Lenovo today announced it is bringing the latest high-speed wireless connectivity to its customers through a broad offering of WiMAX-enabled1 Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook PCs. Lenovo’s WiMAX lineup addresses all types of users, from business users needing ultraportability with the thin and light ThinkPad X301 notebook to mainstream business users with the ThinkPad T400 notebook to small-to-medium businesses with the ThinkPad SL300 and SL500 notebooks. WiMAX-enabled1 models of these notebooks are available immediately. The announcement comes at the launch celebration of the nation’s first next-generation 4G WiMAX wireless network today in Baltimore.

In addition, Lenovo will be expanding its notebook offerings with built-in WiMAX1 later this year to include models of the business-focused ThinkPad W500, W700, SL400 and X200 notebooks. Lenovo will also offer WiMAX-enabled1 models of the IdeaPad Y530 notebook designed for consumers.

Lenovo designed the notebooks for a simple and easy to use WiMAX experience. For example, with the ThinkPad notebooks, Lenovo added the ability for Access Connections, a part of the Lenovo suite of ThinkVantage Technologies, to recognize WiMAX networks. This helps users locate and securely connect to available wireless connections.

Although in its beginning stages, WiMAX has a number of potential uses such as serving as the primary wireless connection for consumers and businesses, enabling WiMAX devices to synch up for an enhanced communications experience and becoming the backup connectivity for companies. First rolling out in Baltimore, WiMAX coverage is expected to be operational in other cities - including Chicago and Washington, D.C. - in the coming months.

The Intel® Centrino™ 2-based Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebooks are shipping with the combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, formerly codenamed “Echo Peak,” as part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series.

With the announcement, Lenovo extends its menu of wireless connectivity options to include WiMAX, along with notebook models that include options for WWAN1, or 3G, through AT&T and Verizon, 1WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Ultra-Wideband functionality. These technologies offer customers choices of the latest ways for fast and convenient connectivity to fit their mobile lifestyle.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the notebooks vary with WiMAX-enabled1 models starting at approximately $720. Select notebooks will be available starting immediately through www.lenovo.com and business partners.