Lenovo is developing a version of the ThinkPad X200s that would use a processor fitting roughly into the CULV (Consumer Ultra Low Voltage) category, a leak says. Instead of the SL-series Core 2 Duo processors that have pushed the price upwards on the system, Lenovo is said by Fudzilla to be using an ultra-low voltage 1.2GHz Celeron M chip that would drop the price substantially. It would also have relatively modest specifications with 2GB of memory and a 160GB hard drive.

When this system will be made available or at what cost isn't evident at this stage. However, the price for a given system in Europe is estimated to fall to under 1,000 Euros ($1,328) versus the roughly 1,300 Euros ($1,725) for a current model. US pricing is close with a regular-price X200s selling for $1,690.

Lenovo itself has hinted at a CULV-based ThinkPad in the future but without committing to any particular timeframe or model. The company has expressed a desire for ultraportable systems that are better-suited to business than the existing IdeaPad netbooks.