08/17/2008, 10:25pm, EDT
Sunday, August 17thLenovo takes on Air again with ThinkPad X301
Lenovo on Monday will launch an update to its ThinkPad X300 series that shows the PC maker's second response to the MacBook Air. The X301 expands on the earlier model by using Centrino 2-era ultra-low voltage Core 2 Duo processors to ramp up speed while also extending the battery life over the earlier system, which used a lower-clocked version of the same custom processor used in Apple's system. Clock speeds are unmentioned but in prior leaks will involve both 1.6GHz and 1.83GHz processors; regardless of speed, the system should perform about 20 percent faster than the original X300, Lenovo claims.
The new version of the thin 13.3-inch ultraportable also adds the option of a 128GB solid-state drive and adds DisplayPort without removing VGA, supplying the system with not only a digital output for 2560x1600 displays but the option of two external monitors without special add-ons. Lenovo further offers a faster, HSPA-based 3G option for AT&T data subscribers as well as the promise of WiMAX as an option once Sprint's Xohm network launches in September. GPS for mapping and Ultra Wideband for high-speed, short-range peripherals are also available.
With the introduction comes a reduced price; Lenovo expects to price the X301 at $2,599, or $200 less than the original model when it launched in February. The vendor starts taking orders on August 26th.
Filed under: computers, industry
Other story tags: Intel, sprint, Core 2, MacBook Air, Lenovo, WiMAX, Centrino 2, Xohm, ThinkPad
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And?
There is a lot of PC hardware out there that I respect, both from Compact, Dell, HP and Lenovo. However, until it runs OS X, who gives a crap?!
Why?
Why try and compete with Air? It's a lost cause. People buy the Air because it's an expensive top-brand computer, not because it's fast or anything.
$2,600 for Windows, oh paleeeze!
I hate latches, holes, and colored keys. I especially hate silk-screen printed characters on the keyboard.
The Air is a showoff computer, over engineered to show-off Apples technological capabilities, It's a computer for those who need to make a fashion or financial statement.
Re: Why? - Endearment!
Charlie Rose who hosts his own tv show by the same name on PBS is one of those I guess that needs to make a "fashion or financial statement". He even took a fall for it when tripping on a pothole. His face was smashed but the Air was safe http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/03/17/charlie-rose-face-plants-to-save-his-macbook-air/
How many would place the same intrinsical value on their purchase of a ThinkPad X301. And placing an X301 on top of a 13 x 9 envelope to mimic the MacBook Air commercial does not a MacBook Air it make!
Re: Why?
How many would place the same intrinsical value on their purchase of a ThinkPad X301.
Um, many people who've plucked down $3000 for a laptop would easily take a fall to not have to have your investment break and possibly not fixed.
But, OK, let's pretend only Mac owners would do such a thing...
Huh?
So THAT is what Lenovo considers competition against the MBA? This is simply FUGLY and cannot be compared with the Air, which is engineered to people who need the best design and the best reliability...PULLLLEASE...this thing is just hideous...only "geniuses" such as Testudo would be willing to buy that crap.
Re: Huh?
Its a Thinkpad and follows the case design of a thinkpad to a "T".
If it looked different or looked like a MBA, then I would expect them to call it something else.
Some of us love that design and hope they never change it. Functional, simple and the keyboard is great.
As for reliability, I'd put a thinkpad up against anything short of a Panasonic Toughbook any day of the week.