Lenovo Moves into Smartbook Space Via Qualcomm Partnership

The Lenovo Skylight smartbook runs Linux and is designed to connect to Internet applications over 3G wireless networks from AT&T.

Built around a 10.1-in screen, the Lenovo smartbook is part of a growing class of mobile computing devices that PC manufacturers are trying to wedge between netbooks and smartphones.

Priced at $499, the Lenovo Skylight comes with 20GB of flash memory storage and an additional 2GB of cloud-based storage. The device, which incorporates the 1GHz SnapDragon chip set developed by Qualcomm, can be used on Wi-Fi or cellular networks and is rated as having 10 hours of battery life.

The Lenovo Skylight is part of broad push that Lenovo is making into the consumer space as the company looks to broaden its appeal beyond the ThinkPad notebook line that is popular in corporate circles. To that end, Lenovo today also launched 11 IdeaPad notebooks and IdeaCentre desktops aimed primarily at small business customers and consumers.

The new IdeaPad systems include a 10.1-in. convertible netbook based on an Intel Atom N470 processor that sports a multi-touch capacitive screen that allows users to replace a traditional mouse with their fingertips in much the same way that users interact with smartphone devices. The multi-touch technology is also being provided in a line of all-in-one desktop systems being launched today as well.

The laptop systems that Lenovo is launching today include a 14-inch and 15.6-inch systems based on Intel i7 processors and two additional offerings based on Intel dual core processors. Lower cost versions of these offerings that feature dual core processors and switchable graphics are also available.

Pricing for the Lenovo systems are $349.99 for the IdeaPad S10-3 netbook and $499.99 for the convertible tablet version of this system that supports multi-touch. Pricing for the laptops starts at $849.99 for the 14-inch IdeaPad Y460 and $849.99 for the 15.1-inch IdeaPad Y560 based on Intel i7 processors. A 14-inch IdeaPad V460, which features switchable graphics, is priced at $749.99, while a similar 13-in. IdeaPad V360 is priced at $749.99.

The Lenovo laptops also incorporate Lenovo RapidDrive technology that speeds boot up times by making the solid-state drive technologies in the systems appear to be a natural extension of the the hard drive.

Like all PC manufacturers, Lenovo is trying to create a plethora of offerings that usually find their way into every segment of the market, which results in corporations of various sizes buying a mix of laptops and netbooks based on their own requirements, rather than the marketing segmentations created by the manufacturers.

Over time, this may eventually lead to more rationalization of various PC manufacturer lines, especially after the transitions to Intel i7 technologies is complete this time next year. In the meantime, customers will have to evaluate a confusing mix of corporate and consumer platforms based on a broad mix of processor technologies and screen sizes for the foreseeable future.