Lenovo ThinkPad Notebooks, Mobile Monitor Aimed at SMBs

The notebooks feature AMD processors, unified communication capabilities and a host of security features.

Computer maker Lenovo announced the ThinkPad Edge 14-inch E425 and 15.6-inch E525 laptops for small and midsize businesses and the ThinkVision LT1421 Wide, the company's first mobile monitor that gives mobile professionals a second screen for on-the-go use to display spreadsheets and make presentations. The ThinkPad Edge laptops offer a slimmer, more polished design complemented with choices of the latest AMD processors along with voice and video features.

Nearly 13 percent slimmer than previous versions, the laptops can fit in a briefcase alongside the ThinkVision LT1421 Wide monitor. Other features include a spill-resistant, island-style keyboard, Integrated AMD Radeon discrete-class graphics with dedicated video memory for HD video playback, storage up to 750 GB and up to 8 GB of memory, and multimedia and expansion options with DVD burner, powered USB port, 4-1 media card reader and support for HDMI. Also offered is an optional fingerprint reader for secure login.

The laptops come equipped with other features, including a low-light sensitive web camera, noise suppressing keyboard, microphone mute key and the ThinkVantage Communications Utility 2.0. With this suite of tools, users can conduct video conference calls in low light, quiet their keyboard typing noises for listeners on the call, talk in individual or multiple speaker mode and adjust the camera settings. To manage wireless connections while traveling, users can close the laptop lid, and the PC will hold the wireless connection for several minutes. Users can even lock their PC with Lenovo's AutoLock function, which uses the camera to automatically detect when the user is away and subsequently locks the PC.

"These latest ThinkPad Edge laptops combined with the ThinkVision mobile monitor equips small businesses with an extremely powerful technology toolkit," said Luis Hernandez, vice president, Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge business unit. "From creating content on the road to conveniently displaying presentations, video, or other content, this solution fits the demanding requirements of growing small businesses."

At under two pounds and less than one centimeter at its thinnest, the 14-inch ThinkVision LT1421 Wide mobile monitor makes an ideal traveling companion for traveling professionals, like auditors or consultants, the company said. To use, employees plug the monitor into a laptop via USB and prop it up with its photo frame stand, and tilt the display to the desired angle and choose from 16 brightness levels.

Lenovo also included Rescue and Recovery on the laptops to help restore settings and data if it gets lost or corrupted. When SMBs need support beyond included tools, they can turn to a host of Lenovo service and support programs, including Priority Support for technical help, Onsite Warranty for on-site repair, Warranty Extensions, ThinkPad Protection for accidental drops and spills and Hard Drive Retention to keep hard drive data secure.

The ThinkPad Edge E425 and E525 laptops and ThinkVision LT1421 Wide monitor will be available starting in August. Pricing for both models of the laptops starts at approximately $549 and the monitor is priced at $219.99. All of the products will be sold through business partners and via the company's Web site.