Lenovo debuts energy-saving monitors

The world's fourth biggest computer maker has launched six eco-minded monitors. Lenovo says its new monitors use 30 percent to 60 percent less energy than previous ThinkVision models -- such as the L171p, L194 Wide, and D221 -- plus packaging on select models is made from 65 percent recycled materials.

The range in full:
* 17-inch L1700p
* 19-inch L1940 Wide
* 19-inch L1940p Wide
* 24-inch L2240 Wide
* 24-inch L2240p Wide (above left)
* 24-inch L2440x Wide (above right)

The ThinkVision L2440x Wide is the flagship of the line-up and is Lenovo's first 24-inch, low-halogen display. It uses white LED backlighting, which allows it to use only 29 watts of power to operate, according to the EPA Energy Star 4.1 standard it was tested under. To top it off, the display is also mercury and arsenic free.

Ready for the specs? All the new ThinkVisions offer contrast ratios of up to 1,000:1, 5ms response time and 1,920x1,200-pixel resolution. The ThinkVision L2440p Wide and ThinkVision L2440x both include four high-speed USB ports. The ThinkVision L2440x gets a DisplayPort too.

The Lenovo ThinkVision L1700p monitor hits shops worldwide from September 19 through Lenovo Business Partners and their online store. The ThinkVision L1940 Wide monitor goes on sale 19 September, but only in Europe. Starting prices range from $239.99 for the ThinkVision L1700p to $749.99 for the ThinkVision L2440x Wide.

The new energy-saving Lenovo range goes up against rival 'eco monitors' such as the NEC's EA221WM.