Lenovo Reveals New IdeaPad U Series Ultrabook, IdeaPad Y and Z Series Laptops

Today at the IFA consumer electronics show, Lenovo introduced a major update of its IdeaPad U Series Ultrabook and the IdeaPad Y and Z Series laptops. Powered by third generation Intel Core processors, Lenovo's newest mobile PCs offer consumers a variety of options for style, color and performance, each designed for the upcoming Windows 8 operating system.

IdeaPad U510 Ultrabook
Following obvious design elements from the U310 and U410, the new 15-inch IdeaPad U510 combines some of the more appealing Ultrabook features with a traditional 15-inch laptop. Measuring just 21mm thick and weighing under 2.2kg, the U510 combines high-performance technologies like a third generation Intel Core i7 processor with as much as 1TB of HDD storage and an optional 32GB solid state drive cache for ultra-responsive computing and instant-on system resume. Not only that, but Lenovo claims the U510 will deliver up to six hours of battery life. The U510 also makes use of the larger 15-inch footprint and is equipped with an integrated DVD reader/writer or Blu-ray Disc drive.

IdeaPad Y400 and Y500
The latest offerings in Lenovo's popular Y Series multimedia and gaming laptops are the IdeaPad Y400 and Y500. The single most unique feature of the Y400 and Y500 is the unique UltraBay -- an interchangeable bay initially used for an optical drive that users can instantly swap out for dual graphics capability, increased storage space or an additional fan for cooling. Yes, these notebooks will essentially have user-upgradeable graphics! Each model is equipped with up to third generation Intel Core i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce GT655M 2GB dual graphics, up to 16GB DDR3 memory, and as much as 1TB of HDD storage. The Y400 and Y500 also feature a carbon fiber patterned cover, 14-inch and 15.6-inch LED backlit widescreen HD displays, and a dual-layer backlit AccuType keyboard with a large one-piece touchpad. The IdeaPad Y400 and Y500 also include JBL speakers and Dolby Home Theater v4 to help improve the experience of listening to music or watching HD videos.

IdeaPad Z400 and Z500
Lenovo claims the Z400 and Z500 are "25 percent slimmer than a standard laptop" without compromising on processor or graphic performance. Equipped with up to third generation standard voltage Intel Core i7 processors, instead of the low-voltage processors used on ultraportable notebooks, the Z400 and Z500 are available in a range of colors, including coral blue, dark chocolate, peony pink, and enamel white, have a softtouch exterior and a 14-inch or 15.6-inch LED backlit HD widescreen display, respectively.

Pricing and Availability
Although some of these notebooks will be available soon with Windows 7, consumers will have to wait a little while for the others since these new PCs are designed with Windows 8 in mind. The IdeaPad U510 will be available in September 2012 starting at $679 in the US. The IdeaPad Y400 and Y500 will be available in October 2012 starting at $649. The IdeaPad Z400 will be available in November 2012 starting at $549. The IdeaPad Z500 will be available in September 2012 starting at $549.