Lenovo Announces the new ThinkPad X230 Ultraportable

The 12.5” screen ThinkPad X230 ultraportable business laptop, an update to the current ThinkPad X220, is set to be released in early June of 2012. The X230, officially announced today by Lenovo, brings a newly designed keyboard to the table that the company is calling the ThinkPad Precision Keyboard. The keyboard now uses an island style key design, also referred to as chiclet, and has improved ergonomic design for better typing comfort and accuracy according to Lenovo. Also new in regards to the keyboard is a backlit keyboard option. For those that are fans of the ThinkLight that offers a light in the screen that shines down on the keyboard, fear not, that feature remains in conjunction with the backlighting.



The ThinkPad X230 will of course feature the new Intel 3rd Generation Core processors, known as Ivy Bridge. Graphics will rely on the Intel integrated HD 4000. Lenovo is claiming a 40% better boot time than typical Windows 7 laptops thanks to Lenovo Enhanced Experience 3.0 with RapidBoot technology. For even faster boot times there will of course be SSD storage options and it will support the mini SSD via mSATA as well.

Fans of the 300-nit IPS display in the X220 will be happy to know the ThinkPad X230 will have that option as well. The screen will have a built-in web camera that features a new face tracking technology for video conferences.



Here’s a complete run-down of all the new features and basic specs of the X230:

Processor: Intel Core i3/i5/i7 3rd generation (Ivy Bridge)
Screen: 12.5” with optional IPS 300-nit brightness display
Ports: 2 USB 3.0 standard on all configs, Mini-DisplayPort
Sound: New Dolby Advanced Audio
Keyboard: New Precision Keyboard, chiclet style design
Thermals: Improved thermal design with dual vents
Battery Life: up to 24 hours using large capacity battery and additional slice battery
Communications: New built-in 4G LTE mobile broadband contract free option, use on demand and no year or month long contracts necessary
As you would expect the X230 still meets mil-spec standards due to its highly durable build using tough ABS plastics. The X230 is first and foremost a business notebook and so the warranty is International and you can get your ThinkPad serviced anywhere in the world, wherever your work may take you.

In addition to the regular laptop style ThinkPad X230, there will be an X230 Tablet (X230t) that will offer a touchscreen and pen input. Availability for both the X230 and X230t is set for early June and pricing on the X230 will start at $1,179 while the X230t will start at $1,479.

Article Source:http://www.laptopreviews.com/lenovo-announces-the-new-thinkpad-x230-ultraportable-2012-05