Lenovo, new owners of IBM's personal computing division, is readying its first series of laptops under its own brand name. The company's new products also differ from typical business-orientated ThinkPads thanks to widescreen displays and a choice of screens - either classic black or a new special-edition champagne-coloured titanium casing. The so-called Z-series line will start shipping next month.

Since acquiring IBM's PC business earlier this year, Lenovo hasn't missed a step in outfitting the Think-branded products with the latest technologies, and the Z-series apparently will be no different. From the new magnesium alloy frame that acts as a shock absorber to help the laptop recover from a fall to a widescreen display, the Z-series will also use Intel Pentium M processors and related chipsets and be able to connect to the Internet using 802.11 and EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) wireless technology. Lenovo has also announced that it is considering using WiMax wireless technology in future versions of the laptop.

Two Z60 models will be available - the Z60t and the Z60m. Both models will have widescreens, though of different sizes: The Z60t will have a 14-inch WXGA widescreen, while the Z60m will sport a 15.4-inch WXGA wide screen. Widescreen displays are new for Lenovo and all other ThinkPad models have standard-aspect (4:3) screens.

The Z60 models also incorporate other consumer-oriented features, such as FireWire ports and three-in-one media card readers - noticeable ommissions from other ThinkPads. While both Z60 models retain the distinctive ThinkPad look and feel, with the signature black case and red trackpoint pointing device (along with a touchpad), new touches distinguish the line. These include more rounded edges, and both also have white icons ringing the keyboard to identify ports and connectors along the sides.

The new laptops will ship with Windows as the default operating system in the US and Europe, but will have a Linux option similar to the one available in China. Lenovo claims it has more than 5000 retail outlets in China and an additional 70 stores in India opening up for business. Laptops are expected to make up 89 per cent of the additional growth in the next four years, while an estimated 28 million desktop PCs are expected to ship in emerging markets, according to IDC.

BIOS, Sep 14, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Laptop