Lenovo ThinkPad X301: New ULV CPUs, DDR3 RAM & WiMAX Coming

Lenovo have announced an update to their ThinkPad X300, adding a so-far unreleased Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor and two new SSD options.  The ThinkPad X301 will be available with Intel's 1.2GHz U9300 and 1.4GHz U9400 CPUs, both having 6MB L2 cache and 1066MHz FSB, while the X300's 64GB SSD is replaced by either an 80GB or 128GB version.

System memory has also had a boost, with the X301 now supporting DDR3 RAM.  Lenovo claim that performance over the previous model is up, on average, by nearly 20-percent thanks to the combination of faster RAM and processor.  DisplayPort has also been added, alongside the existing VGA connection.

UWB and 3G cellular broadband (with GPS) options are available, and a WiMAX version will be available later on in the year.  Lenovo are saying that models using AT&T mobile broadband have improved uplink performance by up to 250-percent over previous versions.  The slick design of the ThinkPad remains the same, as does the 13.3-inch LED backlit display.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X301 will be available on August 26th, priced from $2,599

Press Release:

Lenovo Expands Ultra-Thin, Ultra-Light ThinkPad X300 Notebook PC Family

Delivers Next-Generation Processing, Greater SSD Storage and Enhanced Multimedia Experience

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC August 18, 2008

Lenovo today announced the ThinkPad X301 notebook PC, taking the thinnest and lightest full-function notebook in its class, to new heights in performance. Like its predecessor, the industry-acclaimed ThinkPad X300 notebook, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers cutting-edge features and technologies in a thin and light form starting at less than three pounds and one-inch thin. The notebook offers even greater storage capacity with choices of either 64 GB or new 128 GB solid state drive storage available in September. The ThinkPad X301 notebook provides on average nearly 20 percent better performance over the ThinkPad X300 notebook due to the latest DDR3 memory and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low volt processor.

"Lenovo continues to push the technology envelope by giving road warriors the latest enhancements in solid state drive storage and digital display technologies with the new ThinkPad X301 notebook PC," said Sam Dusi, vice president, worldwide notebook product marketing, Lenovo. This announcement extends our commitment to blending ultraportability and functionality, and equipping today's business users with the most advanced, highest-performing computing tools.

New support for DisplayPort makes viewing high definition content easy and ideal for models with the ultra-thin DVD burner. With support for both DisplayPort and VGA, users can even watch high definition content on multiple displays. Designed for maximum options for wireless connectivity, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers models with high-speed mobile broadband and WiFi to connect wirelessly to the Internet, and also with Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology to connect wirelessly to other devices. Lenovo offers improved uplink performance by up to 250 percent for models with AT&T mobile broadband over previous ThinkPad notebooks with AT&T mobile broadband. Models supporting WiMAX will be available later this year. Additionally, GPS on notebook models with high speed mobile broadband allow travelers to more easily navigate to the office or airport.

The notebook also includes Lenovo's ThinkVantage Technologies, unique hardware-software tools designed to maximize user productivity. With Lenovo's improved Access Connections tool, users can navigate a user-friendly interface to easily find and access Internet and network connections. Also, Lenovo's improved Power Manager gives users more control over notebook functions to enable longer battery life.

The ThinkPad X301 notebook also continues Lenovo's focus on environmentally-responsible design. Its 13.3-inch LED backlit display, solid state drive storage and other energy-efficient technologies help make it rated Gold by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool. This designation adds to Lenovo's portfolio of Gold-rated ThinkPad notebook and ThinkCentre desktop PCs.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for models of the ThinkPad X301 notebook starts at approximately $2,599. The notebook will be available on August 26 through Lenovo Business Partners and www.lenovo.com