Lenovo jumps on the 3D laptop train with the IdeaPad Y560d
By Joanna Stern 
posted June 17th 2010 7:59AM
posted June 17th 2010 7:59AM
We're not sure there are any PC manufacturers without a 3D laptop in store at this point, but add Lenovo to the confirmed list! The 15.6-inch IdeaPad Y560d poo poos NVIDIA's 3D Vision, and instead utilizes TriDef's 3D technology like Acer Aspire 5738DG. The solution, which combines a specially coated screen, software and special polarizing glasses, can convert 2D content to 3D content, but in our previous experience we've been less than impressed with the quality of the end result. And unlike Toshiba's Satellite A665, TriDef doesn't support 3D Blu-ray content. Yeah, so we're hesitant about all that three-dee stuff, but the rest of the machine looks mighty tempting. It'll be available with Intel Core i3 through Core i7 processors, an ATI Radeon HD5720 GPU, and up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM. It will also apparently have Lenovo's RapidDrive technology as an option, which marries a regular hard drive with an SSD for faster boot times. Just don't put on those 3D specs yet, the Y560d won't be available until the end of the month and will start at $1,200. Check out some of the press shots below and if you're still digging for some details the full press release is after the break.
Lenovo Delivers on the Three D's with its First 3D Laptop; Dynamic, Dazzling and Dramatic
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – June 17, 2010: Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced the Lenovo IdeaPad Y560d, the company's first multimedia laptop with a 3D display. The Y560d features the TriDef® 3D technology solution, which includes a 3D screen, software and glasses 1, so users can experience the unique sensation of visual immersion within their favorite movies, pictures and games.
"Fun is a notebook that brings multimedia to life-and the IdeaPad Y560d does this in a dramatic fashion with a truly unique 3D viewing experience," said Dion Weisler, vice president, business operations, Lenovo. "While 3D technology has been around for ages, it has not been readily accessible to consumers within the home. Lenovo is helping bridge this gap by delivering consumers a 3D experience on a familiar PC platform that can be viewed and enjoyed when and where they want."
The 15.6-inch Y560d 3D-enabled multimedia laptop, with its High-Def 16:9 widescreen and polarizer glasses, provides the optimal 3-dimensional experience when combined with compatible 3D movies and games.
With TriDef® 3-D technology, users can also experience 3D on their standard 2D videos and photos. The TriDef Media Player transforms a standard movie into a 3D experience 2. Photos take on a whole new life, thanks to the TriDef Photo Transformer that turns standard photos into eye-popping 3D.
The Y560d laptop includes Lenovo's new innovative Enhanced Experience RapidDrive technology, which seamlessly combines SSD and HDD storage solutions to deliver even faster Windows 7 boot-up times and significantly improve application performance3. Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7 is a unique Lenovo certification that delivers an optimized boot-up and shutdown process, rich multimedia capabilities and easy system maintenance tools. With RapidDrive technology, users can experience Windows 7 boot up 66% faster4, start favorite applications two-times faster5, and copy files within the computer in less than half the time6. The Y560d can be configured with up to 8GB DDR3 memory and up to 750BG HDD storage so users don't have to worry about running out of hard drive capacity when saving their favorite movies, music and games.
The Y560d will be available with JBL-designed speakers and Dolby® Home Theater™ surround sound – perfect for enjoying music and movies. Powered with up to an Intel Core™ i7 processor featuring Intel Turbo Boost Technology7 for delivering extra GHz when you need it, and the latest high-performance ATI Radeon™ HD5730 1GB graphics card, the Y560d is more than capable of running the latest games. With Switchable Graphics, users can toggle between performance and energy-saving modes for extended battery life. The laptop also includes an optional Blu-ray Disc™ drive, HD graphics support and an HDMI output for connecting to other HD devices such as a TV or gaming console2.
Additional features on the Y560d include SlideNav – an intelligent touch-sensitive slide bar application for easy desktop navigation; OneKey Theater II for optimized video playback; and an Ambient Light Sensor that automatically adjusts the PC screen brightness based on the user's distance from the display. For staying connected while on the move, the Y560d also comes with optional high-speed integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pricing and Availability8
The Lenovo IdeaPad Y560d laptop is available by the end of June on Lenovo.com and will start at $1199.99.
