Lenovo Abandons Beveled Keyboards On New ThinkPads, Unveils X1 Carbon
Subject: Mobile | May 14, 2012 - 01:23 PM | Matt Smith
Tagged: Thinkpad, news, Lenovo
Brace yourself, enthusiasts. The recent rumors that Lenovo will be ditching its traditional beveled keyboard in favor of a more modern – and some would say, inferior – chicklet-style design are true. Lenovo today announced new ThinkPad L,T, W and X series laptops. All of them ditch the old design for a keyboard similar to the one Lenovo has been using on the ThinkPad Edge since its introduction.
Lenovo’s ThinkPads have held strong for years as chicklet-style keyboards overtook the industry, causing enthusiasts looking for a great typing experience to flock in the company’s direction. Changing the design is sure to raise the ire of some enthusiasts.
The “Precision Keyboard,”as it is being called in Lenovo’s literature, is not entirely without benefits. The key surface allegedly reduces typing errors. It also finally gives ThinkPad owners a backlit keyboard option, something that couldn’t be offered on previous models because the beveled keyboard could not accommodate it.
Some rumors had suggested that the ThinkLight (a small LED used to illuminate the laptop’s interior) would perish as a result of the new backlit keyboards. This does not seem to be the case. Screenshots clearly show that the light remains.
Lenovo’s other big announcement is the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Lenovo’s previous X1, which we reviewed last year, was an ultrabook that predated the ultrabook – super slim, fast and expensive. Lenovo is now bestowing the X1 with the label and, as the new name suggests, a “roll cage” made of carbon fiber.
The changes don’t end there. The new X1 is lighter, weighing it at 3 pounds instead of the 3.73 pounds of its predecessor. It has a better display, which is now 14 inches in size and ups the resolution to 1600x900. And, as you’d expect, it receives Intel Ivy Bridge processors. That’s true of all the other ThinkPads announced today, as well.
What do you think of the new keyboard? Love it? Hate it? Or don't care?
Introduction, Design
If the netbook was a shooting star, the nettop was an asteroid that never quite entered our atmosphere. Instead it flew silently by, noted by NASA, written about in a handful of articles, and now forgotten.
That doesn’t mean it has ceased to exist, however. It’s still out there, floating in space - and it occasionally swings back around for an encore. So we have the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q180.
Of course, simply advertising a small computer as - well, a small computer - isn’t particularly sexy. The Q180 is instead being sold not just as general-purpose laptop but also as a media center (with optional Blu-Ray, not found on our review unit). There’s no doubting the demand for this, but so far, attempts to make PC-based media center computers have not done well - even Boxee, with its custom Linux-based operating system, was fussy. Can the Q180 succeed where others have stumbled? Let’s start with the specs.
It’s been awhile since we tested anything Atom. Since our last look at this line of processors, Intel has updated to the code-name Cedertrail processors, allowing for higher clock speeds. The 2.13 GHz dual-core Atom D2700 looks quite robust in print. But this still the same old architecture, so per-clock performance doesn’t come close to Intel’s Pentium and Core processors.
Also included in AMD’s Radeon HD 6450A, a version of the HD 6450 built for small systems that don’t have room for a typical PCIe graphics card. This makes up for the fact that all Atom processors are still using hopelessly outdated Intel Media Accelerator graphics, which is entirely unsuitable for HD video.
Some Lenovo models might maybe get a little smokey ... but probably not
Subject: General Tech | April 27, 2012 - 12:58 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Lenovo, fud, M70z, M90z
Some Mexican made Lenovo models were recalled earlier this year and that recall has recently been expanded, to about 63,000 units. It seems that one single fire incident and one smoke incident with no injuries, were recorded in the US and blamed on a possible faulty part in the PSU which could overheat. A 0.003% failure rate is apparently unacceptable in some sectors of today's marketplace, with others requiring not only a much higher incident of failure but a fatality or at least a serious injury before a recall is even considered. While PCs releasing their magic smoke on their own is certainly a bad thing, especially on models most likely to be found in the workplace it seems the PC industry is held to an obscenely high level of performance. The Register is not terribly impressed either.
"Lenovo has been forced to expand the recall of possibly flamey desktops it first announced back in March.
The Chinese PC giant, in conjunction with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced the initial recall affected around 50,500 ThinkCentre M70z and M90z desktops."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Globalfoundries announces 20nm process node can stack silicon @ The Inquirer
- TSMC to increase 2012 capex to US$8-8.5 billion @ DigiTimes
- Cloud Storage: 5 Alternatives, What's in It for You @ TechSpot
- SiSoftware Sandra Lite 2012 SP4 @ NGOHQ
- Daddy's got a brand new ride @ The Tech Report
- Win a pair of MEElectronics RX12 Sound-Isolating In-Ear Headphones @ Tech-Reviews
Looking for a low power SFF system you don't have to build yourself? Try Lenovo's ThinkCentre M91p
Subject: Systems | April 24, 2012 - 06:51 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: silent, SFF, Lenovo, ThinkCentre M91p
Most people who want a small form factor PC at home are those who will build it themselves, but not everyone has the time or inclination to do so. That is where systems like the Lenovo ThinkCentre M91p come in handy. Powered by a 2.7GHz Core 5-2500S, a single 4GB DIMM of DDR3-1333 and a 500GB HDD it is not overwhelming in its abilities but certainly qualifies as a low heat and low noise machine. Silent PC Review thought that this machine would be better for an office PC than an HTPC as the Intel HD3000 struggles with playback in some cases but are very glad to see the rare 2500S in a system as it is hard to purchase as a seperate item but is quite nice with a turbo speed of 3.7GHz.
