Yesterday, at the 2012 IFA conference in Berlin, Toshiba unveiled a bevy of new computer devices, but one product clearly stole the show: The Satellite U925t, a tablet-ultrabook hybrid. The device - which converts into a tablet when a user slides the display back and up - runs as an ultrabook on Windows 8 and in tablet mode to access Windows apps.

Windows 8 is coming out October 26. Its big pitch? This product's all about touch. So, how can you sneak touch into a mobile computer? A tablet?  A tablet with a keyboard? A touch-screen laptop? Or, how about a hybrid flip-screen laptop that turns into a large tablet? You'll see every one of these options -- and possibly more -- in the next few months. It looks like one of Toshiba's approaches, the Satellite U925t, is set to re-explore the world of larger convertible laptop tablets.

Hybrids are becoming increasingly popular in the tech space, appealing to consumers who are looking for an ultra-lightweight device that can double as a tablet. What's strange about the satellite U925t is that the display folds up, instead of down.

But still, the device packs a heavy punch under the hood, boasting a third-generation Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Rapid Start, a 128GB solid state drive and fast DDR3 1600MHz memory. Weighing in at only 3.2 pounds and measuring just 0.78 inches thick, the 12.5-inch diagonal HD touchscreen is made from Corning Gorilla Glass and features a front HD webcam, as well as a rear 3MP webcam with auto-focus. Other specs include Bluetooth v4.0, an HDMI port and USB 3.0 ports.

Laptop/tablet hybrids have been around for almost as long as computers themselves. Older models used to use swivel screens and ugly pressure-based touch displays. Technology has improved in convertible laptop hybrids, but Windows has usually been the limiting factor for touch interface design. That's no longer as much of an issue anymore thanks to Windows 8. The Satellite U925t adopts a clever slider design rather than a swivel-based screen like the one on the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga. The keyboard forms a solid base, while the display locks into place after lifting up on a hinge.

The compact, soft-touch body is built in the same style as the wide-screen Satellite U845W ultrabook, and feels even sturdier than it looks. The backlit keyboard base and touch pad are smaller than normal, which feels a little odd when typing, but it's perfect for enabling easy arm reach to the 12.5-inch capacitive touch screen. The company says its the first-ever laptop with a 21:9 cinematic display (1792 x 768 resolution) designed for entertainment consumption.

That sounds about right. The U925t is clearly heavier and larger than any tablet you're normally likely to use, though.

This is the sort of device Windows 8 seems meant for, but at what price? If it's over $1,000, which seems likely, it feels too expensive. Plus, the advantage of touch to the average laptop user is still hard to call.

The Satellite U925t will be available for the launch of Windows 8 on October 26 in the U.S. It's a laptop/hybrid with a lot of promise. Of course, that all depends on the price.

Other announcements included the Satellite U945, a four-pound Windows low-cost ultrabook affordably-priced Ultrabook for everyday productivity and entertainment, with a third-generation Intel Core i3 or i5 processors (ULV) with Intel Rapid Start technology, one USB 2.0 port, and two USB 3.0s and a 14-inch diagonal LED Backlit TruBrite display.

Meanwhile, the Satellite P845t boasts a Windows 8 touch experience in a traditional clamshell laptop form factor with a 14-inch diagonal HD Capacitive touch display (1366×768).

Toshiba also detailed its Canvio Personal Cloud, a device which works with iOS, Android, PC and DLNA devices. It allows users to store, share and stream content with remote accessibility to the cloud. The Canvio Personal Cloud - which comes with 2TB ($219.99) and 3TB ($249.99) - is available starting in September.

All other products will be available starting Oct. 26.