Lenovo is launching an update to the popular IdeaPad U Series notebooks, including the company’s first UltraBook, the IdeaPad U300s.

In all, Lenovo is announcing three notebooks in the U series, which keep much of the book design and emphasis on the look and feel of the device which we saw on the IdeaPad U260.

These notebooks make use of the latest Intel Core i 2nd Gen processors, and in the case of the U300s, we have a new ULV processor that Intel is betting the UltraBook name on.

The IdeaPad U300s is the long awaited Lenovo UltraBook.

The IdeaPad U series includes the following notebooks,

• IdeaPad U300 – 13.3″ display full voltage 2nd Gen Intel processors and up to 6 hours battery life
• IdeaPad U300s – 13.3″ display, ULV Intel Core i7 processor, ultralight, up to 8 hours of battery life
• IdeaPad U400 – 14″ display, full voltage 2nd Gen Intel processors, AMD Radeon GPU and up to 7 hours battery life

Features and Specs

As I mentioned the most interesting models is the IdeaPad U300s, which comes in at 14.9mm thick and weighs in at 2.9 pounds. This notebook is an UltraBook, which PC makers hope will provide competition against the MacBook Air.

In order to deliver a slim notebook, Lenovo changed the way the device is laid out, which results in some pretty dramatic changes. First off, there are no vents on the bottom of the notebook. Instead, there is a breathable keyboard, like we saw on the Sony VAIO Z, which allows air to enter the notebook and be pushed out through the side vents.

Lenovo tells us that this keeps temps on the palmrest and base of the notebook lower, even if you use the notebook in bed propped on a pillow. We’ll have to wait to verify this ourselves, but it sounds great.

In addition to a breathable keyboard, Lenovo has paid attention to the mousepad. The U300s, and other U series notebooks, will have a glass touchpad that is larger and smoother to use.

IdeaPad U300 on the left and IdeaPad U300s on the right.

Rather than deliver a notebook that is wedge shaped, like the MacBook air and other Windows competitors, Lenovo has focused on replicating the book experience. This comes through in the shape of the notebook, but also in the feel.

The IdeaPad U series is made from a single sheet of aluminum, but Lenovo doesn’t stop there, they also sandblast it to give a warmer feel and anodized instead of painted, in clementine orange or graphite grey.

The battery life on the IdeaPad U300s is rated at 8 hours of productive use, which will likely drop when it gets in to real world users hands, but still should last most of your day. The notebook is also rated to last 30 days in standby. The U300 is rated at 6 hours and the U400 is rated at 7 hours.

If you configure any of these IdeaPad U series notebooks with an SSD, you can get 10 second boot times thanks to Lenovo RapidBoot technology and the Lenovo Enhanced Experience.

Pricing and Availability

The IdeaPad U series will be available in October at Lenovo.com and participating retailers.

• IdeaPad U300 – $799
• IdeaPad U400 – $849
• IdeaPad U300s – $1,195

IdeaPad U300s and U Series Gallery

Lenovo U Series Notebooks Updated, IdeaPad U300s UltraBook Arrives is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Potential good news for MacBook Air fans that want a smaller, faster, cheaper machine. According to reports out of China, by way of DigTimes, Apple will be launching an updated MacBook Air that is 11.6 inches and likely using Intel’s ULV Core i processors — possibly before the end of the year.

We had heard a rumor of a MacBook Air refresh in early August, that would come as soon as September, but when Steve made no mention of the MacBook Air at the September 1st music event it seemed like we might see the device slip further into the future.

This new rumor claims that Quanta will ship between 400,000 and 500,000 new 11.6″ Macbook Air notebooks before the end of 2011.

If the new MacBook comes in smaller and with the ULV Core i processors we may also see a lower price, which would make the device more attractive than its slim aluminum shell already will.

According to the MacRumor’s Buyer’s Guide, the MacBook Air is ready for an upgrade, having been unchanged for 473 days, making it the “oldest” MacBook product on the market. MacRumors points out that there is a trend for Fall updates to the MacBook lines.

Via SlashGear

Apple Prepping 11.6″ MacBook Air According to Insiders is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Have you been waiting for a new MacBook Air? If so you may be in for a treat this fall as it appears that Apple is readying a MacBook Pro refresh for later this year. DigiTimes reports that Apple is preparing a new MacBook Air with an 11.6″ screen and a new Intel Core i series ULV or Ultra-Low Voltage processor.

