Information about Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 notebook computer has been flitting about for months, but as expected the company has officially announced the rugged, superslim notebook—and it goes on sale May 17 with prices starting around $1,399. The company has also taken the wraps off a new ThinkCentre Edge 91z all-in-one desktop system packed with power, including Intel Core i7 quad-core processors.
The official details of the ThinkPad X1 match what everyone had been expecting: just 17mm thick, a choice of second-generation Core i3, i5, and i7 “Sandy Bridge” processors, and a 13.3 inch 1,366 by 768-pixel display. The notebook has both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, Mini DisplayPort and HDMI output, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, optional mobile broadband, support for up to 8 GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 128 and 160 GB SSDs to 250 and 320 GB traditional hard drive—there’s even a hybrid option with an 80 GB SSD and a traditional HDD, if customers are willing for forego the mobile broadband option.
“Our customers are looking for a business laptop that combines the best consumer multimedia and entertainment features with the latest performance and mobility innovations in a super-thin, stylish design,” said Lenovo ThinkPad Business UNit VP Dilip Bhatia, in a statement.
The ThinkPad X1 also features Dolby Home Theater, an integrated webcam and dual digital-array mic, a 4-in-1 media card reader, and on-board Ethernet. And the ThinkPad X1 is designed to be rugged, with roll cage technology protect the components and Gorilla Glass to protect the display. Lenovo says the X1 will get up to 5.2 hours of use with its integrated battery and up to 10 hours with an optional external “slice” battery.
Lenovo says the ThinkPad X1 is available starting today from Lenovo and its business partners, with pricing starting at $1,399—although Lenovo’s Web site says customers will have to wait until May 24.
Lenovo has also announced a new entry in its ThinkCentre all-in-one line, the ThinkCentre Edge 91z. Aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, the system measures just 2.5 inches thick, offers a 21.5-inch LCD display, and packs a lot of power—up to a second-generation Intel Core i7 quad-core processor. The 91z supports up to 8 GB of RAM, and will be available with SSD and hard drive storage options, integrated Wi-Fi an optional Blu-ray drive, and discrete ATI graphics with up to 1 GB of dedicated video memory. the ThinkCentre 91z should be available in July through Lenovo’s business partners with prices starting at $699.
