Posts Tagged ‘Lenovo’

Lenovo u300e ULtrabook Now Available for Pre-order

February 22nd, 2012

If you’ve been holding out for Lenovo’s U300e Ultrabook ever since it was first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month, today’s the day you can finally order one, albeit it’s a little pricier than anticipated. At CES 2012, Lenovo said the U300e would start at $799, and while that might still be true, the configuration that’s currently available for pre-order starts at $959.

A slightly lower end (and cheaper) configuration sporting an Intel Core i3 2367M (1.4GHz) processor, as originally announced, might still be in the cards for Lenovo, but this higher priced version ups the processing ante with a Core i5 2467M CPU clocked at 1.6GHz.

Other specs include a 13.3-inch display (1366×768 resolution), 4GB of DDR3-1333MHz RAM, Intel HD Graphics 3000, 500GB hard drive + 32GB solid state drive (532GB total), 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, two USB 2.0 ports, a single SuperSpeed USB 3.0 sport, HDMI output, GbE LAN, 1.3MP webcam, 4-cell battery, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.

The U300e is intended to be a more mainstream version of the U300s that starts out at $1,499.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Lenovo-u300e-ULtrabook-Now-Available-for-Preorder/

Lenovo Ordered to Pay €1920 for Making French Laptop Buyer Pay for Windows Too

February 7th, 2012

A French laptop buyer has won a refund from Lenovo after a four-year legal battle over the cost of a Windows license he didn’t want. The judgment could open the way for PC buyers elsewhere in Europe to obtain refunds for bundled software they don’t want, French campaign group No More Racketware said Monday.

Stéphane Petrus bought a Lenovo 3000 N200 laptop from French retailer Cybertek in December 2007. The PC had Microsoft Windows Vista and other software installed on it, none of which Petrus wanted, so he sought a refund from Lenovo under a French law forbidding the sale of one product to be tied to the sale of another. In November 2008, the court rejected his request, telling him that if he didn’t want to pay for the copy of Windows, he should have returned the PC.

The judgment was overturned by the Court of Cassation two years later on appeal, and sent back to the court in Aix en Provence for retrial, on the grounds that the lower court had not considered whether the case was covered by the provisions of the 2005 European Union directive on unfair commercial practices.

After reconsidering the case, on Jan. 9, Judge Jean-Marie Dubouloz ordered Lenovo to pay Petrus legal costs of €1,000 (around US$1,300), damages of €800 and to refund the cost of the Windows license. Petrus had estimated the cost of the software at €404.81, but the court found that excessive, given that he had paid €597 for the PC and software together. Observing that “it is commonly accepted that the price of a piece of software represents 10 percent to 25 percent of the price of a computer,” the court ordered Lenovo to reimburse Petrus €120 for the software.

The campaign group No More Racketware welcomed the ruling, saying it symbolized the crumbling of the bundling of hardware and software in France. But more significantly, the group said, the ruling was founded on a European directive regulating unfair commercial practices, opening up the possibility that it could set a legal precedent in other E.U. countries too.

Frédéric Cuif, attorney for Petrus, wrote in a blog posting that the ruling was a step in the right direction, although he would have appreciated something less terse.

No More Racketware is not the only group campaigning against illegal software bundling: Consumer group UFC-Que Choisir has been fighting similar actions for years. A case pitting Que Choisir against Hewlett-Packard and retailer Darty in 2008 returned to the courts last year with a win, on appeal, for Que Choisir.

Source:http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/249340/lenovo_ordered_to_pay_and83641920_for_making_french_laptop_buyer_pay_for_windows_too.html

Lenovo Quietly Launches IdeaPad Y470p Laptop with Radeon HD 7690M Graphics

January 31st, 2012

If you’re looking for a well equipped laptop sporting AMD’s new generation current generation 40nm graphics technology, Lenovo may have exactly what you’ve been pining for. Lenovo quietly slipped out its IdeaPad Y470p, a 14-inch notebook with an Intel Core i7 2670QM processor (2.2GHz, 6MB cache), 8GB of DDR3-1333 memory, and AMD Radeon HD 7690 graphics with 1GB of video memory. That’s a solid foundation, folks.

It also has a 750GB hard drive (5400 RPM), DVD burner, 2MP webcam, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, GbE, HDMI, premium JBL speakers, three USB ports + USB/eSATA combo, 6-in-1 card reader, 6-cell battery, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit wrapped in a “real metal cover with brushed-metal effect.”

