14 DAY TRIAL // The latest introduction from Lenovo is a professional-grade ultraportable which expands on the ThinkPad X Series in order to maximize mobility while not sacrificing any of the usability and manageability required by business applications. The product is known as the ThinkPad X100e and is an affordable option while still featuring an 11.6-inch high-definition display, a multitouch touchpad and support for Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Edition.
"By listening to our customers and observing market trends, we identified an opportunity to create a new type of ultraportable laptop for business users," said Sam Dusi, vice president, ThinkPad Product Marketing. "Customers asked us for low cost and extreme portability without sacrificing usability or the manageability needed to run a business. By expanding the ultraportable ThinkPad X Series to reach prices under $500, the X100e delivers on all counts."
The ThinkPad X100e is powered by either of the AMD Athlon Neo processors (whether single or dual core) and the AMD Turion dual core chip. These processors are able to deliver excellent performance for any business-related application, providing the aforementioned support for Windows 7 Professional edition. The system will also employ up to 4GB of RAM, a HDD of 160/250/320 GB and ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics. In addition, the laptop will be built with Realtek 802.11n, GB Ethernet and optional Bluetooth and WWAN Gobl card for connectivity. The X100e will also boast 3 USB ports, a VGA port, a 4-in-1 card reader and HD audio.
While these specifications are definitely worthwhile, the true asset of this ultraportable is the employment of AMD Vision Pro technology.
"The X100e delivers the full promise of VISION Pro Technology from AMD," said Leslie Sobon, vice president, Product Marketing, AMD. "It delivers the visual experience necessary to leverage most of today's collaboration tools, strong battery life and unbeatable value, all in a sleek, durable ultrathin laptop. With out-of-the-box support for dual monitors to enable greater productivity, the ThinkPad X100e defines what a commercial ultrathin laptop should be and sets the bar for future products based on VISION Pro Technology from AMD."
Lenovo's ultraportable laptop will come in multiple colors (heatwave red and midnight black) and has several design elements which enlarge its appeal. The device uses an ISO full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard with enlarged keys as well as a multitouch touchpad and a Trackpoint for ease of navigation. The X100e also comes with the company's hardware-software tools and ThinkVantage Technologies which allow for the easy deployment, management and maintenance of the system.
Lenovo will provide purchasers of the X100e laptop with service and support offerings, such as ThinkPad Protection (which handles repairs in case of accidents), ThinkPlus Priority Support (24 x 7 technical support for IT professionals) and Lenovo Hard Disk Drive Retention, which allows customers to keep their data in case of failure or hard drive damage.
The laptop will be launched at CES but will become available for order at under $500 on January 5 through the company's business partners and the Lenovo official website.