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Lenovo ThinkPads Get a Centrino 2 Update

Lenovo has announced nine new ThinkPads, including a line for small and medium businesses.

July 15, 2008

Lenovo on Tuesday unveiled six new ThinkPad laptops and three ThinkPad SL-series laptops. All the newly announced ThinkPads are based on Intel's latest processor technology.

The SL series of ThinkPad notebooks include new computer-care software and can be ordered with a new optional service package featuring online data backup and on-site warranty repair. The trio of SL notebooks—SL300, SL400, and SL500—include built-in mobile broadband connectivity along with multimedia features such as an optional Blu-ray DVD player on select models. The SL Series adds a new look with a glossy black top cover, a break with the ThinkPad line's traditional matte-black design.

Select models of all three of the ThinkPad SL notebooks are available with built-in high speed mobile broadband. The notebooks also include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and optional Bluetooth technologies. Lenovo's Active Protection System, an air-bag like system, protects the hard drive against drops or falls, and an optional fingerprint reader helps protect against unauthorized users. The ThinkPad SL300 notebook also comes with an available LED backlit display.

Lenovo also announced six non-SL ThinkPads: the R400, R500, T400, T500, X200, and W500. Lenovo brings many of the technologies it pioneered in the —such as solid-state drive storage, LED-backlit displays, and GPS functionality—to select models in the line. The new T Series includes models with technologies like switchable graphics which enables a laptop to automatically switch between integrated and discrete graphics depending on whether it is plugged in or running on its battery. The T Series also includes support for DisplayPort display interface. Many of the models get extra green cred with an EPEAT Gold rating.

The ThinkPad SL400 and SL500 notebooks start at $799 and are available immediately through Lenovo Business Partners and www.lenovo.com. The other notebooks will be available beginning in August with starting prices on select models ranging from $899 on the ThinkPad SL300 notebook to $1,999 on the ThinkPad W500 notebook.

Lenovo is also adding new ThinkPad software and services. Lenovo Care Tools solve common issues of computer management such as connecting to the Internet, managing passwords, data recovery, and updates. The notebooks come with Lenovo's Access Connections, Client Security Solutions, Rescue and Recovery, Presentation Director, and System Update. Lenovo is introducing the ThinkPlus Secure Business service package designed for small businesses. It consists of: On-site next-day business warranty upgrade; ThinkPad protection, providing PC repairs or replacement in the event of liquid spills, drops, or electrical surges; and online data backup, a secure, off-site storage solution for critical business and employee data.

ThinkPlus Secure Business is available for either a one- or three-year term. In the coming months, Lenovo will introduce ThinkPlus Complete IT, a package of services designed exclusively for the small businesses without IT support. ThinkPlus Complete IT combines services including priority call routing and one-stop hardware and software support with the best of ThinkPlus Secure Business.