Lenovo Expands Stylish ThinkBook Portfolio to Enhance New Working Models

New ThinkBook laptops, powered by Intel® or AMD, offer a broader choice for SMB customers with 13, 14- and 15-inch form factors including an all-new 2-in-1 Yoga model.

ThinkVision T27hv-20 monitor combines design, enhanced collaboration functionality, and intuitive ThinkColor software solution for a sleek home or work office.

Lenovo unveiled its broadest ThinkBook portfolio to date, designed to empower the modern professional through transitional times. ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 i delivers outstanding speed and productivity with 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors with Intel® Iris®Xe graphics1, Thunderbolt™ 4, and flexible storage options. ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 i with optional WQXGA display delivers uncompromised mobile performance with Intel Evo™ platform3 in a lightweight package that can be carried from room to room, or office to office. ThinkBook 14s Yoga i, the first 2-in-1 ThinkBook makes it easy to transform any space to a work zone with its versatile form factor.

Lenovo is also announcing a new ThinkVision T27hv-20 USB-C® Hub monitor with the innovative Lenovo Display Control Center – ThinkColor. Designed to meet the collaboration requirements of a hybrid working model, the 27-inch display features a 1080p IR/RGB webcam, noise-canceling microphones, and integrated speakers that help users conference with confidence. These help our users to master the complex display settings, seamless multitasking through single and multi-display window control, and offers easy remote asset management for IT managers. Within the Lenovo Display Control Center software platform, we’ve developed two versions to address different user needs: ThinkColor for business and Lenovo Artery for home use.

Small & medium businesses (SMBs) need to embrace work from anywhere future

As business models evolve and require greater remote working flexibility for employees, SMBs will need to adapt quickly to empower their workforce. A survey of small and medium business owners by Intermedia and Sapio Research suggests that over half of SMBs are likely to maintain increased remote working options in the long-term. With expectations from work devices greater than ever, ThinkBook offers a portfolio of modern business laptops that are intuitive to use while delivering features that enable increased productivity and effective collaboration.

Here are some highlights from the expanded range:

ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 i:

  • Co-engineered with Intel®, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 i with optional WQXGA display has been tested, tuned and verified to meet the requirements of the Intel® Evo™ platform across hardware specifications and key experience targets for device responsiveness, instant wake, battery life, and fast charge3, making it an exceptional laptop for getting things done.
  • Thunderbolt™ 4, optional PCIe Gen 4 storage and long battery life4 keeps you productive throughout your workday
  • High-resolution 13.3-inch display with new 16:10 aspect ratio offers a 90% screen-to-body ratio with ultra-narrow bezels and is available with optional touch.
  • Virtual meetings are enhanced with smarter audio featuring microphones that can switch between three different audio modes: private, shared and environmental sound ensuring the best meeting experience, wherever you are.

ThinkBook 14s Yoga i:

  • Smart Pen syncs with your device. Pull out the Pen in modern standby mode and the note-taking app opens automatically. When logged into Windows 10, Windows Ink shortcuts are ready the moment you pick up the Pen.
  • The power of 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and the flexibility of Yoga form factor allows seamless transition between modes for greater productivity. Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB-C ports facilitate connectivity between ultra-fast peripherals and monitors.
  • The 14s Yoga is available in classic ThinkBook mineral grey, but a limited-edition Abyss Blue version is available adding the right mix of flair and elegance.

ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 i:

  • Integrated ThinkBook wireless earbuds, which can be stored within the laptop, deliver a completely new audio experience2. These earbuds charge automatically when stored &connect to the laptop audio instantly when taken out. Muting or unmuting yourself during calls is as easy as a double tap on the earbuds. Equipped with dual mics and environmental noise cancellation, these earbuds make online meetings more effective than ever before
  • Flexible storage options that include a combination of Hard disk drive (HDD) and Solid-state drive (SSD) or dual SSD
  • Modern Standby enables an always-on, always-connected experience that ensures that your PC is ready for you when you are and downloads emails even with the lid closed5
  • Working remotely and need support? The service hot key helps users reach Lenovo support at the press of a button, automatically including device details such as serial number for a fast track support experience.

