Lenovo announces 3 new touchscreen Windows 8 laptops, IdeaPads and ThinkPads rejoice

Lenovo jumps wholeheartedly into the Windows 8 fray with newly-unveiled multitouch laptops, including a sleek Ultrabook and a rethought ThinkPad.

Lenovo’s latest big reveal at CES includes three new laptop lines, all clearly designed with one objective in mind: to optimize Windows 8 compatibility. All of the models below boast multitouch screens (optional on the ThinkPad), as well as high-end hardware, including up to a 3rd generation Intel Core i7 processor and up to a 1TB hard drive. All IdeaPad models below include 10-point touch and intelligent touchpads for an ideal Windows 8 experience.

IdeaPad U310 and U410

First among the offerings are the IdeaPad U310 and U410 (13.3-inch and 14-inch, respectively). The attractive Ultrabooks feature an ultra-slim, ultra-portable profile, and a rounded-edge unibody aluminum case amps up the chic factor. It comes in six colors, including pink and dark blue. With a battery life up to 8 hours (U410) and the ability to resume from sleep in just over a second, this model clearly yearns for a life on the go. The U410 adds up to 8GB memory and advanced NVIDIA GeForce graphics for respectable entertainment options.

IdeaPad Z400 and Z500

Meanwhile, the IdeaPad Z400 and Z500 touch notebooks (14-inch and 15.6-inch, respectively) represent a touchscreen upgrade of an earlier notebook model. Clearly, the sleek and elegant metallic case and frameless bezel screen were already a winning combination. Although neither as slender nor as light as the U310/U410, these models still clock in at around 1-inch thick and under 6 pounds. They also feature larger screens and up to 16GB of memory.

ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531

Finally, the ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 (14-inch and 15.6-inch, respectively) put a new, modernized spin on the previously notoriously boxy ThinkPad line. Thinner and lighter than earlier models and offering improved discrete graphics, they are also the first ThinkPads to include Lenovo’s OneLink Connecter, a charger with a plethora of ports (including Ethernet, USB, and HDMI) for cable-free connectivity and lag-free 1080p video output. Additionally, the new ThinkPads up the cool factor by adding red and silver options as well as the traditional black, with OneLink Connectors provided in matching colors. 

We’re hoping to get our hands on these new machines soon, so stay tuned.