CES 2008

Lenovo kept the focus on its new IdeaPad laptops at the show, but it also introduced a new desktop line, albeit very quietly. The three IdeaCentre models depicted here will come out in Europe at first, and although a U.S. introduction is likely, specs, pricing, and which models will cross over are all still to be determined. The last time we reviewed a true Lenovo home desktop was in March of 2006, with the Lenovo 3000 J-Series. It appears that Lenovo has paid attention to desktop design trends in the meantime.

The IdeaCentre K200 has a media card reader among its various front-panel inputs.

(Credit: Lenovo)

It's hard to tell much about the IdeaCentre Q200, other than it has a slick white-and-silver design.

(Credit: Lenovo)

The Mini Q might be our favorite of the IdeaCentres, at least based on looks.

(Credit: Lenovo)

One of three new entertainment laptops, the IdeaPad U110 features a textured red lid.

(Credit: Lenovo)

Getting a jump on the product-launch blitz that is CES 2008, Lenovo has announced a whole new brand of consumer-oriented laptops and desktops. Called IdeaPad and IdeaCentre, the lines are intended to complement the company's flagship business-oriented ThinkPad and ThinkCentre lines. While today's announcement does not include any specifics on desktop models, we learned plenty about the new IdeaPad laptops.

Watch the Lenovo Idea Pad U110 video on CNET TV.

The first full line of entertainment-oriented Lenovo laptops to hit the United States (we saw one consumer model, the Lenovo 3000 Y410, sneak into the States last fall), IdeaPads include such welcome design touches as textured lid finishes and a sleek "frameless" screen that's ergonomically situated a bit farther away from the keyboard than most laptops. Also key to the IdeaPad look are touch-sensitive media controls above the keyboard and a bright orange button, called the Shuttle Key, which can be used on its own to control volume or in combination with the touch controls for additional functionality (somewhat like a Fn key). There's Front Row-like media software, called Shuttle Center, and Dolby Home Theater sound. Every IdeaPad is also outfitted with a built-in 1.3-megapixel Webcam, VeriFace software for biometric security via face recognition, and a ThinkVantage-like Novo key that provides quick system recovery should you ever encounter a data-destroying virus.

Tonight's announcement includes the first three laptop models in the IdeaPad line: the 17-inch Y710, the 15.4-inch Y510, and the 11.1-inch U110. Individual specs and details after the break. ... Read more