Lenovo is also announcing today the broad ThinkBook portfolio powered by 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors or AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors and updated ThinkPad E series designed for SMB, including:

  • ThinkBook 15p i: High-performance laptop with NVIDIA® GTX 1650Ti graphics and X-Rite Pantone® certified display
  • ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 AMD: AMD Ryzen™ 4000 Series Mobile Processors powered laptop
  • ThinkBook 14 Gen 2: Intel® or AMD powered 14-inch laptop
  • ThinkBook 14s Gen 2: Intel® or AMD powered thin and light 14-inch laptop will be offered in selected markets
  • ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 AMD: Lightweight laptop powered by AMD Ryzen™ 4000 Series Mobile Processors
  • ThinkPad E14 and E15 Gen 2: 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors with ThinkPad heritage features

Technology in an Era of Flexible Working

Individual and collaborative productivity are facing unprecedented challenges, but businesses can reap the rewards of greater agility by ensuring employees have access to the right technology to equip their workspace. Whether in an office or at home, clean desks improve productivity and generate a feeling of well-being, and having a premium collaboration-optimized monitor will further enhance efficiency.

The new ThinkVision T27hv-20 is a 27-inch monitor specifically designed to offer the single-cable USB-C connectivity for clean desk while including features optimized for audio-visual conferencing. Mounted on an ergonomic lift, tilt, pivot, and swivel stand, the display features a 1080p IRRGB camera with an adjustable angle delivers crisp images, and includes a shutter for protection. Two noise-canceling microphones included in the camera mechanism enable clear voice capability and integrated speakers provide immersive sound. If you need privacy, the monitor includes an audio port and practical headphone hook to further enhance that clean desk feeling.

ThinkVision T27hv-20 features include:

  • 27-inch display with 2560 x 1440 resolution and 3-side near edgeless bezels
  • Integrated 1080p IRRGB webcam, microphones, and speakers for easy video conferencing
  • USB-C Hub delivers single cable connectivity including data, video, and Ethernet while able to power devices up to 90W. Hub also includes four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports for direct connection of compatible external devices
  • Smart Traffic Light warns colleagues or family members that you are live on a conference call by a red-light illumination on the webcam
  • TÜVRheinland Eye Comfort and Eyesafe®certification helps protect eyes from strain without color distortion through Natural Low Blue Light technology
  • Lenovo Display Control Center – ThinkColor for end-users to better master display settings, seamless multitasking and offers easy remote asset management for IT managers.

Quote:

“The modern workforce is tech-savvy and want to get more done and faster. SMBs need to empower employees through difficult times with smarter technology and features to help businesses grow, “said Eric Yu, senior vice president, Lenovo Global SMB. ”ThinkBook and ThinkVision deliver a powerful combination of performance and style with collaboration, enhanced security, and innovative features to keep users productive virtually anywhere.”

Pricing and Availability6:

Intel Models:
ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $569.
ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $829.
ThinkBook 14s Yoga is expected to be available from November 2020, starting at $879.
ThinkBook 15p i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $939.
ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 i is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $569.
ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 is expected to be available from November 2020, starting at $699.
ThinkPad E15 Gen 2 is expected to be available from November 2020, starting at $699.

AMD Models:
ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 AMD is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $549.
ThinkBook 14 Gen 2 AMD is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $549.
ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 AMD is expected to be available from October 2020, starting at $729.

ThinkVision:
ThinkVision T27hv-20 is expected to be available from December 2020, starting at $549.

