Lenovo Targets SMBs With ‘Smallest’ ThinkPad Edge Notebook

Computer maker Lenovo has revealed its ThinkPad Edge 11-inch laptop, which is says is the  smallest and lightest member of the ThinkPad Edge family.

Created for small-to-medium-size businesses (SMB), the laptop offers ultraportable-like performance and features into a small form factor PC starting at $449 (£284). The Lenovo USB Power Hub, a 65W laptop AC power adapter with a 4-port powered USB hub, is also available now for $74.99 (£47), according to a company release.

The laptop, which offers the choice of Intel Core/Pentium or AMD Vision Pro Athlon ultra low voltage processors, also boasts up to seven hours of battery life and connection to wireless hot spots through WiFi or roaming using optional 3G or 4G/WiMAX3 with Qualcomm Gobi technology.

Quick Bootup

Equipped with choices of business- class versions of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system, Lenovo PCs also come with Enhanced Experience for Windows 7, which the company said enables them to start up faster than identical configuration, non-optimised PCs.

“Just like large businesses, small business customers want laptops that perform without skimping on features that at the same time, fit their unique style and come at the right price,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president of ThinkPad marketing for Lenovo. “That’s why we’ve created the ThinkPad Edge 11-inch laptop with the latest processors for multitasking, 3G and WiMax for anywhere connectivity and included extra business-focused features like a standard low light sensitive web camera.”

At roughly the size of a paperback book, the 1.1-inch thin laptop weighs less than three pounds.

The 11.6-inch screen gives users room to work on office documents, presentations and also connect to a TV to watch a high definition movie through the HDMI video port. The full-size, spill-proof ThinkPad keyboard makes typing helps protect the notebook from damage from accidental spills. Lenovo is offering the ThinkPad Edge in three colour choices: Midnight Black Glossy, Midnight Black Smooth and Heatwave Red Glossy.

Extras like three USBs and a 4-in-1 media card reader make connecting and charging to peripherals like external hard drives and digital cameras possible, and users can further expand with the optional Lenovo USB PowerHub, which combines a 65 watt AC adapter with four USBs to simultaneously charge the laptop and connect and charge other devices.

iPad Competitor

According to a July report from TradingMarkets.com, Lenovo is also gearing up to offer a Google Android-powered tablet computer, called LePad, before the year’s end.

The site added that Lenovo Group Senior Vice President Liu Jun said the LePad will be a “crucial part” of Lenovo’s mobile Internet strategy, as it looks to expand “in the 3G era.” Following the release of the LePad, Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing told Trading Markets that the Internet-focused Lenovo Group is poised to offer “a series of new products.”