Lenovo (News - Alert) says it’s introducing an ultra-light Think Pad, a $2,600, stripped-down version of the original model X300.

 

The new Notebook PC can offer next-generation processing, greater solid-state-disk storage and enhanced multimedia experience, Lenovo officials said.

 

The new model, X301, comes without a DVD drive or full-size battery, said the company. It features a full-size keyboard and13.3-inch LED backlit display, and weighs 2.93 pounds, company officials say.

 

According to Lenovo, X301 puts forth 20 percent better performance than its predecessor. X301 uses the latest DDR3 memory and a faster Intel (News - Alert) Core 2 Duo ultra low-volt processor. It has 512 MB to 2 GB of memory. Lenovo says it offers the choice of 64-GB and 80-GB solid-state drives for more storage. Also, Lenovo says it’ll introduce a new 128-GB drive next month.

 

The new DisplayPort support in Lenovo X301 makes viewing high-definition content easy and ideal for models with the ultra-thin DVD burner, according to the company. With support for both DisplayPort and Video Graphics Array, users can watch high-definition content on multiple displays, Lenovo said.

 

Lenovo X301 also has enhanced wireless communications features. It supports Wireless Fidelity and wireless carriers’ broadband networks. It is available with Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband technology to connect to other devices. Lenovo plans to introduce new models that support WiMax later this year.

 

Lenovo offers improved uplink performance by up to 250 percent for models with AT&T (News - Alert) mobile broadband over previous ThinkPad notebooks with AT&T mobile broadband4, said the company.

 

Other features of the X301 include Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Technlogies designed to maximize user productivity, Access Connection tool to create user-friendly interface, and Lenovo’s Power Manager to enable longer battery life, according to the company.

 

“Lenovo continues to push the technology envelope by giving road warriors the latest enhancements in solid state drive storage and digital display technologies with the new ThinkPad X301 notebook PC,” said Sam Dusi, vice president of worldwide notebook product marketing at Lenovo. “This announcement extends our commitment to blending ultraportability and functionality, and equipping today’s business users with the most advanced, highest-performing computing tools.”