“Kuo, citing discussions with upstream component makers, noted that the 11.6-inch MacBook Air will feature an even slimmer and lighter design than the previous-generation models and the technologies used for the design and concept are expected to be broadly used in the company’s other product lines to boost their competitiveness.” – DigiTimes

If this rumor is true it would be a change from the current 13.3″ Macbook Air which is powered by an older Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Given the increase in notebooks and netbooks arriving on the market in the 11.6″ range this could be a an actual product, but unless Gizmodo finds one in a bar, we likely won’t know more until Apple makes a formal announcement.

Given the length of time, 402 days, since the last MacBook Air update it makes sense that a new MacBook Air could arrive later this year using new technology.

The rumor was also accompanied by more details on the rumored iPod Touch update that may come later this year; stating that the iPod Touch will have a 3 MP camera and use Apple’s latest A4 processor.

Also making the rounds in the Apple rumor category is the  rumor that Apple will release a smaller iPad with an OLED screen, though there is reason to doubt a smaller OLED iPad anytime soon.

Via NetBookNews.de (German)

11.6″ MacBook Air Coming in 2010 and Other Apple Rumors is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

It’s about time. The Acer TimeLineX notebooks are officially coming to America later this month. These new portable and ultraportable notebooks have been available across the sea for some time, but will soon be on store shelves in the States starting at $599.

The new Acer TimelineX notebooks come in four sizes – - all of which are designed to be thin and light. The new models are as follows an 11.6-inch Aspire Timeline 1830T, 13.3-inch 3820T, 14-inch 4820T and the 15.6-inch 5820T. All of these notebooks are available in black brushed aluminum, claim up to 8-hours of battery life, are less than an inch thin and weigh between 3 and 5.5 pounds. All but the smallest of these new Acer notebooks come with full voltage Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processors and 3 or 4GB of RAM.

Acer Aspire 5820T – 15.6″, 5.5 pounds, Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, 320GB to 500GB hard drive, media controls for frequently used programs and a numeric keypad. Starting price $749.

Acer Aspire 4820T – 14″, 4.65 pounds, Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, 320GB to 500GB hard drive, media controls for frequently used programs. Starting price $749.

Acer Aspire 4820G - 14″, 4.65 pounds, Switchable graphics with an ATI Mobility Radeonâ„¢ HD 5650 Graphics w/ full Direct X11 support. Also comes with Acer PowerSmart technology to, with the touch of a button, adjust display color and brightness for what Acer claims is an all-day computing experience. Available with a Core i3 processor, 4GB RAM and a 320GB hard drive for $799 or an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM and a 500GB hard drive for $899.

Acer Aspire 3820T – 13.3″, less than 4 pounds, with a CineCrystal LED display. Users can choose between an Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor, 3 or 4GB of RAM and either a 320GB or a 500GB hard drive. Starts at $729.

Acer Aspire 1830T – 11.6″ 3.09 pounds with a 100% full size keyboard with a multi-gesture touchpad. The smallest Acer Aspire Timeline X notebook comes in two varieties; an Intel Core i5 ULV  processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive which is $699 and an Intel Core i3 ULV processor, 3GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive which is $599. The ULV processor uses less power than a standard voltage CPU and offers better battery life.

Acer TimelineX Notebooks Come to America is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Nearly 6 months ago Intel announce the Core i3, i5 and i7 processors which have delivered better performance to notebooks and computers which have been readily available from many manufacturers. Today Intel has announced a new line of Ultra Low Voltage Core processors which are designed to fit in ultra-thin notebooks.

The new processor line of Ultra Low Voltage processors include new smaller Intel Core i3, Core i5 and yes even the Intel Core i7. These lower power, smaller processors will allow for longer battery life in a smaller package. To paraphrase Intel’s webcast, users will enjoy the portability of a netbook with the power of a notebook.

The New Intel Core Ultra Low Voltage Processors are:

• i3-330UM
• i5-520UM
• i7-640LM
• i7-620LM
• i7-640UM
• i7620UM

Intel also introduced a new ULV Intel Pentium processor, the U5400 and ULV Intel Celeron processor, the U3400.

