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Now shipping: Lenovo IdeaCentre A700, 15% off too

by John Hobbes , posted 07/29/10 2:34 PM

Announced back in May with the whole slew of other Idea products, the 23-inch all-in-one IdeaCentre A700 is now shipping from Lenovo’s U.S. website. For those in the market, one of Lenovo’s 15% coupons also happens to apply to the A700.

Lenovo has three models listed for sale, each with an appropriate step up in specification. For once, Lenovo’s pre-configured model specifications make sense! I also really like that the A700 has a ton of standard features: Win7 Home 64-bit, minimum 4GB RAM, Full HD multitouch display, integrated TV tuner, Bluetooth mouse & keyboard, WiFi and a plethora of ports & connections. Check out the table below for a breakdown of the differences between the three models.

Specs4024-3BU4024-2BU4024-1CU
Processor
Core i3-350M (2.26GHz)
Core i5-540M (2.53-3.06GHz)
Core i7-720QM quad core (1.6-2.8GHz)
RAM
4GB DDR3
4GB DDR3
8GB DDR3
Graphics
Intel HD
ATI HD 5470 512MB
ATI HD 5650 1GB
Storage (7200rpm, 3.5-inch)
500GB
640GB
1TB
Optical
DVD Recordable
DVD Recordable
Blu-ray ROM, DVD recordable
Remote control
IR remote
IR remote
4-in-1 gyration mouse
AC adapter
120W
120W
150W
Price
$999
$1149
$1599

The prices seem a bit high, but we all know Lenovo will consistently drop them 10-20% with coupons. Oh, wait, there’s already a 15% off coupon that is good until August 4th: USPLENOVOAIO729

Click here to browse Lenovo’s IdeaCentre A700

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Deal of the day: $100 off Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t touchscreen netbook

by John Hobbes , posted 07/28/10 8:30 PM
lenovo_ideapad_s10-3t_netbook_tablet_front-open

Today’s deal of the day is Lenovo’s IdeaPad S10-3t convertible touchscreen netbook. A rather unique netbook in its own right, the S10-3t combines the usual 10.1-inch netbook with a touchscreen convertible chassis. For a limited time, you can get a $100 coupon that brings the price down to only $499.

The coupon is only good on the higher end model, which adds a number of nice additions over the base models. You get the faster 1.83GHz Atom processor, 2GB RAM and Windows 7 Home Premium. Win7 Home is actually pretty much a necessity for a touch screen, making this the only reasonable model that Lenovo sells. Unfortunately all the models only come with a 4-cell battery, so you’ll want to pick up an 8-cell at a later date.

This deal expires August 2nd or after 300 units are sold.

How to get the deal

  1. Click here to choose your IdeaPad S10-3t model 06513EU (far right column)
  2. Apply coupon code in shopping cart w/no spaces before/after: USPST3E726

| 1 Comment

Lenovo discontinuing IdeaCentre D400 home server?

by John Hobbes , posted 07/28/10 8:08 PM

A report from network storage site WeGotServer alleges that Lenovo’s boxy little IdeaCentre D400 home storage unit is being discontinued.

Announced nearly a year ago, in August 2009, the D400 was Lenovo’s first network storage device and intended to complement the growing line of home appliance-type computers.

Unfortunately, a network storage device is out of the realm of the average consumer’s level of knowledge and it wasn’t helping that the D400 wasn’t exactly a standout product.

While WeGotServed’s point of the D400 “no longer being sold isn’t accurate,” as it is indeed on Lenovo’s U.S. website, I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t refresh the D400.

Source: [WeGotServed]

| 1 Comment

Now shipping: Lenovo ThinkPad X201i with Core i3

by John Hobbes , posted 07/27/10 10:57 AM

Beginning today, you can purchase Lenovo’s ThinkPad X201i, where the ‘i’ denotes the less costly Core i3 processor option.

With two identical configurations, the X201i with Core i3-370M (2.4GHz) is $200 cheaper than the X201 with Core i5-520M (2.4-2.93GHz). While the Core i3 chips do lack the Turbo Boost feature that increases individual core speeds as possible, they are still based on the same processor architecture and are quite fast. That makes the ‘i’ model ThinkPads quite the bargain, as the only thing you’re losing out on is a relatively tiny bit of speed.

This is an especially good deal right now with the 15% off ThinkPad X201 coupon that is running through August 4th. With the coupon, you can get a Core i3 X201i starting at $849 or a Core i5 version for $934.

Click here to configure your X201 and apply coupon code: USPTHINKBTS

The rule of thumb when building out a computer is to include everything else you need, particularly generous amounts of RAM, and then spend the rest of your budget on CPU. Since most modern CPU’s have the same features and capabilities, it is just a matter of how long it takes different chips to complete the same operation. How much is your time worth? ;)

We knew back in February that Lenovo was going to use the ‘i’ moniker to reference systems that specifically used the lower cost Core i3 CPU. To date, you can purchase only the T410i with Core i3, though a T410si and T510i are expected at some point as well.

Source: [Lenovo]

| 5 Comments

The end is near: even Apple switches to 16:9

by John Hobbes , posted 07/27/10 10:40 AM

Apple’s refreshed 27-inch monster LCD monitor is now 16:9 aspect ratio. If “large-margin” Apple switches to 16:9, it must not be all that bad right?

Though with 2560 x 1440 pixels, you aren’t exactly wanting for desktop real estate. And I imagine that if our 16:9 displays were IPS as well, we’d all be a lot happier.

