Lenovo Group, a leading maker of personal computers for business users, said that business users require physical keyboards, as a result, the company has no plans to release its own slate-type personal computer. Nevertheless, the firm updated Monday its ThinkPad X201 tablet personal computers with newer microprocessors.

“We of course build plastic mock-ups that we show (to customers). We had a slate form factor. The feedback was that for (our) customers it will not work because of the need to have (a physical) keyboard,” said Mika Majapuro, senior worldwide product marketing manager at Lenovo, in an interview with Cnet News.com web-site.

It is not a surprise that business users do need physical keyboards badly as they are more convenient to use in order to browse the Internet and write emails or texts. Besides, virtual keyboards are practically useless for a lot of applications, including spreadsheets. However, according to Lenovo, even kids do not like virtual keyboards and would like to have physical one on their personal computers.

“These were 14-year-old kids, who, I thought, would be most willing to try a virtual keyboard but they said no, we want the physical (built-in) keyboard. It was amazing to me. At first I didn't want to believe (our customers) but the keyboard was such a big need for them,” added Mr. Majapuro.

In order to meet the best options of both slate and laptop worlds, Lenovo on Monday updated its ThinkPad X201 tablet with newer microprocessors, multi-touch support, improved screen, anti-theft tools, noise cancelling microphones, stereo speakers, 2.0MP camera, 54mm ExpressCard slot for smart card reader, TV Tuner, Firewire and other devices, WiMAX, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and other features. The new ThinkPad X201 tablet comes with Microsoft Windows 7 business system.

Tags: Lenovo, ThinkPad