BIOS: Technology Means Business

Lenovo today unveiled its new ThinkPad Z61 series and R60 series, both combining the power of Intel’s Core Duo processors with newly enhanced multimedia and wireless connectivity options. The new ThinkPads are designed and custom-built for users who want enterprise-class power, durability, data protection and ease-of-use.

The new Z61 series is also optimal for today’s business professionals seeking more flexibility in advanced multimedia and connectivity options in a widescreen format. Available in 14.1-inch (Z61t) and 15.4-inch (Z61m), the new models feature a choice of integrated or discrete graphics and up to 4GB DDR-SDRAM for optimal viewing. The Z61t offers a WXGA/185-nit or WXGA+/200-nit display, while the Z61m also adds a WXGA MaxBright option, enabling users to reap the benefits of clearer, brighter images.

“The ThinkPad Z61 series merges the power and performance of our top systems with the work-life usability of a widescreen display,” said Marc Godin, Lenovo’s vice president of notebook marketing. “In addition to building some of the industry’s thinnest and lightest notebooks, we have designed the ThinkPad Z61 to accommodate the wide array of needs business travellers have for their notebook PC.”

Both Z61 models feature an integrated camera and stereo microphone for videoconferencing, and are equipped with 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi capability, as well as integrated wireless WAN (WWAN) for connecting to Verizon Wireless’ high-speed nationwide network in the US. Lenovo was the first PC manufacturer to integrate a WWAN antenna for wireless internet access via evolution data only (EvDO) technology in standard laptops, beginning with the ThinkPad Z60 series in September 2005.

Lenovo also announced its new ThinkPad R60 series, a lower-cost, mainstream system packed with performance-enhancing features. It continues to be an excellent choice for business and education users who value performance and value on a mainstream system. The new R60 offers better battery life, more connectivity options, and a new 14" SXGA+ graphics choice. In addition, the R60 series enhances its value proposition with ThinkPad innovations such as the ThinkPad Roll Cage - a magnesium-alloy shell that helps protect the hard drive and other internal components - the ThinkPad Shock Mounted Hard Drive, a hardware switch for wireless shutoff, and integrated WWAN.

The R60 and Z61 series include new ThinkVantage Technologies by Lenovo that provide more powerful features in a centralised dashboard, making PC security quick and simple. The new ThinkPads come equipped with the latest version of the ThinkVantage Client Security Solution, which enables users to recover logon passwords themselves. It also features easy and powerful disk encryption, updated password manager software, and a System Security Audit to ensure users are properly securing their system.

Capitalising on the new WWAN capability, the newest version of Access Connections allows for mobile users to change environments while the ThinkPad automatically adjusts by turning on and off the right connections.
The ThinkPad R60 series can be purchased beginning today. Lenovo personal computers are also available through select business partners. Prices for these new ThinkPads will start at £840.

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