Lenovo Also Announces the IdeaPad U350, G550 and IdeaCentre C300

Aside from the IdeaPad S12, the world's first netbook to combine an Intel Atom processor with an NVIDIA Ion chipset, Lenovo also announced a couple of other new systems, including a new CULV laptop and a new low-power all-in-one desktop PC. The three new models coming from Lenovo are all powered by Intel's processors, but each one is designed for a different market segment.

 

“Users are demanding thinner and lighter PCs with enhanced connectivity and extra long battery life to fit their increasingly mobile lifestyles,” said Dion Weisler, vice president, Business Operations, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. “To meet this growing category for 'thinbooks', we're bringing customers products like the new IdeaPad U350 laptop, the IdeaPad S12 netbook and our recently introduced IdeaPad Y650 laptop.”

 

First off is the new 13.3-inch IdeaPad U350, which takes full advantage of Intel's CULV platform and can be equipped with a choice for Intel's 1.4GHz Core 2 Solo SU3500, 1.3GHz SU2700 or 1.2GHz Celeron 723 processors. The laptop also packs a 500GB hard drive, support for up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, an integrated GMA 4500M/4500MHD graphics chip, 1.3MP camera, multi-touch trackpad and two 1.5-watt speakers. Running on Microsoft's Windows Home Basic operating system and an 8-cell battery pack, the system is good for up to 10 hours of use, according to the manufacturer.

 

The Lenovo G550 takes things to a different level, with a 15.6-inch display, integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, DVD burner and a numeric keypad, to meet the requirements of business users. The system can be equipped with 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 320GB hard drive, a Core 2 Duo processor and a choice for Intel's integrated GMA X4500 or NVIDIA's GeForce G105M graphics chip, featuring HDMI output. Equipped with a 6-cell battery pack, the system is said to be good for about five hours of battery life.

 

The last in Lenovo's new product line, the IdeaCentre C300, comes as an all-in-one PC that is featured with Intel's Atom 230 processor and features a 20-inch LCD. There are 2GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB or 640GB HDD, Ethernet, WiFi, 1.3MP webcam, FireWire, six USB 2.0 ports, a 6-in-1 card reader and an integrated optical drive. Despite the large screen, there's no word of an NVIDIA graphics chip inside the C300.

 

Price-wise we are looking at systems that will become available for approximately US$649, US$599, US$449, for the U350, G550 and the C300, respectively.