Lenovo Unveils New Predictive and Proactive SaaS Tool for Smarter PC Fleet Management

Lenovo Device Intelligence offers enterprises advanced predictive insights to help pinpoint hardware and systemic issues before they occur

Developed for IT administrators that manage fleets of employee PCs, this latest tool monitors the health and performance of Lenovo Think-branded laptops and third-party PCs alike.i Leveraging AI and machine learning for proactive device insights and predictive analytics, it also offers IT admins are proven and prescriptive remediations at their fingertips to help swiftly resolve issues and keep their employees up-and-running, enhancing their digital experience.

Addressing IT’s Remote Management Challenge

Factor in the global scale of companies and the growing number of dispersed and remote workforces, IT teams are finding it even more challenging to stay on top of the health and maintenance of all the PCs within their company.

According to a study by global IT research firm Techaisle, 77% of IT staff time is dedicated to maintenance and support, and 50% of IT professionals report that their teams lack the resources to swiftly identify problems and deliver satisfactory solutions. By reducing fleet complexity and categorizing data to help IT staff identify potential problems faster and address them before they become an issue, this tool aims to decrease downtime, increase employee productivity, and optimize IT costs.

Behind the Screen

As an on-device agent, Lenovo Device Intelligence uses proprietary machine-learned models that run both locally on the PC and in the cloud to analyze telemetry data and pre-emptively identify key indicators, patterns, anomalies, and root causes that could lead to a range of common problems. These include not only hardware failures – hard drive, solid-state drive, and battery – but more complex and systemic issues that cause performance degradation like system slowdown, crashes, and even the dreaded blue screen of death.

Adhering to strict data privacy regulations, all customer data is protected and stored in a secure cloud-based technology stack for enhanced security. Additionally, each company’s PC health data is encrypted and stored in dedicated tenants with limited access to authorized users.

A Premium Experience for BothIT Admins and End Users

Traditionally, troubleshooting and performing root-cause analysis of this caliber has been a time-consuming and often manual task for IT admins, so the ability to streamline this process and make them aware of impending crashes can not only improve their productivity but reduce or even avoid employee downtime altogether. This gives IT teams the tools to identify and resolve PC performance issues at scale and greater insight into the latest issue trends affecting PCs.

Pricing & Availability

Lenovo Device Intelligence will be initially available starting October 2020 in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, and Australia, with a phased expansion to other global markets through 2021.

Volume-tiered pricing is available for subscription licenses.iFor more information, visit our website.

Featherweight X1 Nano is Lightest ThinkPad™ Ever1 Pioneering ThinkPad™ X1 Fold is Now Available to Order

Lenovo™ is very excited to unveil the latest addition to our premium X1 portfolio, ThinkPad™ X1 Nano. Lenovo’s first ThinkPad based onIntel®Evo™ platform2and powered by 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, the X1 Nano delivers supreme speed and intelligence3 while maintaining outstanding battery life4. State of the art connectivity is provided by WiFi 65 and optional 5G6 will deliver higher bandwidth capability and drive new levels of always on always connected efficiency and collaboration in a new hybrid working world.

Lenovo today is also delighted to announce that the world’s first foldable PC7, ThinkPad X1 Fold, is available to order7 and will ship in a few weeks. A pinnacle of engineering innovation, the X1 Fold offers a revolutionary mix of portability and versatility that defines a new computing category enabled by Intel® Core™ processors with Intel® Hybrid Technology and made possible by Intel’s Project Athena innovation program. Find out more about how ThinkPad X1 Fold is pioneering a new category: A Game-Changing Category.

Lightest ThinkPad Ever

At less than one kilogram, ThinkPad X1 Nano is the lightest ever ThinkPad1. It delivers one of the most complete ultralight laptop packages today with supreme performance, displays, sound, and security.