"The USFF version of Lenovo's ThinkCentre M91p packs a significant punch in a small package. Utilizing an Intel "S" low power processor and a 150W external AC power adapter, it's also incredibly energy efficient."
Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
- Dell Alienware X51 Review @ TechReviewSource
- Dell Precision T3600 Review: Dell's New Enterprise @ AnandTech
- QuietPC Nofan Icepipe A40-Z68 Silent PC @ OC3D
- ZOTAC ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus Mini PC Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Ars Technica system guide: Bargain Box April 2012
Introduction, Design, User Interface
As you may already know from my ultrabook editorial, I’m not entirely sold on them. There are disadvantages to being thin.
And as if to remind me of it, a Lenovo ThinkPad T420 suddenly appeared at my doorstep. Okay, that’s exaggerating a bit - I did know it was coming - but the timing of receiving an old-school laptop couldn't have been better. Not only because I wanted to take a closer look at a laptop purposely designed to not be thin, but also because we haven’t had a ThinkPad T series for review in, well, forever.
This is a return to form for me. I owned several ThinkPads during my late teens, my college days, and the years just after college. My favorite was a T42 with a 14-inch display.
Of course, laptops have come a long way since then. The ThinkPad T420 we received for review is a good example of a mid-range model. Let’s look at the hardware specifications.
According to Lenovo’s website, this configuration is the second pre-configured option available. It can be had for about $1000 after an eCoupon provided by Lenovo. All of the features above are standard, even the 1600x900 display and Nvidia graphics. They are standard only for this model, however - some less powerful versions are available at lower prices.
The only option that came with our review unit was a 9-cell battery, which will set you back $50. We received both the 6-cell and the 9-cell batteries, so we will be testing the laptop’s battery life with both.
Continue reading our review of the Lenovo ThinkPad T420 laptop!!
A portable display for your PC or Mac, Lenovo's USB powered ThinkVision
Subject: Displays | January 24, 2012 - 02:00 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: thinkvision, portable, monitor, Lenovo, display
You may remember Matt's review of the Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 portable monitor from back in November, but if not it is time for a refresher from Legit Reviews. It is a 14", 1366x768 display that uses a dual USB 2.0 connection, one for power and one to drive the display, so it gives you a very portable second screen for your laptop. One discovery that Legit Reviews happened upon was Apple support; by grabbing drivers from DisplayLink, the company which designed the ThinkVision, you can use the ThinkVision on your MacBook. Check out their full review here.
"The Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 portable monitor is a great solution for someone that needs an additional monitor on the go. With an online price of $190.67 shipped it is not something you go out and by on a whim, but is affordable for those that need it. After installing the drivers, using the the ThinkVision LT1421 was as simple as plugging the monitor into a laptop with the two USB 2.0 cables and propping it up with its photo frame stand. You can then dial-in the display to look the very best by tilting the display to the desired angle and picking the right brightness level of the 16 available..."
Here are some more Display articles from around the web:
- Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 Review @ TechReviewSource
- BenQ XL2420T Monitor Review @ Tech-Reviews UK
- Asus VE278Q 27 Inch Monitor @ Kitguru
- BenQ RL2240H Monitor Review @ Tech-Reviews.co.uk
- Vizio Razor M3D460SR Review @ TechReviewSource
A look at CES 2012 through other peoples eyes
Subject: Shows and Expos | January 11, 2012 - 03:33 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: yoga, ultrabook, tablet, ocz, micron, Lenovo, kilimanjaro, CES
By now you should have hit our CES 2012 page, where all of our news coming out of CES is aggregated for you. The sad truth is that PC Perspective has yet to conquer time and space, so we can only be in one place at a time which leads to missed appointments with vendors. However, we are not the only tech site represented at CES 2012; for instance The Tech Report is running around Las Vegas as you read this. So far they've seen a Lenovo laptop/netbook which knows Yoga, seen the heights that the combined team of OCZ and Micron can climb to and tablets with better than 1080p resolution. They also weigh in on the similarities between Ultrabooks and a certain Apple product, as they are one of Intel's main focuses at this CES.
