Two weeks before the opening of CES 2023, Lenovo unveils a preview of a gaggle of new products. Among those we can tell you about right now, 4 new laptops attached to the ThinkPad and IdealPad ranges, but also a new version of the mini-PC IdeaCentre Mini… equivalent under Windows of a certain Mac Mini.
If for the moment the brand remains silent about its next Legion gaming laptops (we should discover them on January 5, in parallel with their presentation in Las Vegas), we already have enough to do with the models unveiled this week. With them, the brand targets both professionals and individuals.
IdeaCentre Mini Gen 8: Even better than the Mac Mini?
Let’s start with a fashionable product: the mini-PC. A week after Xiaomi announced a product very similar to the Mac Mini, Lenovo unveils its new IdeaCentre Mini. The device, which will arrive in July 2023 from 599 euros, is equipped with the 12th generation of Intel Core processors (Alder Lake). These processors will be coupled here with 8 or 16 GB of RAM (via two DDR4 modules in SO-DIMM format, replaceable) and a maximum of 1 TB of M.2 SSD storage. Graphically, however, you will have to make do with the Iris Xe iGPU integrated into Intel CPUs.
On the connector side, at the back, we will find three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB 2.0 port, a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, an HDMI 2.1 output, an Ethernet socket and a DisplayPort output. On the front panel, there is also a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, a USB-C port and a jack socket for more convenient access. The connectivity of the machine, which does not exceed 1.8 kg, finally focuses on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while the whole thing will be powered by Windows 11 Pro or Family (depending on the market , specifies Lenovo).
ThinkPad X1 Carbon / Yoga: the idol of the pros
Like every year, Lenovo takes care to bring freshness to its ThinkPad range, mainly dedicated to professionals. We therefore discover at the end of 2022, two new laptops attached to this line: the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and ThinkPad X1 Yoga. One is a classic hinged laptop, the other can count on a reversible touch screen, tilting 360 degrees around the keyboard to serve as a tablet. Technically, the two products are otherwise quite similar.
In particular, there will be a 12th generation Intel processor (up to Core i7 in vPro version) coupled with a maximum of 64 GB of LDDR5 and a 2 TB SSD for the best equipped configurations. In the press release it sent us, Lenovo remains quite modest about the rest of the technical specifications of its two high-end laptops, but we can a priori count on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, while a Cellular option will also exist to offer 4G or 5G compatibility.
At 1.12 kg, the X1 Carbon will be a little lighter than its cousin the X1 Yoga (1.38 kg), but both models will be able to count on a 14-inch 2.8K OLED screen, supposed to reach the 400 mark. cd/m2 of maximum luminance. The first will arrive on the market from 1,599 euros, against 1,799 euros in starting price for the second, reversible. Both will not, however, be marketed until April 2023.
IdeaPad Pro 5 / 5i and Slim 5 / 5i: efficiency in 14 and 16 inch formats
On the IdeaPad range, Lenovo is finally introducing two new devices, each available in Intel or AMD configurations, and in 14 or 16 inch format.
The first is the IdeaPad Pro 5 (AMD version) / 5i (Intel version). Designed for everyday use by general public users, the device will be able to rely on a dedicated GeForce RTX 4000 entry-level graphics card, at least on the best equipped models. There will also be low-power Intel or AMD processors, coupled with a QHD + panel up to 120 Hz for 16-inch models.
If we still lack information on the amount of RAM and storage available, Lenovo talks about USB 4.0 ports and Thunderbolt 4 sockets on the connector side, but also a 1080p webcam and fast charging technology allowing you to regain several hours of autonomy in just 15 minutes on the mains. The device will finally benefit from a slightly greener chassis: 50% of the aluminum used is of recycled origin.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 on the left, IdeaPad Slim 5 on the right // © Lenovo
The IdeaPad Slim 5 is more or less aimed at the same audience, but with a slightly more compact chassis. Also available in 14 and 16-inch versions, the device will notably benefit from OLED screens (Full HD, 2.2K or 2.5K depending on the model) covering 100% of the DCI-P3 colorimetric spectrum. Under the hood, we will finally find Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors (Lenovo does not yet specify which references exactly).
Expected in April 2023, the IdeaPad Pro 5i (Intel) will be offered from 999 euros in the 14-inch version and 1,399 euros in the 16-inch version. The IdeaPad Pro 5 (AMD) will arrive for its part in July 2023 with the same pricing.
In Intel version, the IdeaPad Slim 5i will be marketed in July from 699 euros for the 14 inch format, and from 749 euros in 16 inches; against 649 euros and 699 euros respectively, and in starting price, for these same diagonals on the AMD variant… which will arrive on its side a little earlier, in May 2023.
Source: Lenovo Pre-CES Briefing / Lenovo Press Releases
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