Lenovo Launches ThinkPad Tablet, Ultraportable LaptopLenovo Launches ThinkPad Tablet, Ultraportable Laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad X220s

Lenovo has released the ThinkPad X220 convertible tablet and ultraportable laptop, both with Intel's second-generation Core processors. The laptop offers up to 24 hours of running time with an external battery.

Lenovo introduced the latest ThinkPad business PCs Tuesday. The laptop and tablet replace the X201 models that Lenovo shipped in February 2010.

Both systems are available with a choice of Intel's latest Core i5 or i7 processors, codenamed Sandy Bridge. Intel's vPro technology also is available for enterprise-level security and management support. Both systems come with Intel's HD Graphics technology for playing high-definition video.

The processors contribute to longer battery life in both systems, with the laptop getting as much as 15 hours with a standard 9-cell battery. Using the ThinkPad's external six-cell battery pad that spans the base of the system can extend battery life to up to 24 hours. The X220 convertible, when combined with a six-cell battery and external pack, can get up to 16 hours of battery life.

The new Intel processors come with the chipmaker's Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 that increases processor speed during heavy workloads, while ratcheting it down during less demanding tasks. Lenovo has added its own Turbo Boost+ technology that allows the CPU to stay in turbo mode longer by keeping temperatures below certain thresholds. In addition, Intel has added adaptive technology that directs power to priority components during specific tasks, while reducing power to non-essential hardware, which also saves on battery power and improves performance.

The laptop and tablet have 12.5-inch displays. The tablet's display is also a touchscreen that comes with a stylus. With a four-cell battery the tablet weight 3.9 pounds. The laptop with a six-cell battery weighs 3.6 pounds, which is about two-tenths of a pound less than the X201.

Both systems are thinner than their predecessors and have 45% larger touchpads for easier finger navigation. Both systems also include the bright red TrackPoint for navigation from the middle of the keyboard, a longstanding feature in ThinkPads.

Other features include up to 8 GB of system memory, optional USB 3.0 ports, and built-in Webcam, microphone, and Wi-Fi. The systems are available with hard disk drives of up to 320 GB. Solid state drives are also available.

The X220 laptop would compete with Hewlett-Packard's EliteBook 2540p, which sports a 12.1-inch display and is also available with Intel's latest Core i5 or i7 processors.

The Lenovo X220 laptop and tablet are scheduled to be available in April. Prices will start at $899 and $1,199, respectively.