Lenovo enters the consumer PC market with range of IdeaPad notebooks

Computer giant Lenovo has this week announced its arrival into the global consumer PC arena with the launch of a new line of notebook personal computer systems. The "consumer-oriented" IdeaPad notebooks (and later IdeaCentre desktop PC) are being positioned to complement Lenovo’s existing ThinkPad and ThinkCentre range, which cater to business users. Lenovo rolls out its new IdeaPad notebook range. Credit: Lenovo.

Lenovo rolls out its new IdeaPad notebook range. Credit: Lenovo. In terms of offered hardware, Lenovo is to release three models of its new IdeaPad, which are the Y510, Y710, and U110, all of which will come powered by Intel Centrino processors, "easy-to-use technologies," Dolby Home Theatre surround sound functionality and even dedicated gaming controls.Aesthetically, the new line also intends to "make a bold design statement" by arriving with frameless display screens, touch-sensitive control surfaces, and unique textures. With IDC figures outlining that the global consumer PC market is likely to expand by around 10 percent each year until 2011, Lenovo’s debut Idea range should address a portion of the market that accounts for some 40 percent of total sales."Our ThinkPad notebooks are well-known around the world as the best engineered computer for business – for quality, reliability and thoughtful design," commented Liu Jun, senior vice president and president of the Consumer Business Group at Lenovo. "We’re now bringing Lenovo’s expertise in design and engineering to consumers with our Idea-branded PCs. We are confident we will grow our consumer business by blending innovative technologies like facial recognition with stylish designs to enhance the way people use technology in their personal lives."The IdeaPad line will see users given access to log-in and authentication whereby their face can become their password thanks to an embedded camera and VeriFace Face Recognition. The line also comes complete with Dolby Home Theater, multiple speakers, Multimedia Control Center, and touch-sensitive controls.Specific attributes assigned to each model include:The IdeaPad Y710 comes with a 17-inch screen to bolster its smooth, blue, metallic finish, halo lighting, and backlit logo. Select models also include a "hot-swap" hard drive for easy storage and transfer of data. Game Zone functionality is also available, which allows users to enjoy enlarged directional buttons for gameplay enhancement. The Y710 also comes with a performance control tool that allows for the easy switching to Turbo mode for maximum processing power – including CPU overclocking. Other features include ATI graphics, WLAN connectivity, and an optional Blu-ray reader.The black and textured IdeaPad Y510 has been designed "for customers looking for a versatile, all-in-one notebook," that comes with a 15.4-inch screen and the other aspects shared by the line in general. It also has integrated graphics, WLAN connectivity, five speakers and a subwoofer, integrated camera, battery life indicator and a DVD-RW optical drive.Finally, the ultra-portable 11-inch IdeaPad U110 weighs in at a mere 2.3 pounds and is only 0.7 inches in depth. Its red and textured hood design blends "style and durability" with an additional battery and optional SSD drives. Select specifications also come equipped with Lenovo’s Active Protection System, which serves as an internal air-bag device to help protect the hard drive in the event of sever shock or a fall.Lenovo’s newest PC systems will initially arrive across various territories, which are Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. Pricing in the US market will see the IdeaPad Y510 and Y710 selling for $799 USD and $1,199 USD respectively. The IdeaPad U110 notebook computer is scheduled to arrive at retail in April.