Lenovo Announces ThinkPad X1 Laptop

Do you remember that cheesy video we showed you that featured the ThinkPad X1? As expected, Lenovo has formally announced its latest addition to the ThinkPad line. The new ThinkPad X1 measures less than 17 mm, which makes it the thinnest ThinkPad. The laptop also offers choices of second generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors. This 13.3-inch model also features Corning Gorilla Glass for extra durability and scratch resistance. The ThinkPad X1 laptop is currently available with a starting price of approximately $1,399.

The Crossover PC: New Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Laptop Blends Business & Entertainment Technologies

Unveils thinnest/highest performance 13-inch laptop with new RapidCharge battery technology

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – May 17, 2011: Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) announced today the ThinkPad X1 laptop that gives users the thinnest and highest performance combination for its class. Designed for mobile professionals who demand the best in performance, mobility and entertainment, the laptop offers a simple, modern style with backlit keyboard, fast charging batteries and a host of performance and multimedia capabilities.

“Our customers are looking for a business laptop that combines the best consumer multimedia and entertainment features with the latest performance and mobility innovations in a super-thin, stylish design,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, ThinkPad Business Unit, Lenovo. “We used their input to craft the ThinkPad X1, equipping it with non-traditional business features like Dolby Home Theater sound, an updated keyboard and a super-bright, durable screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass and that continues to deliver the enterprise-level security, manageability and durability that ThinkPad is known for.”

Ultra-Thin Design Meets Elite Performance

As the thinnest ThinkPad, the ThinkPad X1 laptop measures less than 17 mm, approximately the height of a U.S. penny. Packed into the ultra-thin form factor are choices of second generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, which are typically offered on Lenovo’s larger 14 and 15-inch laptops. This engineering allows the ThinkPad X1 laptop to double the CPU performance and quadruple the graphics performance of the ThinkPad X301, Lenovo’s previous flagship 13-inch laptop.

Starting at only 3.7 pounds, the ThinkPad X1 laptop feels incredibly light and sturdy thanks to its interior roll cage and magnesium chassis. The laptop opens to reveal a 13.3-inch glossy screen that includes Corning® Gorilla® Glass for extra durability and scratch resistance. The hardened ThinkPad X1 passes eight military specifications so mobile professionals can work anywhere with confidence.

Recharge Fast with RapidCharge

The ThinkPad X1 laptop debuts Lenovo’s new RapidCharge battery technology that charges up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. This technology charges 2.5 times faster than a typical ThinkPad battery, giving users more freedom to work on-the-go faster. RapidCharge combines fast charge cells with a 1,000 cycle battery designed to last three years. Users can also opt to purchase a RapidCharge external slice battery for the ThinkPad X1 laptop to double their battery life to 10 hours.

ThinkPad Keyboard In A New Light

Lenovo has thoughtfully modernized the keyboard’s appearance while simultaneously retaining the touch, feel and function of the classic ThinkPad keyboard experience. The simplified design eliminates some legacy keys like SysRq while keeping rich functionality including dedicated multimedia and voice calling controls. For working in low light, users can turn on the keyboard’s backlight, available for the first time on an enterprise-class ThinkPad laptop. Additionally, in keeping with ThinkPad tradition, the keyboard features spill resistance.

Rich Sound, Riveting Pictures for Music and Movies

Business PCs typically aren’t known for their audio/visual experience, but the ThinkPad X1 laptop changes that with rich and resonant Dolby Home Theater v4 sound and its superbright (350 NIT) high-definition display. Whether listening through headphones, built-in speakers or a connected home theater, users will experience a captivating entertainment experience. Also, with the laptop’s HDMI port and Intel Wireless Display technology, the laptop can connect and stream 1080p wirelessly to a TV or projector.

Business-Class Innovations

Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops feature a platform of new innovations that respond to key business needs with video and voice calling, enterprise management features and by creating an easy-to-use computing experience. Using its optional mobile broadband, 720p camera, high definition microphones and advanced calling modes, the ThinkPad X1 laptop delivers clear video calls. It also offers robust layers of security with Intel vPro technology, encrypted hard drives with remote management support and a fingerprint reader with one touch swipe for power on and authentication.

For quick and easy startup and shutdown, the laptop comes with Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7 – an exclusive certification for Lenovo products that allows users to start their laptop on average 20 seconds faster than a typical Windows 7 computer.

Pricing and Availability

The ThinkPad X1 laptop will be available starting May 17 through business partners and online at www.lenovo.com. Pricing for models starts at approximately $1,399.