Lenovo IdeaPad Y650: Thinnest, lightest 16-inch laptop

By Dan Ackerman on 05 January 2009, 10:52am

At CES, the world's largest consumer-technology tradeshow, Lenovo will bolster its IdeaPad line with a few new models, including the 16-inch Y650.

The new Y series also includes the 15-inch Y550 and the 14-inch Y450. All the laptops will share a similar design, with a black, "interlocked hexagon pattern" on the lid and a copper accent band around the edge.

The 16:9 displays on all three laptops indicate a multimedia focus, as does the Dolby Home Theater Surround Sound-branded audio. Both audio and video settings can be accessed from a quick-launch button that opens a software app called 'OneKey Theater'.

A touch-sensitive slide bar above the screen acts as an app switcher, and the touchpad now supports some Mac-like multitouch gestures, including image zooming.

All three models have Intel Centrino 2-class CPUs, Nvidia graphics and optional Blu-ray drives.

The 16-inch Y650 is expected in February, and the Y550 and Y450 in March. US prices start at $1,199 (£826) for the Y650, and $829 for the Y550 and Y450. UK pricing and availability have yet to be announced.