The Y470p lists for $1,499 MSRP with a Web price of $1,249. That seems a bit much for a 14-inch laptop, but don’t despair if this happens to be your dream laptop, Lenovo currently has it listed for $799 after eCoupon (WKLYDEALSY470P), or about the price of a lower end Ultrabook.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Lenovo-Quietly-Launches-IdeaPad-Y470p-Laptop-with-Radeon-HD-7690M-Graphics/

Lenovo’s student-ready ThinkPad laptop computer launched, starts at $429

January 27th, 2012

Designed for the rough hands of K-12 students the new Lenovo ThinkPad X130e ultra-portable laptop computer has finally been made available for purchase by people other than schools and organizations. As the latest X series ThinkPad computer from Lenovo is attempting to keep their tradition of offering ThinkPad quality machines at affordable prices and portable sizes for students and business people alike.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X130e starts at $429.00 if you opt for the AMD based model but if you get the Intel model your starting price is $549.00 –all prices in USD. Those prices are a bit lower than those Lenovo had told us to prepare for back in December of 2011 when the company announced the X130e laptop.

What do you get with the X130e

As we’ve detailed before the X130e features hardware that’s typical of an ultra-portable laptop that requires components that don’t demand to much battery power to operate. Lenovo has made sure that the 6 cell battery they include with the X130e can provide users with a good wireless computing experience that’s free of too many “battery power low” warnings –Lenovo estimates the max. battery performance to be 8.5 hours for the X130e.

When you configure up an AMD based X130e you have the option for getting the ultra low-power 1.3 GHz AMD E-300 dual-core APU or the more power hungry 1.65 GHz AMD Fusion E-450 dual-core APU. If you chose the E-300 you will get the AMD Radeon HD 6310 integrated graphics chip and if you get the E-450 you’ll have the more powerful AMD Radeon HD 6320M, both graphics solutions offers up DirectX 11 graphical support with discrete-class performance.

However if you choose to get an Intel powered X130e laptop you will have but one option for processors and that is the 1.4 GHz Intel Core i3-2367M ULV dual-core processor. Like the other 2nd gen. Intel Core processors the Core i3-2367M comes with a Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated graphics processing unit.

Now no matter the model you choose you will always get at least 4GB of DDR3 (1333MHz) memory with your X130e laptop. Also the base storage option for either the AMD or Intel based models is a 250GB hard disk drive that spins at the power conscience level of 5400RPM.

The display size and resolution is also standard across the X130e line. Lenovo has gone ahead and provided an 11.6″ anti-glare LED backlit screen with an HD resolution (1366×768 pixels) and a low-light sensitive VGA Webcam integrated into it’s design.

As for connectivity you get three USB 2.0 ports (one is powered for charging phones and other things), HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), headphone/mic jack, a 4-in-1 memory card reader, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 3.0.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X130e also has lots of protection from drops and other accidents. This laptop features stronger hinges for the 11.6″ LCD that can withstand up to 30,000 cycles of being opened. This laptop has a rubber bumper layer around the sides of the body and the LCD has a 1.2mm thick bezel to protect against damage from drops and bumps. Finally the ports on the laptop are recessed back a bit so when you pull cords out the socket can’t get yanked out as easily either (this form of protection was put into place with kids in mind mostly).

Through Lenovo’s online store your able to order the new X130e in your choice of Black or Red cover colors. Also through Lenovo’s website you can upgrade your X130e from the base Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system to Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate if you wish to spend a hundred or more dollars for the right version of Windows 7 for your needs.

All online orders are shipping out on February 9th, 2012 according to note placed on the order page by Lenovo, but that date is only an estimate that could be adjust at anytime by Lenovo.

Source:http://laptop-computer-planet.com/blog/2012/01/26/lenovos-student-ready-thinkpad-laptop-computer-launched-starts-at-429/

Lenovo moving to launch smartphones in US

January 11th, 2012

Lenovo Group Ltd, which is making a concerted global push into tablets and ultrabooks, now expects to launch a smartphone in a lucrative US market dominated by Apple Inc and Google Incgadgets.

The No. 2 computer maker – China’s standard-bearer in consumer electronics – sells smartphones on its home turf but has yet to make inroads abroad, nor is it in any hurry to do so.

“I think we will,” David Schmoock, Lenovo’s North American chief, said when asked if the company planned to launch a phone in the United States.

“It’s more of an evolution over time,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Personal computer makers are increasingly looking to mobile devices such as smartphones to drive up razor-thin margins. Lenovo’s operating margin clocked in at 12.2 percent in the fiscal second quarter of last year.

The company, which has carved out a 7 percent share of the US computer market, said it is in the process of establishing relationships with wireless carriers – AT&T, Sprint and Verizon – and distributors as it assesses the marketplace.

“Clearly, we are playing hard on two of the screens,” Schmoock told Reuters, referring to PCs and tablets. “The other two – smartphones and smart TVs – you will see over time.”

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

Schmoock plans to lay the groundwork for the launch of a US smartphone over the next few years. The company sells the S2 smartphone in China.

