Lenovo today announced the ThinkPad X301 notebook PC, taking the thinnest and lightest full-function notebook in its class, to new heights in performance. Like its predecessor, the ThinkPad X300, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers cutting-edge features and technologies in a thin and light form starting at less than three pounds and one-inch thin. The notebook offers even greater storage capacity with choices of either 64 GB or new 128 GB solid state drive storage available in September. The ThinkPad X301 notebook provides on average nearly 20 percent better performance over the ThinkPad X300 notebook due to the latest Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low volt processor working at 1.2 or 1.4 GHz. The two chips have 6MB of L2 cache and a 1066MHz front side bus. In addition to the new processors, the Lenovo X301 supports DDR3 memory, which consumes less power and is faster than standard DDR2 memory. The memory options are 512MB, 1GB or 2GB of RAM.

New support for DisplayPort makes viewing high definition content easy and ideal for models with the ultra-thin DVD burner. With support for both DisplayPort and VGA, users can even watch high definition content on multiple displays. Designed for maximum options for wireless connectivity, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers models with high-speed mobile broadband and WiFi, and also with Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology. Models supporting WiMAX will be available later this year. Additionally, there will be models with built-in GPS.

The X300 and the X301 each measure less than 1 inch thick and offer a 13.3-inch LED backlight display with 1440 x 900 working resolution. Pricing for models of the ThinkPad X301 notebook starts at approximately $2,599. The notebook will be available on August 26.

With its upgraded hardware, the ThinkPad X301 became an even stronger competitor to Apple MacBook Air. This lightweight and thin solution falls into the same class of ultra-portable business computers, however, ThinkPad X301 offers better connectivity. Besides, Lenovo also offers models equipped with a DVD drive. Moreover, the new Lenovo solutions uses refreshed Centrino 2 platform that ensures higher performance and longer battery life.

Tags: Centrino 2, Lenovo, MacBook Air