“Consumers crave laptops that offer style and performance, and the new 2010 Intel® Coreâ„¢ Ultra-Low Voltage processors for ultra-thin laptops delivers both, in one sleek design,” said Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager of the PC Client Group at Intel. “Intel’s leadership in 32nm high-k metal gate process technology, combined with breakthrough architecture and design has enabled thinner, lighter and faster notebooks than previous models, with terrific battery life. Not only are laptops becoming ultraportable, but with the new processors inside, users will see faster response times and less waiting.”

According to Intel, the new Intel Core i5-430UM processor is much faster than the previous SU7300 ULV processor. This includes faster performance in the following categories.

• 35%+ faster multitasking
• 40%+ faster video editing
• 2X better graphics

40 new notebooks using these new processors will be available from manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, MSI and others at a variety of prices beginning in June. Several of these notebooks are shown below with size comparisons to everyday objects. These Ultrathin notebooks will be less than an inch thick and weight between 2 to 5 pounds.

These new ultra-thin notebooks with ULV Intel Core processors will reportedly be so thin that users will need an instructional video to show the, “Ultra Thin Laptop Do’s and Don’ts Featuring HappySlip”, embedded below.

Remember. Don’t let your notebook be mistaken for a Frisbee!

Intel Introduces ULV Core Processors for Ultra-Thin Notebooks is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Intel rolled out its new lineup of Core processors (the i3, i5, and i7) at CES 2010.  Already, these processors are showing up in laptops, netbooks and desktops.  Its a wonder where they will show up next .  These chips are impressive because they incorporate CPU as well as graphic functions into one chip.  This helps with functionality as well as battery consumption.

Intel is looking to add to their already impressive Intel Core line of processors by adding some ULV (ultra low voltage) processors to the mix.  The Core i5-520UM and the Core i7-640UM use less power than the standard Core i5 and i7.    These new ULV processors are slated to appear sometime early this month.

What will this mean to the consumer?  It will be improved battery life and low power consumption.  It will also mean there will be deals to have on any system with the older Intel chipsets.

Thanks to Liliputing and CNet for the heads up on Intel.

ULV chips from Intel coming soon is a post by Amy from Notebooks.com.

The new Lenovo IdeaPad U550 features a 15.6″ screen which makes it the largest Lenovo consumer notebook to be available with an Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) processor, although you can opt to bump it up to an Intel Core2Duo processor if you need the extra power.

Speaking of power the U550 offers a helpful switch to manage your power usage. The U550 lets users switch between integrated and discrete graphics in an instant to better control their power usage and easily switch from work to play. There’s also an ambient light sensor that will adjust screen brightness based on your surroundings for better viewing and battery life.

The IdeaPad U550, which typically retails from $650, includes a 1.3 MP webcam, integrated fingerprint reader and weighs just over 5 pounds with the included 6 cell battery (6 hours).

KEY SELLING FEATURES

• 15.6inch HD screen (1366×768), 16:9 widescreen
• Up to Intel Coreâ„¢2 Duo processor technology
• Switchable Graphics switch between integrated Intel GMA X4500MHD and discrete ATI Radeonâ„¢ HD4330 512MB
• Up to 8GB DDR3 memory
• Up to 500GB HDD storage
• Integrated DVD drive
• Integrated 802.11agn/bg Wi-Fi, optional 3G
• From 24mm thick, weighing 2.4kg
• Ambient Light Sensor
• Fingerprint Reader
• Dolby® Sound Room surround sound
• OneKeyâ„¢ Rescue System 7.0 data recovery tools
• VeriFaceâ„¢ face recognition technology
• Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7 a faster, richer and easier way to use your PC

The IdeaPad U550 has the following ports and connection options:

• Connectivity: Ethernet 10/100/1000M, Wireless LAN, Intel® WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150 AGN (1×2), Intel® WiFi Link 5100 AGN (1×2), Lenovo b/g WLAN, Wireless WAN
• Ports: Kensington lock, 3xUSB, stereo headphone, built-in microphone, VGA, HDMI, RJ-45, 2xMini-PCIe, Wireless WAN SIM, 4-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro), SIM

Additional images of the IdeaPad U550 are below:

Lenovo Announces IdeaPad U550; Easy to Switch From Work to Play is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.