Lenovo ThinkPad Edge Coming?

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge Coming?

Leaked product details indicate Lenovo is about to introduce an entry-level ThinkPad line, the Edge series. The line appears to fit in between the high-end ThinkPads and the consumer-level IdeaPads. TheEdge has the following specifications:

• 13.3-inch display
• AMD Turion X2 or Intel ULV dual-core processors
• Up to 4GB RAM
• Up to 500GB hard drive
• Windows 7 32/64-bit
• HDMI out
• Realtek 802.11n wireless
• Battery life: 3.4 hours (4-cell), 5.2 hours (6-cell)
• Weight: 3.6 lbs w/ 4-cell
• Colors: flat black, glossy black, glossy red

The leaked info indicates a $549 MSRP. There is no word on availability.

Full Story (Chip.de - translated)
Via (Engadget.com)

 

I think the battery life is a little disappointing compared with the other CULV notebooks.

 

AMD....Really??

 

Just hope its AMD Turion II, or else its just gonna suck.

 

I'm pretty sure it's going to be Neo-based.

 

Can't say I'm impressed.

 

Oh god 16:9.

 

Time to get used to it.

 

They better not screw up the build quality, since this is the first 13.3'' thinkpad.

 

It looks like this notebook has a 'chiclet' keyboard, I can't believe no ThinkPad owners have chimed in about that yet. I am interested in trying one out, I would like to see Lenovo's take on it.

 

Well, I can't tell from the picture, but if Lenovo messes even with one key on the legendary keyboard, they're done!

 

Hm....is that an Edge to Edge display?

 

They've already transitioned the SL-series over to 16:9 displays with the SL410 and SL510. I suppose these 'Edge' models would complement the SL-series rather than replace it....

I've heard rumors for months now about the demise of the R-series. If they have the 'Edge', SL, T and W-series, I can't see the R-series continuing. The R400 and T400 (integrated graphics) are almost identical in size, specs and price, so it is redundant...but I've had several R-series that I loved, so I'm a little sentimental.

 

Yes, what seems to be the problem?

Indeed. It is Neo or CULV based according to the leaks.

I think there was a SL300 some time ago. But I agree, BQ must be top-notch for the market where this will be placed.

The R400 and T400 with IGP are the same thing basically. Even same BQ.
Perhaps it is the time to say bye bye to a bracket that was there just because...

 

Sad reality, Im still holding out for 16:10 for the X, T, and W series.

I think the older school thinkpad people are already fed up, as for me it doesn't bother me as I wouldn't even look at that notbook. Im sure its only a design for the consumer non business based notbooks...at least I hope.

I bought an AMD ultra X2 notebook last year that was painfully slow that's my problem. Now I will admit that the original turion was actually not bad, I had an MT40 CPU in my old averatec that would keep up with Pentium M CPUs in most tasks but wasn't fully at that level. But again seeing what AMD put out in Q3 2008 made me quite upset.

 

The Neo core aint that bad compared to the CULV. And the chipset it uses allows the Neo based laptop to use much better graphics.

 

The Neo doesn't match the Intel CULV chips in terms of processing power or, more importantly, energy efficiency...both of which would be more important to a business user, I'd think.

PC Magazine recently tested the HP dm3-1030us which has the 1.6GHz AMD Athlon Neo X2 L355 (dual-core) processor, ATI 3200 graphics and 4GB RAM. They were unable to get PCMark Vantage to run on it, but they did run several other tests. On Windows Media Encoder, it took 2:04 which actually lands in the midst of Intel CULV models. On CineBench R10, it lagged about 12-15% behind the scores of the 1.3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300. On their Photoshop CS4 test, the Neo scored a very slow 2:51. The SU7300 could do the same in as little as 0:48 and even the single core 1.3GHz SU2700 only took 1:31.

But the real issue is battery life. They praised it for lasting 4:55 on the 6-cell battery, which is an improvement over the Neo-based dv2's poor battery life. But a very similar dm3t with Intel SU7300 lasted 9:07 for LAPTOP Magazine using the SAME 6-cell battery!!! I don't consider a 45% lower battery life an acceptable trade-off for improved (but still integrated) graphics performance...and I doubt many ThinkPad users would either!

 

Color options? really?

 

I've been waiting for something like this. Nobody has a track point on a 13" ULV at a reasonable price.

I think the chiclet style keyboard is barely acceptable on an ultra portable. I'm not so sure about this optional glossy red lid though...

Hopefully it shares more in common with the T,R,X Series than the Ideapads.

 

Yeah, I'm hoping for the the processors that replace the most recent Neo's to have far greater battery life.

 

Did you guys see this Engadget posting about the ThinkPad X100e? Here's a LINK

Here's the specs that are known-

Lenovo is calling it an "entry-level ultraportable" NOT a ThinkPad 'netbook'
11.6" HD (1366x768) LED display
AMD Athlon Neo processor (dual-core?)
up to 320GB hard drive
up to 4GB RAM
distinctly ThinkPad keyboard, TrackPad and TrackPoint

Netbook-like price point
Choice of Black, Red or White
Release date unknown...

A ThinkPad in any color other than Black doesn't seem right! Dell tried offering the E4200/E4300/E6400/E6500 in Red and Blue but they look awful, especially from the underside! The E4200 also was available in "Quartz Pink" but (thankfully) it has been discontinued...I suppose the demand for the "Barbie Dream Business Ultraportable" wasn't as strong as they had initially hoped??? I don't suspect the Blue and Red will be around much longer either.

 

My hunch is that they'll share more with the SL-series, in terms of structure and design, than any other ThinkPads. That means all ABS-plastic and no ThinkCage protection. The T, W and X-series will be the only ones with the ThinkCage (if the R-series is discontinued).

 

Chicklet keyboard on a thinkpad ... weird....

 

My same thoughts. And if it is backlit...

 

They really like to dilute the brand image of Thinkpad. First SL, and now this?

 

Not really.... If you don't want an SL don't buy and SL.

If you like the X301, buy a X301.

What does image matter to you if the end product of the T and X series for example, is good?