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Intel caught faking CES ultrabook gaming demo @ The Register
- CES 2012: GIGABYTE Shows Off Their Z77 Motherboards @ Bjorn3D
- CES 2012 Day 1 - Official Start - Sapphire EVGA and Rosewill @ Ninjalane
- Asustek to launch 7-inch Eee Pad Memo priced at US$249 @ DigiTimes
- Intel's Medfield & Atom Z2460 Arrive for Smartphones: It's Finally Here @ AnandTech
- CES 2012 Coverage of Corsair Cases, SSDs @ Legit Reviews
- CES 2012: EVGA SR-X Dual Socket 2011 Motherboard @ Legit Reviews
- CES2012 Monster Press Conference @ TechwareLabs
- Intel teams up with Lenovo and Motorola to launch Atom-based smartphones @ The Inquirer
- Linux 3.2 Kernel Benchmarks @ Phoronix
- Global Foundries Fab 8 is making chips @ SemiAccurate
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
CES 2012 Day 1 Podcast - 1/8/2012
Subject: Editorial | January 9, 2012 - 02:34 AM | Ken Addison
Tagged: podcast, CES, Intel, amd, nvidia, ocz, ssd, thunderbolt, hdd, Lenovo, laptop, ultrabook
PC Perspective CES 2012 Day 1 - 1/8/2012
Join us tonight as we talk about our first day of CES 2012 - including Storage Visions, CES Unveiled and more!
You can subscribe to us through iTunes and you can still
The URL for the podcast is: http://pcper.com/podcast - Share with your friends!
- iTunes - Subscribe to the podcast directly through the iTunes Store
- RSS - Subscribe through your regular
RSS reader - MP3 - Direct download link to the MP3 file
Hosts: Ryan Shrout, Josh Walrath, Matt Smith and Allyn Malventano
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
CES 2012: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Hybrid Demonstration Video
Subject: Mobile, Shows and Expos | January 8, 2012 - 10:07 PM | Ryan Shrout
Tagged: Thinkpad, Lenovo, hybrid, CES
Earlier in the weekend we heard about Lenovo's new ThinkPad X1 Hybrid notebook that combines standard Intel x86 hardware with a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor running an open-source Linux OS. While you will not be able to run both pieces of hardware at the same time the Media Mode allows you to put the Windows OS and hardware to sleep and run the light-weight OS with about double the battery life.
Lenovo was on hand at CES Unveiled to give us a walk through of how the feature really works. Take a look!
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
New Lenovo IdeaPad and IdeaCentre Products Hit CES
Subject: Systems, Mobile | January 8, 2012 - 08:59 PM | Matt Smith
Tagged: Lenovo, Ideapad, ideacentre, CES
As reported earlier, Lenovo has announced a number of new ThinkPad products for the upcoming year. But that is only a drop in the bucket compared to the tsunami of IdeaPad and IdeaCenter consumer PCs on the way from the company.
Let’s start with the most premium, the Lenovo U series. It will be updated by the U310 and U410 models with Intel Core processors and optional SSD storage. The larger U410 will include GeForce 610M discrete graphics, as well. The smaller U310 weighs just 3.74 pounds and measures .7 inches thick, while the U410 is a slightly chunkier 4.18 pounds and .83 inches thick. Price start at a surprisingly low $699.
On the opposite side of pricing we have the new S200 and S206, two netbooks – er, I mean, “mini-laptops.” They feature the now popular 11.6” display size, are only .81 inches thick and weight 2.8 pounds. You’ll have your pick of Intel Atom or AMD Fusion processors, as well as your pick of color options like Cotton-Candy Pink, Crimson Red, and Electric Blue. You’ll have to shell out only $349 to grab a basic model.
Also updated is the vastness of Lenovo’s mainstream laptop offerings. The Z580/480/380 has been re-designed to accommodate newer hardware, such as optional GT640M graphics. The Y480/Y580 also have been updated to include support for new optional GTX 660M graphics and luxury features like a backlit keyboard (on the Y580). Last – and most certainly least – Lenovo is expanding the G series to include the G480/580/780. These are “essential” laptops, which means “budget” in Lenovo’s vocabulary. The Z series starts at $599, the Y series at $899, and the G series at $399.
If you’re interested in All-in-One computers, Lenovo has plenty that may be of interest you this CES. The company has unveiled updates to its high-performance AIOs in the form of the B540 and B340, which have 23” and 21.5” touchscreens respectively. Both of these have built-in TV tuners and now, unlike with previous models, it’s possible to watch TV through these systems without turning on the PC itself. Both have Intel processors, full HD displays, and the B540 will feature optional GT 650M graphics. These high-end AIOs start at $699.
Lower on the totem pole we have the traditional desktop PCs. Lenovo is offering two new options in this aging market. One is the performance-oriented K430 (starting at $599), which includes Intel processors and can be upgraded with Nvidia SLI or ATI CrossFireX dual-graphics solutions for hardcore gamers. The other is the Lenovo H520s, a simple slim system designed for the average home user that is remarkable only because of its low price of $499.
PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.
Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!
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