Lenovo introduces Rapid Boot Extreme technology for speedy boot times

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (BUSINESS WIRE), May 09, 2011 - Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) today announced that it has engineered its popular, newly introducedThinkPad T420s laptop to boot up in 10 seconds or less¹. As part of Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience (EE) 2.0 for Windows 7 program, the RapidBoot Extreme model has proprietary BIOS and hardware optimizations along with the Intel X25-M Solid State Drive for super startup capability. Lenovo’s IdeaPad Y570 laptop, coming in June, also features sub-10 second boot up¹.

“Driving down boot time to sub-10 seconds on the ThinkPad T420s laptop results from applying precise, focused engineering to hardware and software interoperability,” said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, Think Product Group, Lenovo. “There’s a high level of complexity involved in shaving off each second. We push the limits because every second counts when it comes to keeping users productive, starting from first boot.”

Most of Lenovo’s 2011 Think and Idea-branded PCs, such as the ThinkPad T420s laptop, are optimized under Lenovo’s EE 2.0 program launched earlier this year. EE 2.0 provides industry-leading startup/shutdown performance and other optimization features for Lenovo consumer and business PCs.

With EE 2.0, customers can:

• Start their Lenovo PC on average 20 seconds and shutdown 28 percent faster than a typical Windows 7 PC²
• Start their PC as fast as 10 seconds¹ and open applications two times faster³ on select Lenovo EE 2.0 PCs that include optional RapidDrive solid state drive technology
• Resume Windows in less than one second, 36 percent faster than the average competitor Windows 7 PC¹
• Utilize robust security tools and rich Web conferencing features on Think-branded PCs

“Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows 7 program is ideal for business users and consumers who value performance optimization, as well as faster start-up,” said Nick Parker, vice president, Worldwide Marketing, OEM Division, Microsoft Corporation. “Now business users can extend the Windows 7 experience further with new ThinkPad laptop models that combine the benefits of faster boot up with features optimized for business.”

Features Beyond Fast Boot

Think-branded PCs with EE 2.0 offer robust security features and rich Web conferencing. Security tools⁴ include a fingerprint reader that can be used to power-on the PC, optional self-encrypting hard drives, BIOS port lock settings and Hardware Password Manager for deploying security features across a fleet of PCs. Features such as high-definition webcams with advanced white-balancing settings, digital array microphones with a speakerphone mode, and keystroke noise suppression technology that automatically detects when a user types during video chats and suppresses the noise of keystrokes, deliver a rich Web conferencing experience⁴. One of several ThinkPad laptops featuring Dolby^® Home Theater^®the ThinkPad T420s laptop gives users a full-impact surround sound experience.

For more information please visit www.lenovo.com/win7ee.

Pricing and Availability⁵

The RapidBoot Extreme model of the ThinkPad T420s laptop will be offered starting in mid-May on www.lenovo.com. Pricing starts at approximately $1,679.

¹ Refers to Microsoft VTS Test Tool measuring total boot time (time taken from power on until boot complete (defined as CPU no longer being used to load Windows 7 and start-up applications). ThinkPad T420s RapidBoot Extreme model has i5-2540M CPU and 160 GB SSD.

² Testing conducted by CNET Labs, Beijing in November 2010, using the independent Microsoft VTS tool to measure start-up, shutdown, resume and other Windows 7 performance measurements. 42 competitors PCs were tested from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba, representing both commercial and consumer desktop and notebook products at mainstream price points. These were compared with comparable Lenovo products. Data from competitors and Lenovo PCs were averaged and compared to calculate the claims used.

³ Example based on identical configuration IdeaPad Y570 without RapidDrive using standard 500GB 5400rpm 2.5” SATA HDD (8secs). Other application tests were performed with similar results.

⁴ Not all features available on all models. Check detailed specifications and selling features for further details on specific models.

⁵ Prices 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.