Lenovo Announces LaVie Z Series: The World’s Lightest 13.3-inch Convertible, Laptop

Lenovo has worked in conjunction with NEC Personal Computers (NECP) to bring U.S. customers a new flavor of lightweight laptop and convertible devices. The new Lenovo LaVie Z HZ550 and LaVie Z HZ750 both shatter any expectations of what you previously thought was possible with a lightweight mobile device.

The LaVie Z HZ550 is the world’s lightest 13.3-inch laptop, weighing in at an unthinkable 1.72 pounds — less than a 32-ounce bottle of water. The LaVie Z HZ750 ups the ante by using a convertible form-factor that allows the 13.3-inch display to rotate 360 degrees to put the device in “tablet” mode.

LaVie Z HZ750

Both the LaVie Z HZ550 and LaVie Z HZ750 feature a body constructed of magnesium-lithium, which allows them to be strong, lightweight, and thin. In fact, both machines measure just 16.9mm thick.

Despite all the attention paid to making both machines thin and lightweight, Lenovo and NECP have managed to include fifth generation Intel Core processors (up to an Intel Core i7 on the HZ750). Both machines can be equipped with either a FHD or WQHD (2560x1440) resolution display, which is powered by 5000 Series Intel Integrated Graphics. In addition, both machines come with 4GB of memory, 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SDXC card reader.

LaVie Z HZ550

“We are thrilled to bring our first NECP products outside of Japan with the LaVie Z, two of the world’s lightest PCs in their class,” said Roderick Lappin, who holds the role as president and CEO, NEC Lenovo Japan Group and vice president, Lenovo. “The LaVie models are a true triple play – on the cutting-edge for thin, light and powerful – and the HZ750 adds another advantage - 360° mode flexibility – making these devices real game changers that stretch the bounds of innovation.”

Neither the LaVie Z HZ550 nor the LaVie Z HZ750 will come cheap; the former will set you back $1299 while the latter costs $1499. Both will be available in May.