Lenovo Rolls Out Windows 8 ThinkPad Laptops for Small Businesses

PC kingpin Lenovo has unwrapped a new SMB-focused laptop, the ThinkPad S431, notable for fitting a 14-inch display into a 13-inch chassis, and two others it showcased at CES in January aimed at budget conscious small businesses–the ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 models. The laptops surface amid the Lenovo Accelerate conference in Las Vegas. Channel partners targeting the SMB space should take note of these new entries. 

The ThinkPad S431, optimized for Windows 8 runs on an Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) third generation Core processor, making it 15 percent faster than previous models with up to nine hours of battery life. The unit comes with 8GB of RAM and 500GB of hard disk storage—it can store up to 150,000 MP3s–and sports two USB 3.0 ports.

A key feature of the S431 is Lenovo’s OneLink, which enables users to connect to the ThinkPad OneLink Dock through a single cable to deliver dedicated video, additional USB 3.0 ports and gigabit-class Ethernet.

“The progressive design of our ThinkPad S431 will help small businesses impress their customers,” said Jerry Paradise, Lenovo Think business group executive director. “We pack a punch behind that style, however, as we are committed to delivering genuine substance. The ThinkPad S431 offers an intuitive Windows 8 experience with the power needed to accelerate productivity.”

Owing to the ultra-thin 20.5 mm frame, Lenovo is able to fit a 14-inch LCD screen into a 13-inch frame, with the front and side beveled edges giving the impression that the PC is floating, Lenovo said. The unit features a five-button clickpad with a glass surface and a multi-finger touchscreen. A six-row backlit keyboard includes Windows 8 shortcuts keys and supports Windows 8 gestures. The S431’s aluminum LCD cover is available in silver or graphite black.

As for the ThinkPad Edge E431 and E531 first announced at CES, the units include the OneLink technology, feature improved graphics options and a five-button touchpad lets users control Windows 8 features from the keyboard.

Both the E431 and E531 are available now from business partners and online at Lenovo’s web site. The systems are priced starting at $509. The ThinkPad S431 is available beginning in June from business partners and at Lenovo’s web site. Pricing starts at $699. The ThinkPad OneLink Dock is available beginning May 21.