Lenovo IdeaPad U260: Truly Unique or Targeting MacBook Air?

Lenovo has launched the IdeaPad U260, calling it the world’s “First 12.5 inch ultraportable consumer laptop” with a 16:9 screen and a slim form factor. What are the specs, how sexy is it — and is Lenovo actively channeling and/or going after Apple? Read on for my analysis…

Lenovo says the U260 is uncompromising on luxury, providing a minimalist design, glass touchpad, metal alloy-cover and a faux-leather palm rest. Fancy. So what’s the price for this luxury item? A surprising  start at $899 — or $100 cheaper than the 11-inch MacBook Air.

I just can’t help but thinking Lenovo is trying to do with PCs what Apple has done with their Macs, make them sexy and stylish while also practical. But I also feel like Lenovo is taking a cue from the Cupertino company. The Lenovo press release is filled with details about the manufacturing of the notebook, including a “one-piece magnesium-aluminum alloy frame” for strength and thinness, along with “silky smooth” glass touchpad with multi-touch pinch-to-zoom technology.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Lenovo positions the new notebook for mobile executives who want a “classy laptop” or consumers looking for an uncompromising computer that combines thinness and ergonomics. Lenovo says that the machine checks in at just under 3 pounds and just over half-inch in height. Again, these stats hit close to come for MacBook air users.

Nifty Moves

But here’s where Lenovo actually ups-the-ante. Other than the slightly larger screen size, Lenovo has put in an Intel Core i7 CPU, and the U260 starts with 320GB of hard disk storage, which can be customized to be 128GB of SSD storage. There’s also 4GB of DDR3 RAM on board. It comes with Lenovo’s “Windows 7 Enhanced Experience,” and a few other tweaks. There’s no word on battery life, however. (A Core i7 CPU, plus a mechanical hard drive option could put this notebook at less-than-stellar battery times.)

But regardless, it’s most definitely aimed at the same demographic Apple has targeted with their new MacBook Airs. How does it really stack up? I’ve reached out to Lenovo to request a review-unit. If I get one, I’ll give you the low-down on whether this IdeaPad is a true PC-contender for those who want the same sleek design without all the Apple-nonsense.

Sign up for The VAR Guy’s Weekly Newsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. Follow The VAR Guy via RSS, Facebook and Twitter. Follow experts at VARtweet. Read The VAR Guy’s editorial disclosures here.