Photo of BIOS keyboard config screen of ThinkPad Edge 13
Continuing on the trend of keyboards, my diligent readers reminded me I hadn’t commented on the Fn-Ctrl key swapping that was supposed to be built into the new models, despite having published my full ThinkPad T410 review.
I am here to report that all is well and as it should be on the ThinkPad Edge 13, which I am in the process of reviewing. You can see the BIOS menu for keyboard options in the photo above. Flipping the switch to “Enabled” and pressing F10 to save & exit will have you non-ThinkPad traditionalists in all of your Ctrl-Fn glory. Everything worked as expected, but I didn’t leave that option enabled for too long, being rather used to the Fn-Ctrl layout.
Another tidbit I noticed when exploring the BIOS, which you may have noticed above as well. The Edge 13 keyboard has supplanted the top row keys with system functions like volume and screen brightness, with the traditional F1-F12 keys relegated to secondary role and requiring a Fn-key combo.
Thankfully, Lenovo’s engineers saw fit to include an option to swap this function as well. This adds a few points back to the Edge in my book, having used this keyboard layout before on the HP Envy 13 and Envy 15, being that I use the F-row keys quite a bit as a touch typist.
For you T/R/W 400-500 series owners, you could always go out on a limb with a hacked BOIS to get your swapped keys.
We found out last November that Lenovo would support switching the controversial Fn & Ctrl keys (not physically of course), but only for the new models announced since then. Thankfully, an enterprising customer has taken it upon themselves to hack the last generation T4oo & T500 BIOS to allow this same key swap.
User “middleton” on Lenovo’s official forum is supplying a modified BIOS for ThinkPad T400, T500, R400, R500 & W500 systems that allows the user to swap the mapping of the Fn and Ctrl keys, of course with a very strong “at your own risk” warning label. He isn’t new to this process either, having created this same patch for the IdeaPad Y550 and Y450 laptops.
A couple people have responded noting it works perfectly, but of course proceed with caution. Also consider that future BIOS updates from Lenovo will undo this feature and you will have to choose between feature/bug updates, or having your keys swapped.
To Lenovo’s credit, rather than denouncing the hard working Russian and banning his files, they chose to cite the obvious concerns with using an unofficial BIOS. Beyond what I mentioned here, you also need to be clear that if the machine is “bricked” or otherwise needs repair due to this “hacking” process, Lenovo’s warranty will not cover that repair.
Hit the source link to grab the files and try it for yourself. Let us know how it goes in the comments
We covered the announcement of the new X201 models last week, citing the major revisions as Core i5 and i7 processors, an updated fingerprint reader and the optional touchpad. Lenovo also recently updated their handy PSREF documents, which confirm to us that the X201 models officially support a maximum of 8GB RAM, via two 4GB sticks. This is great news for power users, who can now really take advantage of a 64-bit operating system.
Also of note is that the controversial, and optional, touchpad on the X201 is a $20 option. The X201 Tablet is particularly limited in its configuration options: you can’t even get an 8-cell battery, so expect those offers to expand in the coming weeks.
On the opposite side of Lenovo’s laptop spectrum, the value line G455 and G555 laptops are also now for sale. We knew at launch that both would be powered by AMD dual core processors, with the smaller G455 starting at $699 and the G555 at $729.
Lastly, you can also pick up the refreshed IdeaPad Y460. The overall design appears the same as the IdeaPad Y50 when I reviewed it, but with more powerful Core i3 and i5 processors and ATI graphics.
Hit the jump to check out the base specs and price of each model
Lenovo recently discussed with CNET that their experience shows businesses and even many private customers don’t want a slate only PC with no physical keyboard. The informal interview coincides with the recent launch of their ThinkPad X201 Tablet convertible notebook and is certainly fueled by the attention on Apple’s slick new iPad.
