Lenovo Introduces New Ultra-Thin ThinkPad X1

The ultra-thin ThinkPad X1 has many of the familiar features and specifications of other ThinkPad models, yet the case measures approximately 16.5 mm at its thinnest point or about the height of a penny. "It's the thinnest ThinkPad we've ever made," Jason Parrish, ThinkPad product manager, said. "And it still has amazing performance. There's no compromise on the CPU performance."

The X1, like other larger ThinkPad models, offers Intel's new Core i3, i5, and i7 Sandy Bridge processors. The new ultra-thin notebook isn't fragile, either; it comes with a 13-inch display with durable Corning Gorilla Glass and a light but protective magnesium chassis and roll cage that weighs just 3.7 pounds. The new X1 also comes with Lenovo's new RapidCharge battery technology that can charge the notebook's battery up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, which is 2.5 faster than a typical ThinkPad battery.

Along with many of the traditional ThinkPad features, Lenovo added several consumer-oriented capabilities to the X1. The new laptop comes with an HDMI port and Intel's Wireless Display technology for wireless streaming of 1080p video. In addition, the X1 also comes with Dolby Home Theater v4 audio, a backlit keyboard, and a 3G wireless option.

"People use their business devices at home now, not just for work," Parrish said. "We really tried to bring the right features that apply to a variety of users."

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Lenovo also introduced a new all-in-one (AIO) desktop, the ThinkCentre Edge 91z. Like the X1, the Edge 91z comes with Intel's new Sandy Bridge CPUs and is packed into a case measuring just 2.5 inches wide. Despite the small form factor, the Edge 91z has enough room for a discrete graphics card and can also hold up to 8 GB of DDR RAM, an 80 GB solid state drive or a 1 TB hard drive.

The ThinkCentre Edge 91z also comes with optional wireless keyboards and Blu-ray drives, as well HDMI support and multi-video monitor outputs. The new AIO model also allows users to repurpose the Edge91z as a display only by turning off the CPU.

Lenovo said the initial release of the Edge 91z will not have touchscreen capability but the PC maker said it plans to ship the Edge 91z with a touchscreen in about three months.

Despite AIO desktops being more consumer-focused, Lenovo said that the Edge 91z will be sold through the channel. "This is the route to market that we've been successful with in the past with our other desktops models," said Bill Dominici, ThinkCentre product manager for Lenovo.

The ThinkPad X1 will be available on May 17 starting at $1,399, while the ThinkCentre Edge 91z will be available in July starting at $699. Lenovo's first North American channel partner conference, dubbed Accelerate 2011, began Monday in Las Vegas.