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IFA 2012 | Lenovo updates IdeaPad Y and Z Series notebooks for Windows 8

Teaser
The IdeaPad Y Series now includes more functionality including an UltraBay with dual graphics support and the ability to add an extra fan. The IdeaPad Z Series features a dedicated graphics card and a slim design.

Lenovo has been busy at IFA 2012, having already unveiled its new IdeaPad S series, the IdeaPad U510, and new models from the IdeaTab series. Today, Lenovo also unveiled updates to the IdeaPad Y and Z series. Designed for the upcoming Windows 8 operating system, these revisions offer a “variety of style, color, and performance options”.  The Vice President of Lenovo’s Idea Product Group, Wei Jun, said, “Our latest Idea-branded products offer more comfort, simplicity and responsiveness than ever before. Designed for an optimal Windows 8 experience, uses can enjoy up to 10-finger multi-touch for versatile computing; Intelligent TouchPad for easy scrolling, zooming and rotating.”

IdeaPad Y Series

Designed as multimedia notebooks, the two latest models are the IdeaPad Y400 and IdeaPad Y500. Both notebooks feature the UltraBay, an interchangeable bay that allows users to install various add-ons to the notebook. Options for this bay include dual graphics functionality, increased storage capacity, and additional cooling fans. Both models use Intel Ivy Bridge Core processors, up to the Core i7.  Other features include the Nvidia GeForce GT 655M 2 GB dual graphics card, up to 16 GB DDR3 memory, and up to 1 TB of hard disk capacity. The Y400 features a 14-inch LED-backlit HD display while the Y500 uses a 15.6-inch screen. Both models also employ a dual-layer backlit keyboard and a large touchpad with integrated mouse buttons.

IdeaPad Z Series

The Z Series of notebooks is designed to be slim without sacrificing performance. Processor options include standard-voltage Intel Ivy Bridge processors up to the Core i7. Both models feature up to 16 GB DDR3 memory, up to 1 TB of hard disk capacity, and the Nvidia GeForce GT 645M graphics card with 2 GB of VRAM. The Z400 uses a 14-inch LED-backlit HD display while the Z500 uses a 15.6-inch screen.

Pricing and Availability

The IdeaPad Y Series models will be available in October with a starting price of $649.

The IdeaPad Z Series models will have a starting price of $549. The Z400 will be available in November and the Z500 will be available in September.

IdeaPad Y500
IdeaPad Y500
IdeaPad Z500
IdeaPad Z500
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2012 08 > Lenovo updates IdeaPad Y and Z Series notebooks for Windows 8
Benjamin Chen, 2012-08-31 (Update: 2012-08-31)