Lenovo today announced the New Zealand launch of two new Windows 7-capable laptops aimed at small business users.

The ThinkPad Edge and ThinkPad x100e are available from today and are both relatively inexpensive with New Zealand RRPs starting at $1,299 for lower spec versions.

Lenovo said in a statement that the Edge was available in 13-, 14- and 15-inch variations. It was one of the first ThinkPad laptops to offer AMD dual core processor technology and to be offered on AMD's Vision Pro Technology. It sold with up to 4GB of DDR2 Ram and 500GB of hard disk space, and major changes from previous Lenovo models included a re-designed "contemporary" keyboard, designed for style and ease of use, and an expanded multi-touch touchpad, the company said.

The second model, the x100e, weighed in at approximately 1.4kg. Lenovo called it a "professional grade ultraportable" and said it pioneered a new category of business computer that blended "professional performance, usability and design".

All x100e versions featured a 11.6-inch display, a re-designed "contemporary keyboard" and 802.11n Wi-Fi. They shipped with up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 500GB of hard disk space and customers could purchase variations with either an AMD Athlon Neo single core or dual core processor, or a Turion dual core processor. Bluetooth and 3G capability was also optional, Lenovo said.

Lenovo's New Zealand and Australia product and marketing director Chris Kelly said the new models were an example of "stunning technology and powerful performance at unprecedented value".

Both of the new models were offered in a traditional business black, but a "heatwave red" option was also available, he said.

ThinkPad Edge

ThinkPad x100e