Lenovo introduces Centrino 2 models: SL series, X200

As Intel officially launched its long-awaited Centrino 2 platform, Lenovo was announcing a boatload of laptops, all of which will feature Centrino 2 components. The wave of new systems includes nine ThinkPad models: three in a brand-new SL series targeted at small and medium businesses; a new X series ultraportable; updates to the existing R series and T series; and a portable workstation in the newly minted W series.

Arguably the biggest of Lenovo's launch news, the SL series occupies the middle ground between more corporate ThinkPads and the ultra-small, business-oriented Lenovo 3000 line. ThinkPad SL series laptops will now feature a glossy black cover with the otherwise familiar design. The famed ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint are there, as are webcam and Bluetooth options you'd expect on a business-oriented laptop. The SL series has a GPS option -- which we saw with the ThinkPad X300 -- plus an HDMI port and optional Blu-ray recordable drive.

All three SL series models are built on the latest Core 2 Duo processors with a choice of Intel X4500 or 128MB Nvdia GeForce 9300 graphics. US prices start at $899 (£450) for the 13.3-inch SL300, which adds a backlit-LED display to the list of features and will be available in early August. The 14.1-inch SL400 and 15.4-inch SL500 are available today with prices starting around $799 (£400).

In a long-awaited update to the ultraportable ThinkPad X series, the 1.4kg X200 ditches the standard-aspect display of its predecessor, the X61s, replacing it with a 12.1-inch widescreen display. The wider case means room for a wider keyboard, so the X200 incorporates the same keyboard as larger ThinkPad T series laptops.

Additional features include a webcam and GPS options, plus the option for a 64GB solid-state drive. As with the X61s, the ThinkPad X200 sacrifices the optical drive to achieve maximum portability. You can still get a DVD burner in the company's UltraBase docking station. This little fellow really is meant to be carried everywhere, considering Lenovo's promise of a 9-hour battery life with the the new 9-cell battery. The ThinkPad X200 starts shipping on 5 August; no word yet on UK or US pricing.

Other ThinkPads announced include the 14.1-inch R400 and T400, the 15.4-inch R500 and T500, and the 15.4-inch W500 workstation, with starting prices ranging from $799-$1,999 (£400-£1,000). -Michelle Thatcher