First Looks: Lenovo’s New X200 Ultra-Portable Notebook

Lenovo has just announced their newest ultra-portable, the X200, which is sporting the new Intel Centrino 2 processor and a whole slew of additional changes. I’ve been fortunate enough to have used the X200 over the last several days and let me tell you – it flies!!! If this is any indication of the future X200 Tablet PC, I can’t wait!

The X200 is a mobile-warrior’s dream, sporting a new WXGA screen, integrated camera, 5-1 media card reader, Express Card 54, GPS support via WWAN ready cards, and up to 9 hours of battery life with the 9 cell battery. In addition, they also re-engineered the keyboard, making it the same size as the T series. I can tell a clear difference in typing on the X200 vs the X61 tablet and Dell Latitude XT. Typing is superb and fast on the X200! Lenovo did drop support for 1394 in this new update.

In addition to the above changes, the UltraBase has been redesign to support charging a second battery, display port, and Ultra-Slim SATA. The new UltraBase is designed to fit the upcoming X200 Tablet.

Lenovo has also updated their preload process, giving users more choices in selecting / de-selecting preloaded programs. Great move, Lenovo!

For tablet users, the new X200 represents our first look at what the X200 Tablet will bring us later this year.

The X200 will begin shipping August 5, with prices starting at $1199. That’s right – folks can actually afford one!

Let’s jump right to specs and pictures!

Specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 (P8400) / 2.4 ghz (P8600), 1066MHz FSB
• Chipset: Intel GM45
• Screen: 12.1 WXGA, Intel Integrated Graphics X4500
• Storage: 80GB / 5400rpm, 160GB / 5400rpm, 320GB / 5400rpm, 100GB / 7200rpm, 160gb / 7200rpm, 200gb / 7200rpm, 64GB SSD
• Communications: GB Ethernet, modem, Bluetooth, WiFi, WWAN via Verizon, GPS with WWAN ready systems (doesn’t need to be activated )
• Memory: up to 4GB, PC3-8500 1067mhz
• Ports: 3 USB 2.0, VGA, Headphone, Mic. Either Modem + 5 in 1 media card reader or no Modem + SD card reader, ethernet, express card 54
• Battery: 4, 6, or 9 cell. 6 and 9 cell add padding to the bottom providing nice tilt for typing
• Weight: 2.95 lbs with 4 cell battery, 3.58 lbs with 9 cell battery
• Optional UltraBase with optical drive

Pictures, screenshots, and more

 

 

 

UltraBase ports

 

New sliding PowerManager

  

All new user interfaces for Lenovo Utilities

Size differences between the 4, 6, and 9 cell batteries. The 6 and 9 cell provides a bump on the bottom, allowing for a nice tilt while typing. 9 hour battery life is nothing to sneeze at, either: