Intel Core i7 processors and include NVIDIA GeForce graphics.  The laptops feature a backlit keyboard for typing secret messages in a dark closet, and specialized stereo speakers for extra bass with Dolby Home Theatre v4.  The IdeaPad Z400 Touch will be available starting in March, and the Z500 Touch will be available starting in April and start at approximately $699.

ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531

The new ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 feature improved graphics options to support full HD content and a five-button ClickPad lets users control Windows 8 features from the keyboard.  The E431 and E531 are the first ThinkPads to leverage Lenovo’s new optional OneLink wireless system, which uses a single cable connection to cut excess cable clutter.  Lenovo’s ThinkPad OneLink Dock is the first in the company’s planned lineup of OneLink peripherals.  The dock houses native video with dedicated HDMI and audio ports, four USB ports, and charging capability for other laptops and mobile devices.  The ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 will be available starting in May starting at $539.  The OneLink Dock will also debut in May for $99.

Lenovo also introduced an extreme performance gaming desktop PC, the Lenovo Erazer X700, as well as the ThinkVision LT1423p Mobile Monitor Touch, designed to be a second display.  The Erazer X700 and Mobile Monitor Touch will be available in late Summer or Autumn for $449.