Lenovo's new IdeaPad line of notebooks

Lenovo has launched a consumer-oriented line of PCs that encompasses three IdeaPad notebooks - the Y510, Y710 and U110 - that incorporate unique design features such as a frameless screen hinging back from the keyboard, touch sensitive controls and GameZone keys along with VeriFace face recognition, which uses embedded camera and facial recognition software in lieu of password protection.

Complementing Lenovo's ThinkPad and ThinkCentre models, which are targeted to the corporate market, the Y510, Y710 and U110 IdeaPad notebooks are powered by Intel Centrino processor technology and feature Dolby Home Theater audio surround sound operating through a sub-woofer and four precisely placed speakers. Lenovo’s Multimedia Control Center provides the efficient, user friendly software for music, movies and photos while the frameless screen and special hinge design allow easier opening and optimize viewing by placing the screen slightly further away from the user.

The 17” IdeaPad Y710 features 2 GB of RAM, and advanced Intel dual-core processors. It has discrete graphics options for fast, crisp visuals, integrated Wireless LAN, and hard drive options for up to 500 GB, with certain models including an additional, hot-swappable hard drive. GameZone functionality includes enlarged directional buttons for enhanced game play, four user-customizable buttons, and a secondary display for system information. A performance control switch offers a Turbo mode for maximum power, including CPU overclocking, and Quiet mode for energy savings. The Y710 includes a DVD burner, and users can opt to include a Blu-Ray reader. It is available for USD$1199.

The 15.4” IdeaPad Y510 features 2 GB of RAM and can support up to a 250 GB hard drive. Like the Y710 it has WLAN connectivity and a DVD-RW optical drive. The Y510 retails for USD$799 and sports a black, textured, linen-like top cover.

The 11.1” IdeaPad U110 weighs 2.3 pounds and is just 0.7 inches deep. The performance of the miniature notebook is augmented with an additional battery and optional solid state flash drives. Select configurations are also equipped with the Active Protection System, an air-bag like device that parks the hard drive to help protect data during a fall. The U110 will be available in April.