Lenovo IdeaPad Enters Consumer Laptop Market

Lenovo is known for their business laptops and desktop workstations, but all that may soon change as Lenovo enters the consumer level market. I was briefed by Lenovo's VP – head of consumer marketing Craig Merrigan about a line of consumer products Lenovo is launching this year.

According to Craig, Lenovo will focus its marketing towards its new consumer laptop more than desktop due to its profitability. The new IdeaPad series laptops will be available in 15 countries during its initial launch (sadly Japan is not one of them).

The IdeaPad will come in three screens size, 11-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch. It will feature a "Facial Recognition" biometric authentication system using the 1.3megapixel webcam, Dolby sound, SSD drive options, touch sensitive multimedia controls, and a unique frameless design that creates no 'raised' rim around the edge of the screen (to give the appearance of no actual bezel). Under the hood, these systems will be powered by Intel's Santa Rosa platform.

The chassis of the IdeaPad has been texturised (with linen and other fabrics) to give the laptop a unique design. The 15-inch IdeaPad will start at $799, 17-inch will start at $1199, and 11-inch pricing has not been decided yet.

We will have more information during CES briefing. So watch for our CES 2008 coverage!