Lenovo had a busy day at IFA in Berlin today. They just announced a refresh to their ever popular ThinkPad Helix, the thinner and lighter dual mode PC Edge 15, they announced two new devices—the HORIZON 2S/2Ea new set of table PCs, the ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One 23 modular all-in-one desktop and two new Vibe smartphones.
The HORIZON 2s and 2e - a pair of table PCs are designed for the whole family. The HORIZON 2s ("s" stands for slim) is 10 pounds lighter than the original HORIZON 2. While the HORIZON 2e is a more budget friendly option boasting a 4th generation Intel Core processor, a 21.5-inch FHD screen and Windows 8.1.
Both models include Lenovo’s Aura multi-user interface that allows two or more people to access their individual photos, videos and music together on the same screen. Aura now works even better with Android devices.
Both the HORIZON 2s and 2e come with up a 4th generation Intel Core processor and genuine Windows 8.1, along with near field communications (optional on the 2e) and Bluetooth 4.0. Both models feature integrated Dolby Home Theater stereo speakers and optional gaming accessories, including joystick, e-Dice and striker. The integrated battery provides up to 2.5 hours of streaming HD via Wi-Fi on the 2s and three hours on the 2e. They also both come pre-installed with more than 40 multi-user gaming and education applications.
The Edge 15 is lighteight dual mode laptop. This PC has a 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen. The new Windows really brings the Edge 15 to life. You can personalize your Start screen, multitask with ease, and you can ensure that your files are always with you with OneDrive.
At under an inch thin and weighing just over five pounds, the Edge 15 convertible laptop is Lenovo’s thinnest and 15-inch consumer laptop yet. Encased in an aluminum chassis, a 300-degree hinge offers users an easy way to transition between its two modes: Laptop and Stand. With the AccuType backlit keyboard and touchpad, using the Edge 15 in Laptop Mode makes typing comfortable on this Windows 8.1 laptop. When it’s time to kick back, flip the Edge 15 into Stand Mode to enjoy touch applications.
The Edge 15 features a 15.6-inch IPS FHD display that supports 10-point multi-touch. Paired with Dolby Home Theater stereo speakers and the option of NVIDIA GeForce GT840M 4GB graphics or Intel Integrated Intel HD Graphics 4400, the Edge 15 is powerful enough for entertainment. The Edge 15 also boasts all-day power with an up to eight hour battery.
Under the hood, the Edge 15 packs up to the latest 4th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of DDR3L memory, choice of up to 1TB of HHD, hybrid SSHD storage with integrated 16GB NAND flash or up to 256GB SSD storage and Lenovo’s SHAREit software.
Lenovo has made some improvements in its already popular ThinkPad Helix. This detachable 2-in-1 is even thinner, lighter and has a better battery life than the previous model. It weighs 2.98 pounds and measures only 0.38 inches, 15 percent thinner than its predecessor.
This Ultrabook packs the new Intel Core M processor and includes Windows 8.1 Pro and a suite of add-on security options, including biometric fingerprint reader, military-grade smart card reader and three factor authentication. The 2-in-1 also comes pre-loaded with software offerings like Lenovo Settings, Lenovo Companion 2.0, Lenovo Reach and Lenovo SHAREit. Lenovo Settings provides users with the ability to control and improve their device’s performance and manage system functions easily, while Lenovo Companion 2.0 acts as a central hub for users to access and understand their system’s best features, manage system health, view available driver updates, buy customized accessories and check warranty status. Lenovo Reach is a cloud storage service for users to store and access files from multiple devices, and Lenovo SHAREit easily transfers digital content to any smartphone, PC and tablet.
Users can choose between the ThinkPad Helix with Ultrabook Keyboard or ThinkPad Helix with Ultrabook Pro Keyboard for even more power with battery life. ThinkPad Helix is equipped with Gorilla Glass and a large FHD display and can be paired with an optional ThinkPad digitizer pen.
