Lenovo Announces IdeaPad U550; Easy to Switch From Work to Play

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: