Lenovo launches new ThinkPads for SMBs 16 July, 2008 By Vanessa Ho

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Called the ThinkPad SL, it features a trio of notebooks: SL300 (13-inch screen), SL400 (14-inch) and SL500 (15-inch) that are all based on Intel's new Centrino 2 processor. Consumer features include built-in high-speed wide area mobile broadband connectivity, multimedia capabilities with an optional Blu-Ray DVD player, as well as a black glossy cover for a stylish design. Enterprise features include software that helps with everything from data recovery to simplifying Internet connections with a new service package featuring on-line data backup and on-site warranty repair.

"The ThinkPad legacy has been in large business, large complex roll outs and places where quality and reliability are paramount in terms of successful IT environments," said Jay McBain, director of North America transaction channel with Lenovo. "We always tried to price the ThinkPad and promote them and package them more towards a SMB crowd but it was difficult in terms of the messaging and the way they were designed to get a lot of traction."

He added that the difficulty was the perception that the features and the packaging of the ThinkPad were targeted more towards large enterprises.

The ThinkPad SL was designed from the ground up and marries the heritage of the ThinkPad such as data protection and security with multi-media capabilities like Blu-ray and enhancements to audio with better quality speakers.

"[SMB] customers were looking at consumer products but at same time they have a business to run so they are looking for features like advanced security, ruggedness and mobile broadband," said Jay McBain.

This best of both worlds approach can help Lenovo partners go after those customers and give them both consumer and business requirements in one notebook, he added.

The notebooks also features WiFi, Ethernet and optional Bluetooth technologies as well as Lenovo's Active Protection System, an air-bag like system that protects the hard drive against drops or falls, and an optional fingerprint reader helps protect against unauthorized users. The software and services that complement the ThinkPad SL include Lenovo's Access Connections, Client Security Solutions, Rescue and Recovery, Presentation Director and System Update support functions.

In addition, ThinkPlus Secure Business will be offered as a service for SL customers. ThinkPlus is a new Lenovo service designed for SMBs that include on-site next-day business warranty upgrade to keep small businesses productive; ThinkPad protection that provides PC repairs or replacement in the event of liquid spills, drops or electrical surges; and online data backup for secure off-site storage solutions for critical business and employee data.

"When running a business off a notebook, paramount are quality, reliability and always being on," said McBain.

ThinkPlus Secure Business is available for either a one or three-year term. The services within can be purchased separately or as a package. In the coming months, Lenovo will introduce ThinkPlus Complete IT3, a package of services designed exclusively for the SMB without IT support. ThinkPlus Complete IT combines a comprehensive set of services, including priority call routing and one-stop hardware and software support with the best of ThinkPlus Secure Business.

In addition to the SL notebook, Lenovo also announced an additional six new notebooks: The ThinkPad R400, R500, T400, T500, X200 and W500. The new T Series, which will based on the Intel Centrino 2 platform, includes switchable graphics, support for Display Port, solid state drive storage, LED backlit displays and GPS functionality.

The ThinkPad SL400 and SL500 notebooks start at $799 and are available immediately through Lenovo Business Partners. The other notebooks will be available beginning in August with pricing to be determined.

According to Michelle Warren, an independent technology analyst, the ThinkPad SL will help Lenovo better penetrate the SMB market.

"Lenovo offers really strong online/built-in software support on their PCs and that is a real timesaver for SMBs, many of whom either don't have an in-house IT department or who have an overworked IT department," said Warren. As well, she added that the enhanced mobility offering, specifically the mobile bandwidth capability, will be appealing to the SMB.

Warren also said that what has held Lenovo back in this space in the past has been price and the $799 price tag might pose a slight concern.

"The pricing isn't bad, I'm just concerned about how high it goes," said Warren. "With SMBs, they will pay a bit more for the Lenovo/ThinkPad name but Lenovo should be careful not to price themselves out of a deal."