Upload This: Lenovo Adds WiMAX Wireless Connectivity to ThinkPad and IdeaPad Notebook PCs

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lenovo today announced it is bringing the latest high-speed wireless connectivity to its customers through a broad offering of WiMAX-enabled¹ Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook PCs. Lenovo’s WiMAX lineup addresses all types of users, from business users needing ultraportability with the thin and light ThinkPad X301 notebook to mainstream business users with the ThinkPad T400 notebook to small-to-medium businesses with the ThinkPad SL300 and SL500 notebooks. WiMAX-enabled¹ models of these notebooks are available immediately. The announcement comes at the launch celebration of the nation’s first next-generation 4G WiMAX wireless network today in Baltimore.

“By building mobile WiMAX into both our ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook PC lines, we are helping our customers stay better connected, anywhere, anytime.”

In addition, Lenovo will be expanding its notebook offerings with built-in WiMAX¹ later this year to include models of the business-focused ThinkPad W500, W700, SL400 and X200 notebooks. Lenovo will also offer WiMAX-enabled¹ models of the IdeaPad Y530 notebook designed for consumers.

"With spill-resistant keyboards, 'air-bag' data protection, fingerprint readers, facial recognition technology and more, Lenovo has a proven track record as the industry leader in introducing new technologies in notebook PCs," said Stephen DiFranco, vice president, Americas Commercial and Consumer Channels, Lenovo. "By building mobile WiMAX into both our ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook PC lines, we are helping our customers stay better connected, anywhere, anytime."

Lenovo designed the notebooks for a simple and easy to use WiMAX experience. For example, with the ThinkPad notebooks, Lenovo added the ability for Access Connections, a part of the Lenovo suite of ThinkVantage Technologies, to recognize WiMAX networks. This helps users locate and securely connect to available wireless connections.

Although in its beginning stages, WiMAX has a number of potential uses such as serving as the primary wireless connection for consumers and businesses, enabling WiMAX devices to synch up for an enhanced communications experience and becoming the backup connectivity for companies. First rolling out in Baltimore, WiMAX coverage is expected to be operational in other cities - including Chicago and Washington, D.C. - in the coming months.

“WiMAX is changing the model of wireless communication,” said Bin Shen, vice president, Broadband, Sprint. “By working with industry leaders like Intel and Lenovo, we are committed to building the next-generation of mobile broadband services along with innovative computing devices that are designed for the best possible mobile WiMAX experience. We are rapidly building a nationwide WiMAX-based mobile broadband network, making it the next standard for accessible, affordable high speed wireless communications.”

The Intel® Centrino™ 2-based Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebooks are shipping with the combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, formerly codenamed “Echo Peak,” as part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series.

“The 4G era is upon us, and Intel welcomes the host of innovative WiMAX solutions from Lenovo aligning with the inaugural U.S. network and its unique wireless speed and reach,” said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer, Intel. “Consumers and businesses today want faster, flexible and more pervasive wireless connections that match the power and battery life of Intel-based notebooks. With our Intel Core™ 2 processor-based notebooks, Baltimore residents have the power to experience this network whether in their home, office or on the go around town.”

With the announcement, Lenovo extends its menu of wireless connectivity options to include WiMAX, along with notebook models that include options for WWAN¹, or 3G, through AT&T and Verizon, ¹WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Ultra-Wideband functionality. These technologies offer customers choices of the latest ways for fast and convenient connectivity to fit their mobile lifestyle.

Pricing and Availability²

Pricing for the notebooks vary with WiMAX-enabled¹ models starting at approximately $720. Select notebooks will be available starting immediately through www.lenovo.com and business partners.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.

¹WiMAX, WWAN and WiFi Service Providers: Requires separate agreement with select third party service provider, and is subject to credit approval and applicable service agreement/terms, rate plan and coverage maps of the provider. Service is available in select metropolitan markets, not available in all areas. Service provider, not Lenovo, is solely responsible for service. Lenovo customers may be contacted after purchase to activate service. Special credit and tenure restrictions and additional charges may apply to international roaming. A network connection, third-party software, additional hardware, and/or subscription to a third-party service may be required for certain solutions/applications. Additional restrictions apply. Offer subject to change.

²Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.