ThinkPad SL400 Review and a closer look

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ThinkPad SL400 hits the bulls eye

With Lenovo’s launch of one of the first notebook models to feature Intel Centrino 2 mobile platform, Lenovo has hit the bull’s-eye again with the ThinkPad SL400. Featuring a balance between business and multimedia functions guaranteed to fit your notebook needs and most importantly, at a price you can afford.

On top of that, it is absolutely stunning to look at!

The ThinkPad SL Series features the new 35-nanometer Intel Core 2 Duo process with 1066MHz, depending on the CPO model.  According to the specs, it will also offer, with the lower end model, 800 MHz FSB Core 2 Duo CPUs.

When Lenovo designers put the original design down on paper they had cost in mind without compromising features.

Designed for the small to medium business, this is more than just a budget notebook with the basic features.

The SL400 comes with Intel GMA X4500 integrated graphics or the NVIDIA GeFore 9300M 256 MB dedicated GPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 memory, up to 320GB hard drive, and the optional Intel Turbo Memory 2GB module for better system responsiveness, as well as CD-RW/DVD Combo, DVD burner or Blu-Ray burner.

The 14.1-inch display has a resolution of 1280-by-800 or 1440-by-900 pixels, and a glossy or mate coating, depending on your preference. Now the fact that Lenovo atre giving us a choice of screen coating is a first!

Lenovo’s ThinkPad SL400 has optionally integrated web camera and fingerprint reader, four USB ports, a PC Card slot supporting 34mm ExpressCard via adapter, Secure Digital slot, Firewire port, and VGA and HDMI outputs.
Networking features include the latest Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100ABGN module supporting 802.11n standard or an 802.11a/b/g module, a Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth, and mobile broadband support in select models.

Interestingly, Lenovo is using some of the same practices it employed for its ultra thin ThinkPad X300 notebook, including solid state drives, LED backlit displays (on the SL300 notebook ) and GPS functionality on select models.  In addition, Lenovo claims the notebooks are cooler and quieter with a longer battery life.

Here are the specs for the ThinkPad SL400:

• Processor: 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 (1066MHz FSB, 3MB Cache)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS 256MB
• Screen: 14.1″ WXGA, Anti-glare (1280×800, 200nit)
• Memory: 2GB(up to 4GB configurable)
• Storage: 160GB SATA HDD (5400rpm)
• Optical Drive: Dual layer CD/DVD recordable drive
• Wireless and Communications: Intel 4965AGN (802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi), Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
• Battery: 6-cell Li-Ion
• Dimensions: 13.2″ x 9.7″ x 1.3″-1.5″)
• Weight: 5.5lbs with battery
• Operating Systems: Windows Vista Home Premium
• Warranty: 1-year

With prices on the ThinkPad SL400 starting at just around $799, and amazing features such as, built-in high-speed mobile broadband and multimedia capabilities with an optional Blu-Ray DVD player on select models.

Lenovo is also throwing in software and offering optional service packages like on-line data backup and on-site warranty repair, all designed for the Small to Medium Business (SMB) with limited or no IT resources. This is a smart move from Lenovo and the ThinkPad SL400 certainly fills a much needed gap in the Notebook market. Watch out Dell Vostro, Lenovo is coming!