“I will spend time over the next couple of years building out the relationship with the mobile providers – AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc.,” he said. “You have to build out that network first, then that allows you to put products on the shelf.”

Lenovo moved in 2009 to reacquire the cellphone business it had previously sold off, and launched the “LePhone” smartphone two years ago at CES.

The device is still only available in its home market. Schmoock did not provide a timeframe for a US launch but said the US market still has room for more smartphone players.

At CES, the company showed off one of its expanding ultrabook laptops, including new additions IdeaPad U300s and the IdeaPad Yoga, a touchscreen notebook that flips and folds backward, making it a large tablet.

Traditional PC makers have seen tablet PCs – a category dominated by Apple’s iPad – taking business away from laptops and desktops, particularly among increasingly Internet-savvy consumers.

Schmoock said while tablets may have stalled sales of PCs for some time as people digest the new category of computers, he doesn’t see tablets replacing PCs in the long term.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/lenovo-moving-to-launch-smartphones-in-us/articleshow/11442649.cms

Lenovo Unveils Massive Stash Of New CES-Bound Laptops

January 10th, 2012

More CES? More Lenovo? Yes to both. The company has just launched new laptops in the IdeaPad U Series, Y Series, S Series and Z Series, not to mention new guys in the IdeaCentre desktop range and the K Series desktop line. Oh, and the IdeaCentre B Series all-in-one line. Got all that? The IdeaPad U310 (13.3″) and U410 are getting SSDs, Intel chips, and in the case of the latter, an NVIDIA GeForce 610M 1GB GPU. Both also have Intel’s Wireless Display technology, and both are available in Aqua Blue, Cherry Blossom, Graphite Gray, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue and Spearmint.

Lenovo introduced two mini laptops to fill the computing needs between the netbook and the notebook. The IdeaPad S200 and S206 are lightweight and super thin, without sacrificing computing excellence. Making mobile computing even more convenient, the S200 and S206 comes with a large 11.6 inch HD widescreen and are just 0.81 inches (20.7mm) thick2 and weigh 2.8 pounds (1.3kg). These slimmer-than-ever mini laptops also showcase design details beyond the standard netbook including, a high-quality tactile finish and Accutype keyboard with individual rounded keys.

The S200 comes with an Intel® Atom dual core processor and up to 32GB SSD3 storage, while the S206 features an AMD dual core processor. Created to be an ideal travel companion with up to 4 hours of battery life, these mini laptops allow users to get online in seconds and run basic apps without starting Windows thanks to the Lenovo Quick Start ‘instant on’ function. Additional features include an integrated 0.3M HD Webcam for seamless video chatting and Web calling, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-F. Select models also have integrated Bluetooth®3 capability. As a lightweight solution for Web browsing, both mini laptops are available in the following bold hues – Cotton-candy Pink, Crimson Red, Electric Blue, Graphite Grey and Pearl White.

For a high-performance laptop capable of handling intensive multimedia applications, look no further than the new IdeaPad Y480 and Y580. Powered by the Intel Core Processor family, these new Y Series 14” and 15” full HD display laptops satisfy the highest level of graphics and processing performance when working on intensive multimedia and gaming, featuring up to NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX660M 2GB GDDR5 graphics.

Entertainment abounds with Dolby Home Theatre V4 enhanced audio, JBL® designed speakers and OneKey™ Theater II for one-touch audio-visual optimization providing clearer, brighter images and richer audio. The Y580 also supports back-lit keyboard and HD camera with night view. With an optional TV tuner3 and Intel® Wireless Display (WiDi) Technology1 users can take the advanced multimedia features to the largest screen in the house for an unbeatable and completely immersive experience.

IdeaPad Z580, Z480, Z380 — Stylish and Colorful Laptops
Striking the right balance of value and performance, the new IdeaPad Z Series laptops fit the bill perfectly. With the latest processor and graphics technology options, the Z Series laptops are ideal for multimedia tasks and are available in a range of dazzling colors – Amber Orange, Apple Green, Cherry Red, Coral Blue, Graphite Grey, and Peony Pink.

The Z series comes with smart features like the Intelligent Touchpad for easy scroll, zoom and rotate functions, and the Lenovo OneKey® Rescue System for simple data backup and recovery. For a superior entertainment experience, the Z Series come with OneKey® Theater II for one-touch audio-visual optimization for clearer, brighter images and richer sound, and up to NVIDIA® GeForce® GT640M 2GB graphics with DirectX® 11. Available with screen sizes of 13.3, 14, or 15.6”, these laptops come with a backlit LED HD display (1366×768), 16:9 widescreen, integrated DVD reader or Blu-ray Disc™ drive4 and HD graphics support. HDMI output and Intel® Wireless Display (WiDi) Technology1 allow for easy enjoyment of all multimedia on a large screen.