Lenovo has shown enterprise customers mock-ups of slate devices that would be business-appropriate, but no one was interested due to the lack of physical keyboard. They even went as far as to ask high school kids:
Majapuro said Lenovo even got feedback from high school kids. “These were 14-year-old kids, who, I thought, would be most willing to try a virtual keyboard but they said no, we want the physical (built-in) keyboard.”
Although, somehow I doubt they asked high school kids if they wanted a super slim, stylish device that “has an App for everything” and will automatically elevate you to cult status, free with every purchase.
You can have a convertible netbook, a dual-screened giant workstation, a true convertible tablet and even a 14-15 inch multitouch laptop, but no slate (from Lenovo) for you.
Along with the ThinkPad X201 models, Lenovo has officially announced the ThinkPad W701 and its bi-curious sibling, the W701ds. Thanks to a helpful reader, we actually knew almost all the details of this launch last week.
Lenovo’s press release does confirm pricing, which I was pretty close to in my estimate. The W701 will start at $2,199 and the W701ds at $3,799. For the rest of the W701 & W701ds details, I’ll direct you to the post I published last week, which I’ve reproduced below.
For those who aren’t familiar with the X200 or W700 series, of which the new ##01 models bring relatively minor changes, Lenovo just published this introduction about these new models. It’s nothing new for those familiar with ThinkPads, but is a good overview.
Internally, you’ll find many of the same same changes in the W701 that we saw in the W510. Four memory slots are available for a maximum of 16GB DDR3 RAM. The five USB ports remain, but one gets supercharged to 3.0 spec and another gets combined with an eSATA port.
The photographer’s must-have CompactFlash reader remains, although it is specified as “54mm PCIe,” perhaps indicating a higher performance model. Intel’s new array of processors is to be used, although the exact models aren’t named. Rounding out the tech upgrades, the new graphics cards are the NVIDIA Quadro FX 2800M and 3800M.
While the chassis remains the same, you do at least get a new main display. While the 200nit WXGA+ LCD will be available, the must-have WUXGA version gets upgraded to a 100% NTSC color gamut 280 nit LCD. Add in the optional integrated color calibrator that will get your screen’s colors situated in just a couple minutes, and you’ve got quite the mobile photo workshop.
We’ve known it’s been coming for a while now, but today Lenovo took the lid off and officially announced the refresh to their ultraportable ThinkPad X Series. The X201, X201s and X200 Tablet launched today don’t have too much in the way of substantive updates, but they do get a nice performance boost and a new pointing device.
Under the hood
As expected, the X201 models get Intel’s new Core i5 and Core i7 processors. The X201 itself will have the normal voltage processors, with lower priced Core i5 chips and a single Core i7-620M (2.66-3.33GHz) chip. Low voltage chips are used in the thinner X201s and the convertible X201 Tablet, likely to consist of the Core i7-620LM (2-2.8GHz) and the i7-620LM (2.13-2.93GHz).
While details are still scarce, it is confirmed that the X201 Tablet officially supports 8GB RAM now. I would find it highly unlikely if the X201/X201s didn’t support this as well, but I’ve not seen any official documentation for those models yet.
When equipped with the 9-cell battery, Lenovo calls for up to 11 hours of battery life on the X201 and 12 hours on the X201s.
On the outside
The chassis, keyboard and ports are all the same on the X201 models. On a smaller note, the fingerprint reader gets upgraded along with the other ThinkPads to power the laptop on with a single swipe, along with an LED indicator to let you know if your swipe was accepted. These new fingerprint readers were first introduced on the T400s.
The biggest external change comes with the optional touchpad. The good news here is that it is indeed optional and is made possible with a simple palm rest swap. The bad news is that with the small palm rest in the first place, the touchpad is rather tiny. In the end, this opens up the X Series to more potential customers, both corporate and individuals.
Availability
All models will be available in March with the X201 starting at $1,199, the X201s at $1,599 and the X201 Tablet at $1,549.