The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One 23 all-in-one desktop was designed in response to customers requesting more flexibility to mix and match Lenovo monitors and Tiny PCs. Lenovo’s ThinkCentre Tiny PC, sold separately, attaches directly to the back of the 23-inch FHD monitor.
Designed specifically for IT managers, the TIO delivers front-access USB 3.0 audio ports, an optional ODD and an ergonomic stand that allows for tilt and height adjustment. The TIO 23 is powered by a detachable ThinkCentre Tiny PC that locks into the back of the monitor within seconds .
Additional ease-of-deployment features include a the single standard Lenovo power adapter to power both the monitor and the Tiny PC. Being VESA compatible, users also have the flexibility to deploy the system on a variety of VESA-compatible mounts, stands, and brackets. TIO also offers physical security for the Tiny PC with a locking mechanism that secures Tiny and the TIO’s optional ODD module inside the system when a Kensington cable lock is attached.
All of these new devices will start to become available in October. The HORIZON 2s and 2e will be priced at $949 and $749 respectively. The ThinkPad Helix will start at $999, while the Edge 15 will start at $899, and finally, the ThinkCentre Tiny-in-one 23 will start at a very compelling $279.
Lenovo also today announced at the 2014 IFA show in Berlin the latest additions to its VIBE line of smartphones: the new VIBE X2 and VIBE Z2.The Lenovo VIBE X2, the first layered smartphone, turns heads with its gradient three layer design. Lenovo is offering a choice of four colors – white, red, gold and dark grey.
As the first global handset manufacturer to use the new MediaTEK MT6595 4G LTE True8Core processor, Lenovo has designed the VIBE X2 for performance. This processor delivers a hidden layer of performance with power-saving features that help boost battery life, keeping videos, games and photos running longer. Combined with the processor, the smartphone’s 5-inch FHD resolution display with wide-angle viewing makes using apps, photo and more seamless.
The Lenovo VIBE X2 packs two cameras equipped with multiple shooting modes and features. Users can take selfies with the VIBE X2’s 5MP wide-angle front camera, featuring auto-shutter gesture controls that activate the lens with the blink of an eye or a smile. The13MP auto-focus, rear-facing camera comes with a back-illuminated sensor and LED flash. And with 32GB of internal storage, users will have ample room to store their digital content.
Lenovo is also introducing two new click-on accessories, known as VIBE Xtensions, that work with the VIBE X2: VIBE X2 Battery and VIBE X2 speaker. The VIBE Xtension1 cases add a fourth layer to the VIBE X2’s multi-layer design, immediately extending battery life and cranking up high-fi sound. The thin (5.1mm) X2 Battery does double duty by protecting the phone while also extending its battery life by nearly up to 75 percent. The X2 Speaker serves to amplify the phone’s sound when listening to music and watching movies, and comes with a stand for hands-free use and built-in mic for group conference calls.
For those who want a high performance smartphone, Lenovo created the Vibe Z2. Remarkably slim at just 7.8 mm thin, this smartphone has an extra-bright 600nit rating on a 5.5-inch (1280x720) HD display.
The VIBE Z2 is Lenovo’s first 64-bit powered smartphone, which means it will be able to take advantage of Google’s future versions of Android that supports high-performance 64-bit computing. The Vibe Z2 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 64-bit Quad Core 1.2GHz processor and is backed by a 3000mAh battery for all day battery life. Saving large amounts of data is simple with 32 GB of internal storage, and 4G LTE data speeds offer faster downloads on the go. The VIBE Z2 also provides dual SIM support.
The VIBE Z2 is equipped with a 13MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a Sony Exmor BSI sensor. Also, it comes with an 8MP front camera designed with an anti-distortion lens. And finally, the VIBE Z2 comes equipped with button-free shutter control and new Instant On camera feature that allows users to capture a photo very quickly from the standby screen.
Lenovo’s VIBE X2 and VIBE Z2 smartphones will be available first in China starting in October, and subsequently in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and the Middle East in countries where Lenovo smartphones are currently sold. The VIBE X2 will retail at $399 USD and the VIBE Z2 will retail at $429 USD.