Lenovo Leads Vendor Pack With New Laptops for SMBs

Lenovo has rolled out a new line of ThinkPad notebooks aimed squarely at the SMB market.The ThinkPad SL series comprises three models: the SL300 and SL400, which both start at $799, and the SL500, which starts at $899. With screen sizes from 13 to 15 inches and weighing from 4.6 to 6.4 pounds, the notebooks run on Intel's newest Core 2 Duo processors and Centrino 2 platform; memory options range from 1 GB to 4 GB, and disk from 80 GB to 320 GB.

In addition, the laptop trio offers multiple built-in wireless connectivity options, including 802.11, 3G, Bluetooth and GPS. Blu-Ray is also an option, as will be mobile WiMAX when cards become available later this year. From a security standpoint, the ThinkPads include data recovery in its software inclusions, plus Lenovo is offering a variety of optional service package (some subscription-based) for online backup and on-site warranty repair.

The SL400 and SL500 are available online and through resellers; the SL300 is due out next month.

Separately, Fujitsu and Toshiba unveiled laptops of interest to SMBs. Fujitsu added six Centrino 2-based computers to its LifeBooks line, ranging in price from $1,149 to $1,769. Toshiba's new Tecra M10 ($1,399), Tecra A10 (pricing not announced) and Satellite Pro S300 ($1,299) laptops are all outfitted with Centrino 2.ChannelWeb, Network World