Lenovo Focuses on Multimedia With New Y Series, Z Series

Lenovo's pre-CES 2014 Sunday load continues with the launch of four laptops: the 14-inch Y40 and 15.6-inch Y50 laptops, and the 14-inch Z40 and the 15.6-inch Z50 laptops. Lenovo says that its Y Series is built for performance while the Z series focuses on multimedia entertainment.

According to a list of specs, the upcoming Y40 and Y50 will pack up to a fourth generation Intel Core i7 processor that's backed by up to 16 GB of DDR3L memory and Intel HD graphics. Some configurations of the Y50 will have Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics while some Y40 models will provide AMD Radeon R9 M270 (4 GB) graphics. Screen resolutions include 1920 x 1080 on the Y40 (non-touch), and 3840 x 2160 or 1920 x 1080 on the Y50 (touch or not touch).

These two laptops also have several storage options: up to 1 TB pure HDD or 1 TB hybrid storage with integrated 8 GB SSD cache, or up to 512 GB pure SSD storage (can only support HDD or pure SSD at one time). Other features include USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, HDMI output, a 2-in-1 card reader, an optional backlit AccuType keyboard with rounded keys on the Y50, a battery promising up to 4 hours, Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and more.

As for the Z40 and Z50 models, the standard default resolution will be 1366 x 768 without touch, but there will be models sporting a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio (non-touch). This screen will be backed by a processor up to a fourth generation Intel Core i7, Intel HD graphics and optional Nvidia GeForce 840M (4 GB) graphics. Configurations will also have up to 16 GB of DDR3L memory.

Both Z Series units have up to 1 TB pure HDD or 1 TB hybrid storage with integrated 8 GB SSD cache, support for Dolby Home Theater v4, and an AccuType keyboard with individual rounded keys. The laptops also feature Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, a battery promising up to 5 hours of life, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, HDMI output, and a-in-1 card reader. The Z40 will measure 0.97 inches thin, and the Z50 will measure 0.98 inches thin.

"Lenovo's VeriFace Pro facial recognition lets users quickly log-in with their face," reads the product sheet. "Motion control allows for scrolling through photos and video with just a wave of the hand, and voice control uses a few simple voice commands to move through multimedia."

The Lenovo Y40 and Y50 laptops will start at $999 and become available beginning in May 2014. The Lenovo Z40 and Z50 laptops will start at $599 and become available beginning in March 2014.

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