We’re about to be drowning in new releases for all kinds of technology as CES quickly approaches, but Lenovo is ready ahead of the crowd with new ThinkPad and IdeaPad laptops to close out 2023 on a high note; plus, we now have a release date for their exciting ThinkVision 3D monitor!
There are a few things that you should be aware of that Lenovo is working to include in its entire lineup. First, they’re committed to using as many recycled materials as possible in their manufacturing. Their model goal is “design, use, return,” with many laptops using post-consumer plastics plus recyclable packing materials. The new ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is even being made with post-industrial carbon fiber from aircraft manufacturing by-products through a partnership with Boeing!
Lenovo is also always seeking out ways to improve the overall computer experience. Laptops with Intel Core Ultra processors will leverage the CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphics processing unit), and NPU (neural processing unit) to make AI PC tasks more efficient. The idea is that the more the processors can automate, the easier and faster you can get your other work done.
The ThinkPad line has always aimed for accessibility, but Lenovo is taking it up a step with a partnership between Microsoft’s Accessibility Team as well as the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in North Carolina.
They’re adding tactile markings for volume up/down, plus tactile marks on the insert button, so there’s less likelihood of erroneously striking it. They also resized the FN and enter keys, expanded the size of the TrackPad, and added new settings to tweak the sensitivity for tapping and the TrackPoint button.
Now, on to the new hardware!
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is the first consumer Intel Evo Edition laptop using Intel Core Ultra processors. These will allow for faster AI processing, video and audio workflows, and other creative endeavors.
It comes in both 14″ and 16″ screen sizes with an up to 16:10 OLED panel. There’s also rapid charging via Thunderbolt, up to 1TB SSD storage, and a svelte 3.22 pounds for the 14″ screen and 4.3 pounds for the 16″.
The bottom cover is 50% recycled aluminum, and the laptop is eligible for Lenovo’s CO2 Offset Service. It’s got power AND environmental sustainability, and it’s shipping now starting at $1,149.99.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 are getting refreshed too. X1 Carbon will sport the updated accessibility trackpad and keyboard, as mentioned above. In addition, Lenovo View is a set of tools designed to make video calls look sharper, like a low light enhancer and an optional 8MP camera with a communications bar for better video conferencing.
Meanwhile, the X1 2-in-1 will sport a bigger magnetic stylus for easier writing in tablet mode. Both laptops are focused on supporting and speeding up the AI experience on personal computers, making your workflow much more efficient and smooth.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 will start at $2,989 in December 2023, while the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 will start at $2,639 in March 2024.
Finally, the new ThinkVision 27 3D monitor lets you live in both 3D and 2D work worlds; no glasses required! It even supports creating in 2D and converting to 3D, thanks to AI and a built-in 3D rendering engine.
They pull off the no-glasses 3D trick by projecting two different images, real-time eye-tracking, and a lenticular lens to create the 3D image the user sees.
This much tech in a powerful monitor does not come cheap, but if you need this type of view, you can get it starting at $2,999 in February 2024.
via Lenovo