Lenovo Launches Six New ThinkPad Notebooks

Though the last couple of weeks have been more LePad than ThinkPad, Lenovo has shaken things up this morning with the launch of the ThinkPad T, L and W notebooks. All told there’s six new notebooks, the T420s, T420, T520, L420, L520 and W520.

In the updated T series, Lenovo is promising improved boot times, along with improved battery life. While the super-slim T420s will supposedly deliver a 30 percent boost in boot times, the T420 will deliver up to 30 hours of battery with a standard 9-cell (15 hours) and an optional 9-cell slice battery. The 15.6-inch T520 is a little bulkier but packs the same power as its two smaller siblings. All boast the latest Core CPUs, (i5 and i7) and Nvidia graphics (GeForce 4200M GPU, 1GB of VRAM).

Lenovo is touting the W520 (pictured) as a mobile workstation and with options for up to the quad-core versions of Intel’s Core i-series, Fermi graphics, support for up to 32GB of DDR3 and USB 3.0, the W520 definitely lives up to that classification. It’s got a 15.6-inch display, so it’s not a behemoth, but it’s a hefty old girl with a weight of just under 6 lbs, so it’s probably for the best that this isn’t a 17-incher.

Lastly, there’s the 14-inch L420 and 15.6-inch L520. These represent the newest arrivals to the Lenovo’s entry-level business line. Both come with the new Core i-series chips and can be configured for up to 8GB of DDR3. No USB 3.0 here, but USB 2.0 out the wazoo with four ports on each.

All six machines will be available in March and pricing for the T420s, T420, T520, L420, L520 and W520 starts at approximately $1,329, $779, $909, $719, $719 and $1329, respectively.

  • sudeshc
    Typically for developers business users. all work no fun.
    Reply
  • joytech22
    I could use one of these, but I say that on every article.

    Tom's, Please review 3 of them, the lowest-end version with mid-end and high-end.
    I'm on my way, looking for a laptop to replace my old 1323TX.
    Reply
  • LordConrad
    Do ThinkPads still have that stupid little "eraser mouse"?
    Reply
  • JMcEntegart
    LordConradDo ThinkPads still have that stupid little "eraser mouse"?
    A very G-rated named for something with so many crude names... But yes! Yes, they do.
    Reply
  • RobinPanties
    LordConradDo ThinkPads still have that stupid little "eraser mouse"?Look at the picture, there's a touchpad at the bottom.
    Reply
  • tripplenipple1224
    30 hours of battery life? 32gb of ram? pricey
    Reply
  • belardo
    There is something wrong with "15 and 30" hours of battery life. I seriously don't think so. They are typically about 3~5 hours.

    Well CRAP...!! Lenovo has degraded the T4xx with its "NEW 16:9" screen! (Lots of cursing) Hate the 16:9 on notebooks, its not needed and it looks ODD on the 14" ThinkPad T420. The bezel area has tons of bare plastic, it looks like crap. I was looking forward to buying a T420 to replace my older ThinkPad.

    With the current T410/510... the 14" screen is JUST as high as the 15.6" screen. You get a notebook that is more than an inch narrower, a bit thinner and without the 16x9 - yet still wide screen.

    Typically for developers business users. all work no fun.
    Its more fun to use a notebook with a screen you can see without seeing your own reflection or the ENTIRE ROOM shining back at you. You're paying a bit more for the tougher body and excellent keyboard.

    Looking that the photos... these new models are using 2010 bodies... which are fine.
    With such WIDE speaker bezels on the side - they might as well have thrown in a numeric keypad for the 15" model.

    At least the screens are non-glossey, unlike the other 98% of the notebooks on the market.
    Reply
  • hoofhearted
    What is so great about these Thinkpads? I don't see these business notebooks doing anything that a nice gaming notebook by Asus or Alienware can do. What is the advantage?
    Reply
  • belardo
    Either use one or do some research.

    An Alienware gaming notebook doesn't belong in a business meeting doing million dollar deals.

    In terms of performance, HD, memory... its like ANY other notebook.

    ThinkPads have these features not found on any notebooks, or rare business class from HP and Dell.

    1 - non-glossy crap screen (but you lose the contrast)
    2 - A real keyboard... with excellent layout. Not the island keys thats on everyones notebooks.
    3 - crash cages for body and screen (15" models don't get it for the screen) - ie: there is a structure alloy under the plastic. (L series is weak)
    4 - liquid channels... you can pour your energy drink on the keyboard without frying the computer.
    5 - Crash cage for hard drive
    6 - LED light shines on keyboard (okay, lame)
    7 - No garbageware preinstalled.
    Reply
  • funnyman06
    As a proud owner of a T61 and T410, I have to say I prefer the 16:9 widescreen, with out all of the plastic frills. Thinkpads are, hands down, some of the best built laptops in the world. I find I use the "lame" LED light alot in low light conditions. And the red cursor in the middle of the keyboard is a signature Thinkpad trait. I wont even get started on how amazing the Thinkpad keyboard is.
    Reply