Lenovo Widescreen ThinkPads

Z Series BIOS Magazine has a great rundown of how well Lenovo is doing with IBM’s laptops, and how they have not “missed a step” since aquiring the business. They then go on to talk about the Z-series, and how it has been improved.

Since acquiring IBM’s PC business earlier this year, Lenovo hasn’t missed a step in outfitting the Think-branded products with the latest technologies, and the Z-series apparently will be no different. From the new magnesium alloy frame that acts as a shock absorber to help the laptop recover from a fall to a widescreen display, the Z-series will also use Intel Pentium M processors and related chipsets and be able to connect to the Internet using 802.11 and EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) wireless technology. Lenovo has also announced that it is considering using WiMax wireless technology in future versions of the laptop.

Two Z60 models will be available - the Z60t and the Z60m. Both models will have widescreens, though of different sizes: The Z60t will have a 14-inch WXGA widescreen, while the Z60m will sport a 15.4-inch WXGA wide screen. Widescreen displays are new for Lenovo and all other ThinkPad models have standard-aspect (4:3) screens.

The Z60 models also incorporate other consumer-oriented features, such as FireWire ports and three-in-one media card readers - noticeable ommissions from other ThinkPads. While both Z60 models retain the distinctive ThinkPad look and feel, with the signature black case and red trackpoint pointing device (along with a touchpad), new touches distinguish the line. These include more rounded edges, and both also have white icons ringing the keyboard to identify ports and connectors along the sides.