With price tags starting at $999, the Ultimate Academic Personal Computers lineup from Microsoft and Lenovo is designed to address academia users, from students to faculty staff. As a part of the promotion the two companies are offering ThinkPad T400, ThinkPad R500, ThinkPad X200 Tablet, and ThinkPad X301 pre-loaded with high-end Microsoft software. What the Ultimate Academic PC initiative is set up to offer are high-powered, highly functional laptops at affordable prices. All computers that are part of the promotion will feature Windows Vista Ultimate and Office 2007 Ultimate out of the box.

“By combining Windows Vista Ultimate and Microsoft Office Ultimate software with Lenovo’s durable ThinkPad laptops, we created a PC that would help students achieve academic success in an increasingly competitive environment and continue to help them as they enter the business world,” said James Ptaszynski, Ph.D., senior director of Worldwide Higher Education Strategy of the Worldwide Public Sector team at Microsoft.

Ptaszynski is in fact the father of the Ultimate Academic PC promotion. His focus was to come up with a software and hardware bundle capable of offering consumers the best combination of products at a low price. “In addition, the Ultimate Academic PC will help students enjoy their down time with features like a built-in camera, advanced graphics for gaming enthusiasts, and access to additional free online services available from Microsoft such as Windows Live Messenger to help students keep up with their busy social lives.”

The ThinkPad T400 is a 14-inch widescreen laptop that comes to the table with a roll cage for added durability. ThinkPad R500 is the big brother of the T400 model, featuring a 15-inch display. In addition, users will also be able to buy the ThinkPad X200 Tablet as part of the promotion, and take advantage of the rotative 12-inch screen and more than 10 hours of battery life. At the same time, consumers can go for the thin ThinkPad X301, which features solid state drive storage.

“Advanced PCs are no longer a luxury, but a necessity in higher education,” said Tom Looney, vice president and general manager for Lenovo North America. “Not only are PCs integrated into the fabric of academic life, but they are an essential part of life after college. Considering the technology, hardware ‘horsepower’ and upgradability, the Microsoft and Lenovo-developed Ultimate Academic PCs are the best choice for the unique needs of students and young professionals, our future leaders and innovators.”