14 DAY TRIAL // Lenovo has just announced the expansion of its Idea brand with the addition of a new all-in-one IdeaCentre A600 desktop computer system and three new IdeaPad portable computer systems, the IdeaPad Y650, Y550 and the Y430. While the Y650 is claimed to be the thinnest and lightest 16-inch laptop in its class, the Y550 and Y430 come to provide users with a design similar to that of the aforementioned Y650. However, one of the most significant products announced today is the company's new IdeaCentre A600, a desktop PC that Lenovo claims to be the thinnest all-in-one desktop personal computer.
“With the launch of our global consumer Idea brand a year ago, we've shown the world that PC technology can be powerful and beautiful,” said Liu Jun, senior vice president and president, Consumer Business Group, Lenovo. “This year, we will keep pushing the limits of good design, balancing form and function, as you'll see exhibited in our super-thin, 16-inch laptop and all-in-one desktop. This unique blend of design and engineering sets us apart from competitors and gives consumers a new kind of entertainment and computing experience.”
Some of the features that have been built in the new IdeaCentre A600 all-in-one desktop include a user's choice of an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, optional ATI Radeon graphics, 4GB of DDR3 RAM and an impressive 1TB of storage space. The new system has been designed to deliver a sleek, frameless 21.5-inch screen, capable of providing support for a true High-Definition experience featuring a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1920x1080 Full HD resolution. Also, the integrated speaker system includes a bass sub-woofer and a Dolby Home Theater audio experience.
One of the innovations provided by the release of the new IdeaCentre A600 all-in-one desktop PC is the new, first-of-its-kind 4-in-1 optional remote controller, which enables PC users to play games using the remote control's “motion drive” feature. According to the company, it is similar to a Wii remote control, but can also work as a VOIP handset, enabling users to make and receive Internet phone calls. Additional features allow the remote to be used as a typical media center/TV remote, or even an “air mouse.”
Regarding pricing and availability, the new IdeaCentre A600 is expected to become available in April with a MSRP of $999, while the new IdeaPad Y650, Y550, Y450 laptops and S10 netbook will be available at the beginning of March, with MSRP of $1199, $829, and $349, respectively.