Lenovo slips out the new ThinkPad X301: new CPUs, 128GB SSD, still thin as hell

In a weirdly casual move, Lenovo has let details slip on the next iteration of its MacBook Air-challenging laptop -- the ThinkPad X300 -- unsurprisingly dubbed the X301. The new device ups the processor ante by adding the as-yet-unreleased Intel Core 2 Duo ULV (ultra low voltage) U9300 (1.2GHz) and U9400 (1.4GHz), both with a 6MB L2 cache and 1066MHz FSB. Additionally, the X301 will support up to 2GB of DDR3 RAM, and Lenovo will offer SSDs of the 80GB or 128GB variety, as opposed to the last generation's 64GB option. A new DisplayPort jack is included, along with boosted mobile broadband quality, GPS, and plans for a WiMAX version later this year. The laptops start at $2,599 and will be available August 26th, though the 128GB option doesn't show up until September. Full PR after the break.

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 class1, 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 processor2.

"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 broadband4. Models supporting WiMAX will be available later this year. Additionally, GPS on notebook models with high speed mobile broadband5 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

[ran Posted Aug 16th 2008 12:25PM]

I'm selling my Mac now.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 16th 2008 12:28PM]

>>> "What is this current obcession with thin? Thin = compromise. Im not saying we should all go buy big bricks but my 1.2" thick Dell Vostro 1400 is fine for me."


Agreed. I have similar feelings regarding notebooks. My biggest problem with laptops have not been their thickness for a long, long time. If they make a 10", 12", or 13" laptop that's not heavy, I wouldn't care if the laptop was 0.9" or 1.1" thick. Make it 1.1" thick if you have to do so in order to prevent the fan from running all the time, or if it prevents the laptop from feeling warm.

Anyway, this machine sounds great.....other than the RAM.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 16th 2008 4:33PM]

The X301 will announce/ship with 2GB in the U.S., but it does support a 4GB configuration – so you can have it custom-built with up to 4GB (or upgraded later if needed).

[aldogg Posted Aug 17th 2008 2:52AM]

Mmm it should came with minimum 2GB of ram for that price, 512Mb or 1GB is a joke for use with Vista

What about changing the FN key for the control key, that will be awesome
Or at least support a software key remapping function
I have one lenovo laptop and the key positions is the only thing that annoys me.
See a standar keyboard: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_keyboard
"CTRL" should be at the left
"F1" should be at the rigth of "1" or at least in the same column

[chaboud Posted Aug 17th 2008 7:53PM]

Oh man.. Please, please, please, have 1394 on this thing.