Dell, Lenovo PCs Offer the Latest Technology from Intel, Microsoft

by Michelle Maisto

The most powerful laptop in Lenovos consumer portfolio, the IdeaPad Y550P features Intels Core i7 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. The display is HD and 15.6 inches. Its priced at $1,149.

Available in red or black, the IdeaPad U150 is half an inch thick, weighs 3 pounds and features an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with up to 8GB of DDR3 memory. The HD display is 11.6 inches, and the notebook will sell for $585.

The IdeaPad U550 is priced at $650 and offers a 15.6-inch HD widescreen and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Meant for both work and home use, theres a fingerprint reader, facial recognition, a DVD drive and controls for better battery life.

The consumer-focused IdeaCentre H230 starts at $449 and offers a variety of HDD and DDR3 memory configurations. Features include virus protection technology and quick data recovery.

The IdeaCenter runs an Intel Core 2 Quad processor and includes a high-performance RAID-configured hard drive for added storage. It includes the Lenovo Power Control switch, which enables users to adjust the power for greater performance or efficiency. Its priced at $499.

The IdeaCentreB500, at $649, is geared toward gamers and big-time multimedia users. Theres an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and 1TB of HDD storage space. The screen is 23 inches, and theres a VOIP handset and a Webcam that can be trained to keep the user in the center of its focus.

Lenovo additionally announced that its IdeaPad U350 ultraportable laptop will be available in new textures and patterns. These include a brown lizard print, a white lamb-skin print and a red-light weave, for $649.

The Lenovo S10-2 netbook also now comes in a more colorful assortment, including pop art, violet floral, phoenix, garden and origami, among others. Pricing begins at $349.

On Oct. 27 Dell introduced the XT2 XFR, a 12.1-inch rugged convertible laptop, which it says is the industrys thinnest at 1.5 inches thick and 5.4 pounds.

The XT2 XFR runs Microsofts Windows 7 operating system and features four-finger multitouch capabilities. Theres also an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and up to 5GB of DDR3 1,066MHz memory on board.

Options for the Dell XT2 XFR include a fingerprint reader and the ability to use the entire screen as the viewfinder for a 2-megapixel camera.

The XT2 XFR can handle temperature extremes, dust, water, drops and generally all the bumps that vertical industries such as field service, first response, utilities and military applications can dish out. Pricing starts at $3,599.