  • Packed with up to 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processors with Intel® Iris® Xe graphics, X1 Nano features the world’s best processors for thin-and-light laptops3, delivering up to 2.7x faster content creation8, more than 20% faster office productivity9 and more than 2x faster gaming plus streaming10 in real-world workflows over competitive products.
  • Thunderbolt™ 4 offers fast, single cable connection to power, monitors, storage, and many other external devices.
  • X1 Nano is the first ThinkPad to feature an updated suite of AI and biometric ThinkShield security features. These range from new voice recognition and human presence detection that enable zero-touch login and device lock when the user walks away to the familiar Match on Chip Fingerprint Reader.
  • X1 Nano can be preloaded with Windows 10 Pro or Ubuntu® Linux® OS and features optional 5G6 for future-ready connectivity.
  • A 13-inch Dolby Vision 2K display with a 16:10 aspect ratio offers expansive views and 100% sRGB ensures clarity and color accuracy. Touch display options are also available.
  • The speaker system includes four speakers with Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound and combined with four 360-degree microphones ensure you are loud and clear during audio and video calls.

Ultra-light, high performance, brilliant displays, awesome audio, and future-proof connectivity means the ThinkPad X1 Nano is an ideal laptop for a hybrid working world. The engineering masterpiece that is the X1 Fold however ushers in a whole new computing category and will redefine how we think of and use devices.

A Major Shift in Personal Computing

Five years in the making, the ThinkPad X1 Fold is the first of its kind in a new personal computing category that will push boundaries and redefine how we engage with technology. Carry small, use big. ThinkPad X1 Fold adapts to new remote, office, and hybrid working models, enabling trailblazers to embrace ground-breaking innovation that will empower creativity, collaboration, and entertainment as it seamlessly transforms into their specific needs.

Inspirational Unconventional Bold

ThinkPad X1 Fold is now available to order, including optional accessories such as the Bluetooth Mini Fold Keyboard that can be stored and wirelessly charged inside the system; the Lenovo Mod Pen so users can take notes, annotate or sign legal documents; and the Lenovo Easel Stand for easy portrait or landscape placement on a desk.

“We are excited to bring to market, not just one, but two incredible devices that are going to reshape users’ experience while working from home, the office and anywhere in between, “said Christian Teismann, President Commercial PC and Smart Devices Business. “Providing users with the pioneering audio/video screen experience, always-on 5G connectivity, ultra-light, and ultra-mobile products for a new hybrid working world, is something we are proud of.” 

“We are building on our history of co-engineering with Lenovo to drive innovation and deliver new PC experiences to market,” said Gregory Bryant, Intel executive vice president, and general manager of the Client Computing Group.

Control and Configure the Lenovo PC Experience for End Users and IT Admins Alike

Commercial Vantage 1.2 is a client-side application designed for enterprise customers that not only makes it easy for end-users to update their hardware settings, but it also offers controls specifically for IT admins charged with managing a fleet of devices for their company. With this version, the install size has been cut in half, and the interface has been simplified to so it’s easier to discover features quickly.

In today’s world increasingly characterized by dispersed and remote workforces, Commercial Vantage supports the user wherever they are by enabling them to customize their battery performance, microphone, display and camera settings for an optimized audio-visual experience. With Commercial Vantage, IT admins can maintain control of every Lenovo device in the fleet, deciding when Vantage checks for and installs which updates. Built-in admin controls have been added in this version to allow for remote execution and control of the system update experience to ensure devices are kept up to date despite IT staffs not having access to the physical device.

Pricing and Availability11

ThinkPad X1 Fold with Windows 10 is available to order now and will ship in a few weeks, with prices starting at $2,499.

ThinkPad X1 Nano is expected to be available in 4th quarter 2020. Prices are expected to start from $1,399.

Commercial Vantage version 1.2 will be available globally starting October 13 and included on all new Think products at no additional cost. On that date, existing Think brand customers can also download the latest version from the Microsoft store and Lenovo support site.

A Game-Changing Category for a Fundamental New World

Jerry Paradise, Vice President, Commercial Portfolio at Lenovo PC and Smart Devices Group

The true transition to portable personal computing came in 1992 with the introduction of the ThinkPad 700C, with its timeless black bento box design with the red TrackPoint envisioned by Richard Sapper.

