Lenovo tries to escape boring designs with new ThinkPad laptops

Lenovo is unveiling its latest computers bit by bit at the Consumer Electronics Show. The first to be unveiled are its new line of ThinkPad laptops, which are aimed at business users.

These machines reflect the attempt by computer makers to create machines that crossover between business and consumer uses. Lenovo wants you to use its machines all of the time. Lenovo is striving to get away from boring designs, but I wouldn’t say that this design stands apart from the pack. Compare it, for instance, to Apple’s lust-inducing MacBook Air.

The new line-up includes the ThinkPad Edge E220s and E420s laptops, which are thin, curvy machines that cater to business professionals who don’t want to carry a boring laptop.

They feature Lenovo’s “infinity screen” displays, a matte black finish that is soft to the touch, and “metal accents,” or strips of metal along the sides of the machine.

The machines also feature the latest Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. They also have Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience 2.0 for fast booting and a range of wireless connectivity options. And they feature Dolby Home Theater audio (for serious play, as opposed to serious business) and high-definition video conferencing. Lenovo says the Enhanced Experience 2.0 lets you boot your machine 30 percent faster than normal.

The E220s has a 12.5-inch screen while the E420s has a 14-inch screen. The E220s is less than an inch thick and weighs 3.5 pounds. The E420s is an inch thick and weighs four pounds. The keyboard is spill-resistant, and the E420s has a slot-loading DVD player/burner. The E420s will sell for $749 and the E220s will sell for $899. Both will be available in April, and a stripped-down E520 model will be available in April for $599.