Lenovo has upgraded its most inexpensive ThinkPad X-series with a mind to help students and the public at large. The 11.6-inch X130e has a stronger bezel, hinge system and even 33 percent stronger edges, all meant to let them survive casual bumps. Performance is now much better as well, with the option of a 1.65GHz AMD E-450 chip versus the earlier E-350 as well as a new Intel Core i3 2367U.
Users can alternately step down to a 1.3GHz AMD E-300 or option up to as much as 500GB of storage. Optimizations from Lenovo focus on both speed and longevity. RapidBoot promises to get even a modest system like the X130e to the Windows 7 desktop in under 20 seconds, and an industry-standard six-cell battery can push the ThinkPad to 8.5 hours at peak.
Although schools are a consideration, Lenovo has stressed that anyone can buy the X130e. Lenovo is starting a base configuration at $469 and will ship it on December 20 in black or red colors.
