Lenovo ThinkPad SL – showing the Dell Vostro how it’s done?

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Lenovo has now confirmed the upcoming new ThinkPad SL laptop Series and given us a first glimpse of this important new range. The range will include models designated the ThinkPad SL300, the ThinkPad SL400, and the ThinkPad SL500.

This is a huge and bold move for Lenovo and really shows their determination to continually break new ground. In reality the ThinkPad SL range is a direct competitor to the Dell Vostro line and will be aimed at individuals and small companies that want a more professional notebook than the IdeaPads but still want some of the crossover consumer features that the superb IdeaPad offers.

Dell has struggled with the Vostro brand which is a problem that Lenovo shouldn’t have with the new SL series. The ThinkPad brand is so well excepted amongst the business community that it’s almost a given that Lenovo will take a big market share with this launch.

The new Laptops will have an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output and have a more stylized look than the all black, ‘carved from granite’ image of ‘traditional’ ThinkPad’s.

To cater for this and the lower price, some of the corporate features will disappear, Charles Sune, Lenovo worldwide segment manager for the ThinkPad SL commented. Instead of the usual proprietary advanced ThinkPad docking station, the SL will have a USB-based dock to extend input options when one of the ThinkPad’s is being used at home or the office.

While acknowledging the SL’s existence Charles Sune, declined to provide more specifics about the forth coming new ThinkPad’s other than to say they will have a relatively narrow price range between $699 and $1,199. Models should include a 13.3-inch screen, the ThinkPad SL300, a 14-inch, the ThinkPad SL400 and a 15.4-inch screen which will be the ThinkPad SL500. There will be a choices of a Blu-ray drive and a GeForce 9300M GS for dedicated graphics.

A statement is planned within the next few weeks and seems dependent on the availability of Intel’s new Monteria Centrino chip set which should be with Lenovo in early August.
Can’t wait to see more details, exciting times for ThinkPad fans!