Lenovo Introduces New Ivy Bridge ThinkPads, Including 'Thinnest Ultrabook in the World' X1 Carbon

By Alexandra Burlacu | May 15, 2012 07:31 PM EDT

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Lenovo announced a new range of ThinkPads on Tuesday, May 15, featuring Intel's third-generation Core processors - Ivy Bridge. The star of the new range is the ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook, the "thinnest ultrabook in the world," according to the company.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The 14-inch ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook weighs less than 1.8 kilograms, and measures only 18.8-mm in thickness. It will sport the latest Intel ultrabook processors, Ivy Bridge, expected to be officially announced in June. Moreover, Lenovo has also upgraded its popular ThinkPad T-series and X-series lineups, enhancing battery performance and making them faster.

The company has also added 4G mobile broadband connectivity for the first time across ThinkPads, including the new X1 Carbon ultrabook, said Dilip Bhatia, vice president and general manager of Lenovo's ThinkPad business unit. At first, the service will be available in the U.S. and some other countries for $1.99 for 30 minutes, and Lenovo is also signing deals with telecom carriers worldwide so ThinkPad customers can enjoy the service. The laptops will be available on June 5.

Lenovo did not offer pricing details for the X1 Carbon ultrabook, but said it will become available in the coming months. The X1's pricing could be in the same price range as Lenovo's existing ThinkPad T430U ultrabook, which starts at $849, added Bhatia. The X1 Carbon will join the existing line of X1 laptops.

Features

The X1 ultrabook "exceeds Ultrabook specifications," said Lenovo, due to its premium Carbon Fiber roll cage enclosure and its light weight. The 14-inch display uses Vibrant Hi-Resolution technology, meaning a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels with a thin bezel and 300 nit brightness.

The X1 Carbon ultrabook, as well as the other new laptops, will have improved voice-calling capabilities, dual-microphone and web cameras capable of tracking a moving face. In addition, noise cancellation capabilities can also improve the quality of a videoconference, for instance removing keyboard typing sounds while in a voice-call, said Bhatia.

ThinkPad X230 & X230T

Meanwhile, the new ultraportable ThinkPad X230 model features a 12-inch display and comes with an optional slice battery, i.e. a flat, extended battery that can be attached to the laptop for an additional 24 hours of battery life. The X230 weighs less than three pounds with a six-cell battery. The new X230T is just like the X230, but with additional touchscreen capabilities. According to Lenovo, the touchscreen gives it the flexibility of a tablet computer. The X230 starts at a $1,179 price tag, and the X230T starts at $1,479.

T-Series

Furthermore, Lenovo has added the ThinkPad T430, T430S and T530 models to its popular T-series lineup. The laptops will feature optional high-definition displays, either 14-inch or 15-inch, and offer 30 hours of battery life with an optional battery slice. The T430 starts at $879, while the T430S starts at $1,399. Lenovo has not yet offered pricing details for the T530.

Lastly, the mainstream ThinkPad L430 and L530 models, both starting at $879, are offering new chips and are now thinner. They will be available with either 14-inch or 15-inch screens.

(reported by Alexandra Burlacu, edited by Surojit Chatterjee)