Lenovo expands ThinkPad T, W, and L Series with Intel Ivy Bridge CPUs

Intel’s third generation of Core ix processors launched no more than just a few weeks ago and manufacturers are scrambling to include the more power efficient CPUs into their latest respective notebook lineups.

Alongside the announcement of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Lenovo has also announced through the same press release new additions to the ThinkPad X, T, W, and L Series of notebooks. Each model will feature Ivy Bridge cores, the new ThinkPad Precision Keyboard layout and bright 300 nit displays.

The first new addition is the ThinkPad X230 Ultraportable, which Lenovo claims will have up to 24 hours of battery life from both its 9-cell module and secondary battery slice. The 12.5-inch model will use the uncommon but vastly superior IPS panel as well as 4G connectivity options. The 12-inch X230t convertible includes much the same features but integrates multitouch capabilities into the display.

Next up are the business-centric ThinkPad T430, T430s and T530. With a supposed 32.5 hour battery life at best, these notebooks will likely outlast even the user before calling it a day. Each model will support discrete Nvidia graphics, likely GPUs belonging to the Kepler generation, and have docking support with 4G connectivity and USB 3.0 ports. The T430s is expected to be Lenovo’s lightest 14-inch notebook while the T530 will include similar specs, albeit with a larger and more vibrant 1080p display.

As for mobile workstations, the ThinkPad W530 will include all the features one would expect from a notebook workhorse, such as the brighter full HD display, 95 percent color gamut coverage, docking connectivity and an Nvidia Quadro GPU. Lenovo has upped the ante with a built-in color calibrator and support for up to four additional external displays via the (likely to be sold separately) ThinkPad Dock.

Lastly, the more budget-class L Series will be updated with the 14-inch L430 and 15-inch L530. Both models will include many of the same features as its predecessors but in lighter and thinner form factors and with HD display resolution options.

All ThinkPad models above will be made available this coming June starting at the following approximate prices:

X230: $1179

X230t: $1479

T430: $879

T430s: $1399

L430/L530: $879

W530: $1529 

We'll continue to update as we get closer to release and when the full system specs are known.

Source(s)