For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo's business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
1 Optional 3D screen, software and glasses.
2 TriDef® 3D technology doesn't support Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD formats.
3 RapidDrive is an optional feature.
4 Based on testing 2 PCs of identical configuration, with and without optimization & RapidDrive. Actual times vary by model & configuration; improvements may vary according to the exact configuration of the system and may be affected by other software installed by the user. Lenovo optimization does not impact any essential services or software features. Specific claim refers to IdeaPad Y560d running Windows® 7 Home Premium release RTM 7600 with Intel Core™ i7-620M, 4GB DDR3 memory, 500GB 5400rpm HDD, and discrete graphics card with and without RapidDrive 64GB SSD. RapidDrive technology is an optional feature available on certain IdeaPad Y560 and Y460 models.
5 Based on identical configuration Y560d without RapidDrive using standard 250GB 5400rpm 2.5"SATA HDD (9secs). Other application tests were performed with similar results. RapidDrive technology is an optional feature available on IdeaPad Y460 and Y560.
6 Based on copying a 1.76GB video file from one area of SSD storage to another using RapidDrive technology on IdeaPad Y460 (43secs), compared with the time taken to copy the same file on an identically configured Y560d without RapidDrive using a standard 250GB 5400rpm 2.5" SATA HDD (87secs). RapidDrive technology is an optional feature available on IdeaPad Y460 and Y560.
7 Intel® Turbo Boost Technology requires a PC with a processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology capability. Intel Turbo Boost Technology performance varies depending on hardware, software and overall system configuration. Check with your PC manufacturer on whether your system delivers Intel Turbo Boost Technology. For more information, see http://www.intel.com/technology/turboboost.
8 Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.
*sigh*
@The Shadow Anyone else tired of this fad?
@Spaldinggreat
*raises hand*
I could most definitely end up wrong but I don't believe 3D will be a hit until it can be made unobtrusive. That's to say requiring no glasses or dongles, no monstrous price hikes on equipment and keeping the visual imprint believable and immersive regardless of distance and angle towards the display.
@Spaldinggreat
YES.
@Exodite It just seems like an attempt to get everybody to buy an entire new TV + blu-ray set for an under supported, over hyped idea that doesn't really translate well into real life? Nobody wants to be sat around the TV in certain positions wearing $60 glasses. Nintendo have got the right idea with the 3DS I think, glasses-less gaming in a hand-held package will literally blow peoples minds. Sitting in a cafe with some geeky assed glasses on and a huge chunky laptop isn't going to make you seem anything but a complete tool. Sigh, I do hope this trend dies quickly. Like tablet form factors and net books they seem destined for an incredibly short life span, thankfully.
@The Shadow
Yes enough with this 3D with glasses. It is fine for Disney World and a two hour movie but it is not made for prolonged use. I will wait until no-glasses 3D becomes big.
*VOMITS ALL OVER TRIBAL DESIGN*
So that's where HP designers go when they get fired?
I hate this 3D bullshit wave!
I dea PAD, okay got it!
3D might be a gimmick in cinemas - I personally do not like it but that's me.
But laptops? - How would you work on a 3D screen? Say with a word document?
The only place where there may be some use for it is videos - but then it doesn't need to be in every laptop.
There are other points of development that would be more useful - trying to make screen less strenuous on the eyes would be a good point to start, making them more energy efficient (its the most energy hungry component in most laptops)... etc.
IM TIRED OF THIS 3D FAD...
cant think of what 3d will add to my experience,certainly wont be using it for gaming as laptops are slow,and not for films.Especialy if i have to wear those glasses,if they had 3d on a desktop comp then it would be worth it,but maybe not on a laptop.
@ecolar235 Laptops with (mobile) Core i7s and Radeon HD5720s are slow? Please...
3d laptops, if I recall, came out about ~8 years ago. I remember reading about them. They were being marketed to scientists. The laptop never gained popularity. Now it seems like they are. I'm wondering why now, and not then?
Anyone else got turned off with that horrendous graphic?
Why would they put that? The lappy looks great without it -_-
I can't find anything online about the ATI Radeon HD 5720 GPU...
How well can it run COD:MW2 on Ultra settings?
@TareG
probably fine at 1366x768 or similar.
@TareG
The HD5720 might be a typo. It's more likely an HD5730, which is a very midrange card that can handle most games pretty well at medium-high settings. If it wasn't a typo, then it's probably just an underclocked HD5730.
Problem with 3D computer monitors is that you still need glasses for it and there aren't any operating systems designed in 3D. I mean truly layered windows that you can see behind by changing your viewing angle and being able to pull out and push back windows and objects with a 3d mouse.
Since when does Lenovo put tramp stamps on their laptops?