Lenovo updates widescreen Thinkpad notebooks

Lenovo today announced a new version of its widescreen Z-series Thinkpad notebook. The new systems - named Z61m and Z61t - will be positioned as new flagship notebooks and integrate Intel’s dual-core Core Duo processor as well as upgraded graphics processors. Most features of the preceding Z60 series, such as a fingerprint sensor and wireless Broadband (based on Verizon’s EV-DO service) are carried over to the new product generation.

Lenovo said that it will begin shipping the Z61 units in June. However, users interested in the notebooks can pre-order a pre-configured Z61m, equipped with a Core Duo T2500 (2.0 GHz) processor, 1 GB of memory, a 15.4" widescreen display (1680x1050 pixel), a DVD burner and a dedicated ATI Radeon X1400 graphics chip with 128 MB shared memory capability, immediately. The device rings in at a hefty $2200, which is significantly higher than a comparable Z60m with single-core processor ($1950.)

Lenovo also announced the Thinkpad R60 series as an extension to the firm’s mainstream R-series of notebooks. While the preceding R50 is currently available from around $700, the R60’s price point of $2050 is not only high for the product family, but also when the features of the system are considered. Next to a Core Duo T2500 processor, the R60 comes standard with a 15"display, 1 GB of memory, a 100 GB hard drive, a fingerprint reader, ATI’s X1400 graphics chip and a DVD burner.