On Tuesday Lenovo introduced a number of new ThinkPad Ultrabooks targeting both the consumer and small business markets. The new models feature a 20 percent thinner form factor than previous ThinkPads, up to 45 percent larger trackpads with improved click functionality supporting Windows 8 gestures, and up to 17 hours of battery life on a single charge. The company has also thrown in a handful of sensors and new tech that allows users to "hot swap" batteries on the fly.
"New Power Bridge technology allows users to swap external batteries without powering down their PC," the company said. "This new 'hot swap' feature, available with the ThinkPad 68(23.5Wh), 68+ (72Wh), and 48Wh batteries, provides flexibility and maximum battery life in nearly any situation and extends productivity beyond all day. These external ThinkPad batteries are common among the new ThinkPad Ultrabooks allowing for maximum return on investment."
Lenovo said the new Ultrabooks feature a wide variety of sensors including a G-sensor to detect shock, thermal sensors to detect and manage heat, voltage sensors to control current and critical voltage sensors to protect key components. There's also hardware-based biometric fingerprint security and tamper detection that are linked to the embedded Trusted Platform Module.
As for the individual models, the ThinkPad T440 has a 14 inch screen spanning HD and HD+ resolutions, and touch input. Additional specs include up to a fourth generation Intel Core i5 "Haswell" CPU, Intel HD 4400 graphics, up to 12 GB of DDR3L memory, up to 1 TB of HDD space or 512 GB of SSD space, an integrated 720p HD camera, and Dolby Digital Plus for Windows 8. Integrated ports include Mini DisplayPort w/audio, VGA, two USB 3.0 (1 x powered) ports, an SD card reader, and an Ethernet port. This Ultrabook measures just 21 mm thin and has a starting weight of 4 pounds.
The ThinkPad T440s is a step up, offering up to an Intel Core i7 "Haswell" processor, and a 14 inch screen with HD+, Full HD and Full HD Touch options. The specs are basically the same as the previous model but add a third USB 3.0 port. It's also thinner, measuring 20.45 mm high and weighing a mere 3.5 pounds. Both versions sport Intel WP2 + Bluetooth connectivity, options for 3G and 4G networks, optional NFC, and a lightweight Carbon Fiber chassis.
Moving on to the small business, Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X240 measuring just 20.3 mm thin and weighing less than three pounds. This Ultrabook has a 12.5 inch screen with HD, HD Widescreen, HD Widescreen Touch, Full HD and Full HD touch options. Additional specs include up to an Intel Core i7 "Haswell" processor, Intel HD Graphics 4400, up to 8 GB of RAM, an integrated 720p HD camera, and HDD and SSD storage options offering up to 1 TB of space. Ports include HDMI output, two USB 3.0, a 3-in-1 card reader, VGA, Ethernet and more.
The company also introduced the 14 inch ThinkPad S440 and the 15 inch ThinkPad S540 Ultrabooks for business, sporting beveled edges to give the impression of a floating PC, and an ultra-thin bezel for a larger screen in a smaller form factor. Both models have a ten-point touch input option powered by Intel HD Graphics 4400 and up to a discreet AMD Radeon HD 8670M GPU with 2 GB of VRAM. The 14 inch model provides up to 8 GB of DDR3L memory, up to 500 GB of HDD and up to 256 GB on an SSD. The 15 inch model provides up to 16 GB of DDR3L memory, up to 1 TB on an HDD and up to 256 GB on an SSD.
Finally there's the black sheep of the whole announcement: Lenovo's ThinkVision LT2934z, a 29 inch AH-IPS LED-lit standalone monitor with a 21:9 panoramic display and a 2560 x 1080 resolution. This monitor supports Picture-in-Picture, and features an integrated Full HD webcam, dual array microphone and 2 watt speakers, and 178 degree viewing angles. Inputs include VGA, HDMI, HDMI/MHL, Dual-Link DVI-D, two USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports.
The 21:9 monitor will launch this month for a starting price of $799. Lenovo's T440s and T440 Ultrabooks will be available starting at the end of October priced from $1,149 and $899, respectively. The ThinkPad X240 will also be available in the same time frame starting at $1,099.
Lenovo said the ThinkPad S440 and S540 models will be made available in select markets. The ThinkPad S440 will arrive in September priced from €699, and the ThinkPad S540 will be available starting October priced from €649.
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