Sydney, Australia – October 10, 2008: Lenovo today announced three new ThinkPad notebooks that significantly address the key factors mobile computer users consider today – light weight, long battery life and simple usability. With models starting at less than 1.1 kg1 and offering maximum battery life lasting up to more than 13 hours2, the ThinkPad X200s notebook leads Lenovo’s business-class notebook portfolio for lightest weight and longest battery life. Lenovo’s new ThinkPad X200 Tablet PC also leads the industry for its light weight design, with models shedding almost 10 percent over the previous generation Tablet PC’s weight. Additionally, the Tablet PC also offers models with nearly 50 percent longer battery life. The ThinkPad X200 notebook also boasts a lighter weight and longer battery life than its predecessor.

All three of the PCs offer improved usability over previous Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks, notably with the ThinkPad X200 Tablet PC’s enhanced multimedia capabilities, dual swivel screen and a full-size keyboard. And to help protect against bumps and bruises, Lenovo brought its innovative ThinkPad top cover roll cage pioneered in the ThinkPad X300 notebook to select models of the ThinkPad X200s notebook, balancing light weight with extreme durability. 

“We continually strive to balance the features customers care most about – light weight, long battery life and simple usability – when engineering our ThinkPad notebooks,” said Otto Ruettinger, Business Manager, Desktops and Notebooks, Lenovo ANZ. “From the new ThinkPad X200 Tablet PC to the ThinkPad X200s notebook, our most recent X Series ThinkPad notebooks push the design envelope, delivering tailored solutions to unique user needs while balancing usability, weight and battery life like never before.” 

ThinkPad X200 Notebook

Designed for executives on the move, the light-weight X200 starts at 1.34 kg and comes with an optional solid state hard drive model for ultraportability. With dimensions 295mm wide by 210mm deep, the X200 fits into tight spaces such as crowded tables and airline trays. The compact dimensions have not compromised the display size, however, with a 12.1” wide screen and a larger ergonomic keyboard offering more comfort and productivity. The X200 also provides cooler, quieter computing with its focused airflow design and new fan.

ThinkPad X200s Notebook

Powered by the latest small form factor Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro technology, the ThinkPad X200s notebook combines thin and light design with powerful functionality. Select models are reinforced with Lenovo’s signature carbon and glass fibre top cover roll cage to provide ultra-light design with extra strength to exceed the rigors of mobile computing environments, helping make it Lenovo’s lightest ThinkPad notebook to date. Select models are also equipped with up to 128 GB solid state drive storage, LED backlit displays, and Ultra-Wideband functionality as well as Bluetooth connectivity for an exceptional computing experience. With a new optional nine cell battery, the notebook offers users extended-day computing. Compatible with Lenovo’s new optional ThinkPad X200 Ultrabase,™ users can even charge a second battery and swap it out later for uninterrupted mobile computing. They can also opt to choose a Blu-Ray DVD player and additional hard drive on the Ultrabase™ for added functionality.

ThinkPad X200 Tablet

With models weighing only 1.59 kg3, the ThinkPad X200 Tablet PC gives users the best of notebook performance with the convenience of notetaking, similar to pen and paper functionality, in a digital form. Ideal for environments such as healthcare, real estate, education and sales, Lenovo’s first widescreen Tablet PC also offers models providing up to more than 10 hours of battery life4 for a full day of computing. Equipped with the latest low-voltage version of the small form factor Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro technology, select models also offer up to 128 GB solid state drive storage, LED backlit displays, as well as mobile broadband.

Lenovo worked with its customer and business partners to improve the Tablet PC’s usability and multimedia capabilities by integrating several new technologies, including:

·         Full-size keyboard: allows an easier typing and computing experience

·         Dual swivel screen: enables users to turn the screen either direction to shift between notebook and Tablet PC mode more naturally

·         Improved multimedia: dual-array digital microphones reduce ambient noise with noise-cancelling software for conducting clearer voice over Internet protocol calls. A built-in camera provides improved quality pictures for web conferencing, and stereo speakers help increase audio volume for hearing multimedia presentations in noisy environments

·         Touch sensitivity: recognises a lighter pen or finger touch 

All three models are qualified as Gold by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool for their environmental attributes, including energy-efficient technologies such as low and ultra-low volt processors, LED backlit displays and solid state drive storage. Additionally, they are 20 percent more energy efficient than previous Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks.

Pricing and Availability5

Pricing for optimised models of the ThinkPad X200 notebook starts at $2,999.00, the ThinkPad X200s notebook starts at $3,299.00 and the ThinkPad X200 Tablet at $3,499.00. The notebooks will be available in September and October, respectively. They will be sold through Lenovo Business Partners and www.lenovo.com.au. All prices quoted include GST.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centres in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.au.