The quad-core IdeaPad Y480 laptop is listed at $999 (755 EUR)

Mar 9, 2012 11:26 GMT  ·  By

Even though almost two more months separate us from the Intel Ivy Bridge launch, Amazon has already listed in its online store the Lenovo IdeaPad Y480 laptop that is powered by the upcoming Core i7-3610QM quad-core CPU.

The notebook is available for pre-order as we speak with pricing being set at $999 (about 755 EUR), which seems like an OK deal considering its specifications.

Lenovo’s laptop was designed to run the 64-bit version of the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system, and sports a 14-inch display, according to Laptoping.

At its heart there stands the Intel Core i7-3610QM processor that packs four computing cores clocked at 2.3GHz (3.3GHz maximum Turbo Boost speed), support for Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology and an on-die Intel HD 4000 graphics core.

However, Lenovo decided that its IdeaPad Y480 needed more powerful graphics, so it installed a GeForce GT 630M dedicated GPU with 1GB of VRAM, which should also support Nvidia’s Optimus dynamic switching technology.

In Lenovo’s creation, the fast Intel processor is paired with 8GB of system memory, as well as with a 750GB hard drive with a spindle speed of just 5400 RPM.

The rest of the features list includes a pair of JBL branded speakers, two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI video output, as well as the standard Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity.

When unplugged from the power outlet, Lenovo’s IdeaPad notebook gets its power from a Lithium Polymer battery that can provide about 4 hours of autonomy.

Sadly, the retailer doesn’t seem to know when this IdeaPad notebook will start shipping to its customers, but we expect this to happen at the end of April, shortly after Intel launches its 22nm Ivy Bridge processors.