At this point, I could wax lyrical about ThinkPad engineering prowess over the years, and how 28 years of design and development have resulted in remarkable ground-breaking products. We have certainly been a leading innovator in the industry in form factor change and pushing the boundaries, sometimes maybe too far, but that isn’t the point of this post. I want to talk about a new game-changing category, the foldable PC, that admittedly we have been talking about now for quite some time.

Three years ago, Christian Teismann unveiled a foldable concept at a Lenovo event in New York City. It’s a concept that illustrates the future of computing and offers a window to the potential that such a category can fulfill. In fact, I feel it’s time for a major shift in personal computing, and the whole foldable category can and will redefine and reshape how we think of and use personal computing technology. Foldable screens are the future in all display categories and the potential is huge.

What is X1 Fold?

The best way to describe X1 Fold is that it is the chameleon of personal computing devices, adapting to its environment. Quickly turn X1 Fold into laptop format (but remember, it’s not a laptop!) and connect to the video conference on the upper half of the display, while you review the presentation on the lower half. When you get to your appropriately social-distanced face to face board meeting, you can open the Fold up tablet-style to clearly present the sales tracker on the 13-inch display and simultaneously connect to the larger meeting room monitor. On the way to the airport, take advantage of 5G to video conference the family and then stream your favorite show while waiting to board your flight.

The point I’m making here is that X1 Fold and the whole foldable category fits into specific sweet spots, a single personal device that morphs into multi-use cases and adapts to the scenarios you need without compromising screen size, durability, performance, or versatility.

What are the Use Cases?

There are many potential use cases for a computing device with the power and display size of a laptop that can fold in half and virtually fit in a jacket pocket. Doctors and nurses can leverage the performance and portability as they move from ward to ward and even hospital to hospital without the size and weight inconvenience of a laptop. Highly mechanized farming would benefit from the lightweight and small form factor, as well as 5G connectivity given them real-time satellite imagery to better assess crop needs. Ship captains would have full access to crew and cargo manifests instantly on the upper display, while the lower display would show navigation plans and en route weather forecasts.

No compromises as such but finding the sweet spot that marries customer expectations from a premium device that is adopting pioneering innovation, and a premium price point that ground-breaking technology dictates. In reality, we don’t know exactly what the optimum screen size is, but our research today suggests that 13-inch is the sweet spot for a device that needs to undertake multiple functions, and when folded offers the best compromise in size and weight for true portability. Working with Intel and their Hybrid processor technology was crucial in ensuring the right balance of power and performance management between different tasks and LG Displays were instrumental in the development of durable foldable display technology.

We had to develop specific software to manage the various modes of operation and to make sure that user experience was as seamless as possible. No operating system that has not been designed for a completely new category is faultless, nevertheless, the user experience is pretty good. We expect future iterations of Windows to fully exploit the foldable category and further enhance a unique interaction.

So, it’s not Perfect?

Fast forward to 2020 and some will feel that the X1 Fold is the perfect device…for them. Just looking at the tech market today reveals pioneering foldable or dual-screen devices command a significant premium. The ThinkPad X300 I mentioned earlier had a base configuration starting price just under $2,500, so in that context the X1 Fold that starts at $2,499 for a first of its kind, category-defining PC device doesn’t look so bad.

The overarching evidence however when introducing a whole new category to the world is not just about engineering marvels or magical designs, development involves an entire eco-system of people including user experience groups. Often, public reception to completely new technology can be indifferent at best, even frosty. Human nature is typically averse to change. However, so many examples of significant change over history can be cited, but ultimately those that truly change the way we do things, perceive things, enjoy things will be successful.

Like many transformational events, all new things need full commitment, proper insight, and require early adopters, those who are excited and willing to take the plunge and want to be part of the ongoing development of an entirely new category. These are the trailblazers who help define and drive major shifts in technology.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button