Lenovo Launches New AMD-powered ThinkPads
CES 2010 is just around the corner and although most companies are preparing themselves for big reveals in Las Vegas, some have accidentally let the cat out of the bag a bit early.
Over the weekend, the folks at Lenovo inadvertently published product pages detailing many of the company's new releases due to be unveiled at CES. Soon after, Lenovo revealed more details on the leaked products. Enter the ThinkPad Edge series along with Lenovo's first entry-level ultraportable, the X100e, which starts at under $500, and the T410s, T410, T510 and W510.
The Edge
The Edge is probably causing the biggest splash of the lot. Specs-wise you're looking at a $549 base model packing either AMD's Turion (1.6GHz) or Athlon (1.5 GHz) dual core processor, 4GB of DDR2 and a 160GB HDD. From there, the choices for configurations are aplenty, with options for Intel's Core 2 Duo SU7300 ULV CPU and GS45 chipset; DDR3 RAM and up to 500GB of storage. These changes will, of course, drag that super-sweet $549 base price up around the $800 to $900 mark.
When it comes to design, Lenovo has ditched its traditional keyboard in favor of the increasingly popular chiclet keys. While the company has held on to the famous TrackPoint nub and it remains slap-bang in the middle of the keypad, the new, curved keys offer a spill resistant keyboard that looks just as sleek and professional as the older ThinkPad models.
The Edge will be available in 13.3-inch, 14-inch ad 15-inch models. It also comes in red if you're into looking fly. The 13.3-inch model is shipping now but the versions with larger displays aren't out 'til spring.
X100e
While the Edge is creating a lot of hype, the one I'm most interested in is the X100e. Ear-marked as Lenovo's first entry-level ultra-portable, the X100e's starting price is $449; a price not too many Lenovo fans are used to seeing. You're looking at an 11.6-inch HD display, AMD's Athlon Neo or Turion, Wifi, optional Bluetooth and 3G, 3xUSB, 4-in-1 card reader, a full-size keyboard, HD audio and Windows 7 Professional.
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The T410s, T410, T510 and W510
Enough of small and affordable, these four are yet more additions to Lenovo's classic ThinkPad line up. According to the leaked product pages, the T410s ad W510 will boast Core i5 while the T410 and T510 will pack Core i7.
Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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socrates047 At least the notebooks look decent aesthetically speaking. I have seen people with lenovo notebooks in my university and they look like weird block things.Reply -
SAL-e Socrates047At least the notebooks look decent aesthetically speaking. I have seen people with lenovo notebooks in my university and they look like weird block things.I don't care how my "block thing" looks. Each ThinkPad I used lasted more then 5 years each. This time I'm a bit worried. They are changing the keyboard and the ThinkPads have one of the best keyboard around. Lets hope that new keyboard is good also. I will try it at CES.Reply -
konjiki7 ReplyAt least the notebooks look decent aesthetically speaking. I have seen people with lenovo notebooks in my university and they look like weird block things.
I have to agree the old think pads do look like bricks. I use my think pad as a high-tech door stop. At 9 years old it still works though! -
Hatecrime69 the red ones certainly look sexy, though i'm not so sure about the chicklet-looking keyboardReply -
retirepresident I hope AMD release these Athlon Neo X2(22 watts) to retail/end use market. Go AMD/ATI and I hope Intel lose another 20-40 share market. For what they have done to AMD/ATI and consumer.Reply