Lenovo has unveiled a new sub-brand dedicated to SMBs called ThinkBook – starting with a new line of ultra-slim Windows 10 laptops that mix portability and ease-of-use of modern consumer-oriented devices aimed squarely at the “new workforce.” According to Lenovo, nearly 60 percent new entrants to the workforce grew up working, creating and communicating online with stylish devices that make a statement and blur the lines of work, life, passion and purpose.
Backed by customer research, Lenovo has designed ThinkBook specifically for the SMBs buying consumer laptops for perceived design and price advantages but can no longer rationalize their lack of core business needs like extended services and warranties. Lenovo believes ThinkBook will allow growing firms to keep a competitive edge in attracting young tech-savvy execs with cool looking, yet cost-effective, devices.
“The new wave of young business leaders expects their workplace devices to do more but with a minimalist look,” said Eric Yu, Lenovo Senior Vice President and GM of the SMB business segment, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group. “ThinkBook is a perfect fit to fill this existing product gap in the SMB marketplace.”
To curtail the freewheeling wild-west approach of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), growing companies are embracing a trend termed Choose Your Own Device (CYOD). Lenovo contends research shows the new workforce cares a lot about how their computing device looks, e.g. colors and materials, but still prefers to choose from a curated list the organization provides.
The New ThinkBook S Series
The ultra-slim ThinkBook S series, available in a 13-inch and 14-inch model at launch, is designed for business buyers “unwilling to make trade-offs in essentials such as, security, reliability, and support services, while satisfying the demand for sleek-looking devices that bring the familiar smartphone experience to PCs.” .
ThinkBook laptops aim to have a premium feel, can lay flat at 180∞, and feature ultra-narrow bezels to pack a larger display into a small portable package. The current line is wrapped in aluminium and magnesium metals in a Mineral Grey finish, as opposed to the traditional black of Lenovo’s which comprise the bulk of the ThinkPad line. Each model is light-weight for a business focused notebook, weighing in at 3.3lbs for the ThinkBook 14s and 2.95lbs for the ThinkBook 13s.
Consumer Style, Business Features
Designed for business use, the ThinkBook line incorporate business features not often included in their pricier consumer-focused alternatives. Features include:
•†† †Single-step authentication and power-on with the touch fingerprint reader
•†† †Discrete TPM 2.0 to enable Windows 10 security features and user data encryption
•†† †Physical ThinkShutter camera cover for privacy control
•†† †Hinges coated in Indium metal to reduce WiFi interference
•†† †Loud and clear sound enabled by Dolby Audio through HARMANÆ speakers
•†† †Premium FHD displays with Dolby VisionÆ (on ThinkBook 13s) for rich, ultra-vivid visuals
•†† †Spill resistant keyboard designed to withstand up to 60cc of liquid2
•†† †Up to 11 hours of battery life3 and RapidCharge on ThinkBook 13s, up to 10 hours3 on
Rapid Response
The Windows Modern Standby feature on the ThinkBook 13s brings smartphone connectivity to business laptops; your device can download emails, receive Skype call alerts, and get Windows app updates – even with the lid closed. Moreover, it resumes from standby almost instantly with the Smart Power On button or voice command in some instances.
Skype for Business certified dual-array microphones and dual speakers by HARMAN for clear audio enhance the collaboration experience over VoIP calls. Dedicated Skype Hot Keys simplify calling with one key to answer and one key to hang up.
ThinkBook is engineered for minimal bottlenecks with 8th Generation IntelÆ Core processors, standard SSD, and powerful graphics with either Integrated Intel UHD 620 or discrete AMD Radeon 540X. RapidCharge technology is also standard on the ThinkBook 13s, which Lenovo says provides 80 percent battery capacity after one hour on the charger.
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Business-grade Support
In business, PC downtime can have a cascading effect, resulting in poorer customer satisfaction that affects brand reputation. ThinkBook is supported by a range of business-grade services including Lenovo Premier Support, warranty extensions and upgrades, such as onsite next business day support and International Warranty Service to minimize any downtime.
ThinkBooks also come with built-in self-management features, especially useful for smaller companies without dedicated onsite support teams. Among these, the preloaded Lenovo Vantage software offers tools for preventive hardware diagnostics, personalized hardware settings and auto-install of critical updates.
North America Availability and Pricing:
ThinkBook 13s will be available in late May 2019, with an expected starting price of $729.5
ThinkBook 14s will be also be available in late May 2019, with an expected starting price of $749.5