Lenovo G480, G580, G780 — Affordable, Essential Laptops
In addition to the other new laptops, we announced new laptop models in our G Series. The three new G Series laptops G480, G580 and G780 14”, 15.6” and 17.3” HD screens, OneKey® Rescue System for simple data backup and recovery, and Veriface facial recognition, offer durable build quality, smart Lenovo technologies and basic multimedia functions at an affordable price.

IdeaCentre B540 and B340 — High-Performance Touchscreen AIOs
The digital home gets a sleek upgrade with the new IdeaCentre B Series AIO desktops. The B540 uniquely combines a 23 inch full HD frameless screen with state-of-the-art multi-touch and optional 3D vision for a truly powerful and interactive entertainment experience. Powered by the Intel Core Processor family and supporting an adjustable VESA mount, it provides a rich entertainment experience anywhere in the living room. The IdeaCentre B540 also features superior graphics technologies for a great gaming experience with up to NVIDIA GeForce® GT 650M 2GB graphics with DirectX®11.

Featuring a compact design suitable for any room of the home, the B340 comes with a 21.5” full HD touch-screen display and Lenovo IdeaTouch for an enhanced range of touch-optimized multimedia applications. Along with the B540, the B340 can optionally be configured with OneKey® TV4 – a unique function to turn the desktop screen into an HD TV at the click of a button, making it easy to switch between TV and PC modes with the picture-in-picture (PIP) function. Users can even watch TV without powering on the PC as the TV hardware is independent of the PC itself. These new AIOs come integrated with entertainment features, such as the Lenovo High-Sense (720p HD) Webcam for high-quality video chats, and a DVD reader or Blu-ray Disc™ drive, making them a great PC for the family.

IdeaCentre K430 — Performance and Upgradeability
The new IdeaCentre K430 traditional tower desktop takes performance and upgrade capabilities to new heights with powerful processing, optional dual graphics support3 and twin hard drives3 along with massive memory and storage. It packs a powerful punch with super-fast processing powered by the Intel Core Processor family and up to 32GB of DDR3 memory. For extreme gamers and those that need intensive multimedia support, the IdeaCentre K430 does the job with high-performance dual graphics cards featuring NVIDIA SLI or ATI CrossFireX technology and optional twin hard drives in a RAID0 configuration.

With the K430 users have plenty of storage space with its huge capacity of up to 4TB HDD and up to 128GB SSD storage. The K430 also comes with a custom designed portable 500GB hard drive complete with a Universal Storage Module (USM) interface dock on the front of the PC for convenience that is compatible with other USM portable hard drives. The energy-efficient Power Control Switch with three color-coded speed options, lets users choose between turbo, auto and cool running modes based on the computing load.

Lenovo H520s — Slim, Easy-to-Use Desktop
The new Lenovo H520s offers a slim solution for home computing, at half the size of a standard desktop PC. The H520s combines affordability with a great range of entertainment and processing features, plus Lenovo Assistant – a simple new interface that helps organize favorites, clean history and junk files, and manage the PC’s network connections and energy consumption settings.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Lenovo-Unveils-Massive-Stash-Of-New-CESBound-Laptops/

Lenovo rolls out new IdeaCentre all-in-ones, gaming desktop

January 10th, 2012

While not as sexy as some of its other product introductions, Lenovo’s new desktop offerings include a pair of new all-in-ones and a full-fledged gaming PC from the Chinese manufacturer.

Both the IdeaCentre B540 and B340 all-in-ones come with an option for OneKey TV technology, which allows you to switch with just one button click between PC mode and using the display as a full-fledged TV. (It also gives you picture-in-picture mode to show both on the screen at the same time.) You even use the displays as TVs without powering the computer on, as the TV hardware is independent of the PC.

The lower-priced B340 includes a 21.5-inch touch screen, while the 540 offers a frame-less 23-inch screen with optional 3D viewing. It also gives you the option for discrete graphics cards like the 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 650M. Both all-in-ones include a built-in 720p webcam and either a DVD burner or Blu-ray player. They will be available in May starting at $699.

Lenovo isn’t known for its performance desktops, but the IdeaCentre K430 may change that. This tower (which is more stylized than usual, but not too much) has the ability to handle up to 32GB of RAM, a pair of hard drives or SSDs (or one of each), and two graphics cards in Nvidia SLI or AMD CrossFireX configuration. For storage on the go, it packs a portable 500GB drive with a front-side Universal Storage Module (USM) interface dock. While the base model will set you back $599 when it’s released in May, you can bet you’ll pay a bit more for a configuration with RAID 0-configured hard drives and CrossFire X graphics.

Source:http://www.zdnet.com/blog/computers/ces-2012-lenovo-rolls-out-new-ideacentre-all-in-ones-gaming-desktop/7305

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