Lenovo blogger Matt Kohut is back from his post-CES hiatus and addressing a few things that have been on his mind, and ours, for the past while. The two big things that come in this grab bag are confirmation of switchable graphics on the new ThinkPads, as well as addressing audio output over DisplayPort.
I won’t keep you in suspense over these two big topics, but I do recommend you head over to check out some other stuff Matt has been pontificating. It is confirmed that the ThinkPad T410s does have NVIDIA/Intel switchable graphics, despite what you conflicting details you see on the website. It is also the ONLY new ThinkPad with switchable graphics.
The 2010 ThinkPads will also now output audio along with video on the DisplayPort interface, perfect for hooking up to your HDTV. Forum members also confirm that you can use an HDMI adapter and audio still works, at least with the NVIDIA graphics.
Hit the source link below to read more about the new Ultraslim AC/DC adapter (pictured above), color calibration and other of Matt’s thoughts.
Judging by the teaser Lenovo published yesterday, we aren’t due to see their refreshed mobile workstations until next Thursday the 25th. Thanks to a helpful reader, we have some details for you on the upcoming ThinkPad W701 and its dual-screened brother, the W701ds.
Internally, you’ll find many of the same same changes in the W701 that we saw in the W510. Four memory slots are available for a maximum of 16GB DDR3 RAM. The five USB ports remain, but one gets supercharged to 3.0 spec and another gets combined with an eSATA port.
The photographer’s must-have CompactFlash reader remains, although it is specified as “54mm PCIe,” perhaps indicating a higher performance model. Intel’s new array of processors is to be used, although the exact models aren’t named. Rounding out the tech upgrades, the new graphics cards are the NVIDIA Quadro FX 2800M and 3800M.
While the chassis remains the same, you do at least get a new main display. While the 200nit WXGA+ LCD will be available, the must-have WUXGA version gets upgraded to a 100% NTSC color gamut 280 nit LCD. Add in the optional integrated color calibrator that will get your screen’s colors situated in just a couple minutes, and you’ve got quite the mobile photo workshop.
Pricing isn’t mentioned, but expect it to be near if not above $2,000 USD for the W701, and a fair sight more for the mutant dual-screen W701ds. Upgrades like the 100% color gamut screen, color calibrator or palm rest digitizer will raise the sticker price faster than the options on a German automobile.
Hit the jump to gather a look at all the slides and look for more details on February 25th at the latest!
Looks like we should see new products announced on Tuesday and this confirms one of them will be the next version of the ThinkPad W700 workstation, likely called the W701.
And of course, another product will be the oft-leaked ThinkPad X201. I wonder if anymore are coming?
P.S. This image would make for a nifty desktop background and the source image goes up to 3507×2480.
We all knew the refreshed Lenovo ThinkPad X201 was coming towards the end of the month, but a prematurely released Hardware Maintenance Manual tells us a lot about the un-announced product.
Let’s dive into the details:
Thinner, lighter low voltage ’s’ model to continue, come with Core i7-640LM
X201 CPU’s go from Core i5 up to Core i7-620M (2.66GHz, 4MB cache)
X201i and X201si models will be equipped with Core i3-330M
Optional touchpad confirmed
Fingerprint reader with status LED (like other refreshed models)
Same ports & keyboard as last generation
Retains X200 Ultrabase compatibility
WXGA+ display only on X201s
While the changes seem small, they are well chosen. This is definitely a relatively light refresh, compared to its larger T410 and W510 brothers. The touchpad is a result of evolution and needing to meet corporate customer demands, but it won’t be forced on anyone as it is just a matter of changing the palm rest.
The X200 Ultrabase compatibility sure is good for people who already have one, but it also prevents the X200 from evolving like the other ThinkPads have. Since Intel didn’t really focus on low voltage tech with this recent platform launch, I’m hoping we will see more progress there next year and accordingly, a new X Series design. If the T410 and T400s/T410s can get design innovations from the X301, I’d sure hope the X2## series can get them as well.
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