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With the Oct. 22 release of Microsoft’s Windows 7, Lenovo has announced it is offering a portfolio of Think- and Idea-branded PCs running the new operating system, as well as the availability of two new laptops – the ThinkPad SL410 and SL510 – both of which are particularly geared toward businesses with limited IT resources.
“For three years, Microsoft and Lenovo engineers have worked tirelessly together to jointly create a PC experience that is better, faster, more stable and more secure,” said Rory Read, president and CEO of Lenovo, in a statement.
“This has been an unparalleled effort to integrate hardware and software from the ground up,” Read added. “As a result, we’ve created new innovations in touch technology, improved speed and performance across the board and developed a host of other enhancements that will make a meaningful difference to our customers worldwide.”
The SL models feature 16:9 high-definition screens, Intel Core 2 Duo processors and options for 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, playing to Windows 7’s touch strengths, the touchpads feature multitouch, for two-finger scrolling and expanding and minimizing screen views.
There’s VibrantView and anti-glare technology and HDMI and VGA output for high-definition and standard displays. VOIP calls being a small-business conferencing mode of a choice, Lenovo has increased the resolution of the webcam, improved the digital microphone and added a microphone mute button.
Also for those challenged on the IT staffing front, the laptops come with ThinkVantage Technologies (TVTs), which Lenovo describes as hardware and software tools that assist users in connecting to the Internet, recovering data, managing passwords and similar tasks.
The SL models are said to be among Lenovo’s “greenest,” as they’re the first ThinkPads to use post-consumer recycled materials. They’re also EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 5.0 compliant.
As for the rest of the updated portfolio, on those certified for “Enhanced Experience,” Windows 7 starts up 56 percent quicker than Windows XP or Vista and shut down in as few as five seconds. There are security and productivity TVTs, and two models, the ThinkPad X200 Tablet and T400 laptop, feature SimpleTap, which works in conjunction with touchscreens.
(On Oct. 14, Acer debuted the Aspire 5738PG, a 15.6-inch notebook with a multitouch display.)
“Our collaboration and joint innovations have resulted in faster and more reliable scenarios so customers can use their PCs in more new and exciting ways,” said Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s OEM division, in the statement.
The ThinkPad SL410 and SL510 are now available, with pricing starting at $529.