Lenovo unveils Haswell-driven ThinkPad ultrabooks

Five new ThinkPad models based on Intel's 4th generation Core processors

Lenovo has unveiled new thinner and lighter additions to its ThinkPad lineup, comprising the X240, T440s and T440 plus the S440 and S540 for small businesses. All the devices are ultrabooks based on Intel's new Haswell 4th generation Core processors.

Announced to coincide with the IFA show in Berlin but not set to ship until November, the new ThinkPads deliver a mix of consumer and business requirements.

Tipped as "the road warrior's dream", the £999 ThinkPad X240 is 20.3mm thick and weighs in at 1.34kg, yet offers a choice of Intel 4th generation Core processors up to Core i7, plus up to 8GB memory and hard disk or solid state drive (SSD) options up to 1TB.

This ultrabook has a full HD 12.5in display with optional touchscreen. For traveling executives, the ThinkPad X240 can be configured with optional 3G or 4G LTE mobile broadband, while the standard 3-cell internal battery can be combined with a 3-cell or 6-cell travel battery for over hours of battery life, according to Lenovo.

Meanwhile, the ThinkPad T440s and T440 bring the slimline ultrabook form factor to Lenovo's mainstream line, with the T440s touted as the thinnest and lightest T-series at less than 21mm thick and 1.6kg weight.

Both are 14in models with Full HD touchscreen capability on the ThinkPad T440s, while the T440 includes an HD+ screen with optional touch. Both can be fitted with up to 12GB memory and 1TB hard drive or 512GB SSD. Mobile broadband, either 4G LTE or 3G, is built in.

The £1195 T440s model can be configured with processors up to Core i7 and optional Nvidia GeForce GT 730M graphics, while the £859 T440 supports processors up to Core i5 and optional Nvidia GeForce GT 720M graphics.

Lenovo said that the T-series models are capable of delivering up to 17 hours battery life, when configured with an external 6-cell battery in addition to their internal 3-cell battery pack.

For smaller businesses, the ThinkPad S440 (pictured) and S540 offer 14in and 15.6in displays, respectively, both with optional touchscreen support for Windows 8 and weight starting at 1.78kg

Both offer a choice of processors up to Core i7, but while the £881 S440 can be configured with up to 8GB memory and 500GB hard drive, the £899 S540 supports up to 12GB memory and 1TB hard drive, plus optional mobile broadband.

Along with common batteries, the ThinkPad line-up offers new common docking solutions, according to Lenovo, including a smaller and slimmer ThinkPad Basic Dock, Pro Dock and Ultra Dock.

Dilip Bhatia, vice president, Lenovo's Think Business Group, said that the new models are thinner, lighter and longer lasting with a simpler and cleaner design, aimed at meeting the changing needs of IT managers and end users.

"After extensive research with hundreds of computer users around the world, Lenovo has reset the standard for business class Ultrabooks. The result of thousands of hours spent with consumers and business users have contributed to innovations and enhancements optimised for business and personal use," he said.