Source: [Apple] via [DailyTech]

| 2 Comments

Deal of the day: 10% off Lenovo ThinkPad L412, starting $584

by John Hobbes , posted 07/26/10 12:24 AM

Today’s deal of the day is Lenovo’s most recycled laptop, the ThinkLad L412. Although it is just a slightly refreshed ThinkPad SL, the L Series are still a pretty decent budget system. Normally starting at $649, this 10% coupon brings the entry price down to $584.

Equipped out of the box with a Core i3-370M processor, 2GB RAM and DVD burner, you get a good amount of bang for your 584 bucks. If it tickles your fancy, you can step up to a Core i5 chip, more RAM, a variety of hard drives and even a 9-cell battery.

This deal expires on August 4th. Base specs and details on how to get the deal are below

  • Core i3-370M (2.4GHz); Win7 Home 32; 2GB DDR3 RAM
  • Intel HD graphics; 160GB 5400rpm HDD; DVD burner
  • 6-cell battery; ThinkPad bgn WiFi; WWAN upgradeable

How to get the deal

  1. Click here to configure your ThinkPad L412
  2. Apply coupon code in shopping cart w/no spaces before/after: USPTHINKBTS

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Engadget mods Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2 display with Pixel Qi 3Qi

by John Hobbes , posted 07/26/10 12:09 AM

Netbooks are some of the more moddable notebooks out there and it seems Lenovo’s second generation IdeaPad S10-2 has been on the receiving end of a number of mods. The latest comes courtesy of Engadget, with the S10-2 receiving a unique LCD panel that originated from the OLPC program.

Pixel Qi’s 3Qi display is interesting in that it can alternate between a standard transmissive display and an outdoor-viewable, eInk-like high-contrast reflective mode. Not only should this outdoor viewable mode extend battery life, as it does not use the backlight, but it will greatly improve outdoor readability.

Hit the source link for the full read, but Engadget was quite happy with the results. The outdoor viewability was quite nice and power consumption went from 11 watts on the original LCD, down to 9 watts with the Pixel Qi in regular mode and even further down to 7 watts with the backlight deactivated. 43% power savings isn’t bad!

Source: [Engadget]

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Smoking deal on new Lenovo IdeaPad Y560d 3D laptop: $500 off, $1099 starting

by John Hobbes , posted 07/22/10 4:54 PM

Lenovo continues their trend of marking down their products from artificially high MSRP’s, even the brand new IdeaPad Y560d 3D laptop. For a limited time, you can get a whopping $200 instant discount and a stackable $300 coupon for a massive $500 total off the $1599 MSRP.

Announced only a month ago, the Y560d starting shipped a couple weeks back and now we have this killer deal. Other than the 3D display and polarizer glasses, the Y560d is physically identical to the Y560 and gets a well loaded set of specs.

Considering you get the quad-core Core i7-720QM processor, 4GB RAM and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 1GB graphics, $1099 isn’t a bad deal just for that!

This deal expires July 27th, or sooner depending on quantity of units sold.

How to get the deal

  1. Click here to configure your IdeaPad Y560d model 06462NU
  2. Apply coupon code in shopping cart w/no spaces before/after: USPY560D722

| 2 Comments

Exclusive one day deal: Lenovo IdeaCentre K320 desktop, $499 after $350 instant savings

by John Hobbes , posted 07/21/10 2:58 PM

Today’s deal of the day may not be the usual laptop, but it is a killer deal on a well loaded Intel-based desktop. This model of Lenovo’s IdeaCentre K320 may not be the gaming machine that the higher end models are, but it’s still an extremely solid machine for under $500.

An Intel Core i3-530 processor powers this K320 at a speedy 2.93GHz, while the 4GB RAM and 500GB 7200rpm HDD round out a very solid system. It’s Intel integrated graphics won’t help you much in the gaming department, but it can still handle all the usual web browsing, office productivity and even photo editing.

This deal expires TONIGHT, at midnight EST on July 21st!

  • Intel Core i3-350 (2.93GHz); Win7 Home 64; Intel GMA 4500
  • 4GB DDR3 RAM; 500GB 7200rm HDD; DVD burner

How to get the deal

  1. Click here to choose the IdeaCentre K320 model 30191DU (left column)
  2. Apply coupon code in shopping cart w/no spaces before/after: USPLENOVOK320DU

| No Comments

Google’s Android set to dominate in China, Lenovo at the ready

by John Hobbes , posted 07/20/10 11:18 PM
lenovo_lephone_smartphone_front-rear

Lenovo is all aboard the Google Android train of late, and one man’s analysis points to a huge swell coming for the ‘droid OS in China.

As we’ve seen numerous times of late, Lenovo is supporting Android full speed ahead. Their China-only smartphone runs Android, their two show-stopper products have been delayed to switch to Android and the hot-off-the-press LePad slate will feature…tada – Android! While Lenovo has had a long standing relationship with Google, their Android allegiance is well planned.

A report from a tech insider in China paints a convincing picture of Android’s dominance in China. Did you know that a gimped iPhone 4 costs $1285 in China? Add to this China-focused apps and preloads for Android along with Lenovo’s unyielding desire to keep their homeland market.

Finally, take all these tidbits and multiply them by the 957 million projected Chinese mobile internet users in 2014, giving you one helluva recipe for Android dominance in China.

If you’re interested in such topics, I suggest you give the article a read over at TechCrunch.

Source: [TechCrunch]

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