Lenovo 2012 ThinkPads: ThinkPad X230, X230t and the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook

ThinkPad X Series

New models: X230, X230t (tablet form factor)

MacBook Air? Pssh. Lenovo has been doing powerful ultraportable computers since before they were the hottest new thing. At under 3 pounds, the X230 and X230t can give any other ultralight a run for its money. Not much changed at all for the 2012 model, save new buyers will get 2 USB 3.0 ports standard on every machine - an important consideration on units where space is at such a premium.

You can also expect:

• Chiclet keyboard (sensing a trend?)
• Dolby audio
• Backlit keyboard options (I'll just stop at this point, but I'm sure you know my feelings)
• Dual vents for cooler and quieter thermal designs
• DisplayPort
• Face tracking webcam and Polycom for improved video and audio conferencing

Tablet lovers who buy the X230t will get the pen support they always loved and the same up to 24 hour battery life. More than the other models, Lenovo is really pushing the teleconferencing capabilities of these machines, with HD webcams and "HD" microphones.

ThinkPad X1 Series

New models: ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Possibly the star of the show, Lenovo's new ThinkPad X1 Carbon offering is slicker than slick, with the company proudly proclaiming it to be the "World's Lightest 14-inch Professional Ultrabook". Well, okay, Lenovo, how many of those have there honestly been? One or two? Still, that shouldn't take anything away from the Carbon's sleek crown.

Oh, yes. 

As a happy MacBook Air user, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a tempting purchase. First of all, the whole package is one of the most attractive notebooks we've ever seen - period. It's something of a surprise, coming as it is from Lenovo, but there you have it. The X1 Carbon just screams that it means business, and its got the build quality and specs to back it up. 

In order to maintain their "world's lightest 14-inch ultrabook" claim at 3 pounds, Lenovo built the standard ThinkPad roll cage into the X1 - but this one's composed of carbon fiber. Combine this with a 300-nit, 1600x900 screen and a standard backlit keyboard (finally), and Samsung's new high-end thin and lights are going to have a fight on their hands.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon specifications:

• Intel Ivy Bridge CPUs
• vPro technology
• Rapid charge option: 80% charged in 30 minutes
• Dolby audio
• Carbon fiber roll cage
• Backlit keyboard
• 720p webcam with face tracking

You'll be able to get 3G connectivity built in with the X1, too, but regrettably no 4G - which is offered for the first time on some of Lenovo's other new models.

OMG OMG TAKE MY MONEY

Calm down! You'll be able to get your hands on these new notebooks soon enough. When? Well, that depends on the model:

The ThinkPad L430 and L530 will start at ~ $879. The ThinkPad T430 will hit around $879 as well, whlie the T430s gets bumped up to around $1,399. The X230 will start at around $1,179 while it's pen-enabled brother, the X230t, will launch near $1,479. The ThinkPad W530 models are the most expensing, starting at around $1,529.

Each of those new laptops will launch at the beginning of June.

Regrettably, pricing and launch information for the X1 Carbon is being kept under wraps for the moment, but Lenovo promises that the new business Ultrabook will launch before the end of summer.