Lenovo Yoga Book copies handwriting off paper notepads

Lenovo's latest tablet computer can take a digital copy of handwriting as it is jotted down on a paper notepad placed on top of the machine. The Yoga Book's unusual fold-out digitiser pad can also be used to create graphics. In addition, it lights up to form a keyboard. The tablet bucks a trend among rivals that encourage users to write and draw directly on their screens. One expert said that pursuing a unique approach was "risky". "There have been previous concepts like this - Microsoft toyed with something similar years ago - but it's very different to what else has actually been put on sale," said Patrick Moorhead, from the tech consultancy Moor Insights & Strategy. "And when you bring out something new there's a risk. "That's not necessarily bad, because there could be a higher rate of return [if it proves popular] and people recognise Lenovo as a company that brings out differentiated products. "But if it doesn't deliver, then the spending on all the [research and development] will have been for naught." Lenovo's share of global tablet shipments rose by about 3% over the past year, according to market research firm IDC. But it said demand for the firm's products was static, and its improved position was the result of the wider tablet market contracting by 12%.