IFA 2019: New chips and smart functions for Lenovo's notebooks
6.9.2019
Translation: machine translated
Lenovo not only unveiled new notebooks and tablets at IFA, but also presented its vision for the near future.
New technologies should not only make the devices smarter, but also make notebooks more mobile, for example, as a smartphone can never completely replace a laptop.
Save energy, utilise power and talk to Alexa on the go
On a technological level, Lenovo benefits on the one hand from the new tenth-generation Intel Core chipsets, but also brings its own developments to its devices.
The Ice Lake processors that Lenovo is offering in its new notebooks ensure, among other things, that they can handle the new, faster WiFi 6 standard. The manufacturer also wants to offer more models with a SIM card for mobile internet access.
The chipsets should generally provide up to 20 per cent longer battery life and some of the new models are ready for Project Athena, with which Intel wants to give them even more computing power. In line with this, Lenovo is also planning to install more 4K displays.
At the software level, you will be able to access Alexa from Amazon in more and more Lenovo notebooks. The voice assistant also works on the lock screen - but only in Germany, the UK and the USA for the time being. Other countries are to follow.
Lenovo Q Control is one of the exciting in-house developments. This should allow you to switch modes at the touch of a button to save power or have full performance.
Five YogaBooks and three ThinkBooks
The new YogaBooks are each available in different versions. Here is a rough overview:
- C940: 14-inch and 15-inch (Athena), from 1499 euros, from September
- C740: 14-inch and 15-inch, from 899 euros, from September
- C640: 13 inch, from 899 euros, from October
- S940: 14 inch (Athena), from 1699 euros, from November
- S740: 14-inch (Athena) and 15-inch, from 899 euros, from September
Lenovo is also giving its compact and affordable business notebooks an upgrade. From November, you will be able to buy the new ThinkBooks with Ice Lake chipsets. These are the three models:
- ThinkBook 13s, from 699 euros
- ThinkBook 14, from 675 euros
- ThinkBook 15, from 665 euros
Smart displays and tablets for the smart home
Lenovo is trying to make tablets more important again by integrating them into the smart home. They run Android and with the Google Ambient Mode system, they can be used to control your smart home. You can also use the mode to set up the tablet - the corresponding feet are available - as an information station for weather and appointments, to play music or as a digital picture frame. All controllable via the Google Assistant and your voice.
The Lenovo Yoga Tab is the new version of an old acquaintance. Special features of the ten-inch tablet are the stand integrated into the casing and the speaker system from JBL. However, it is not flat, but has a bulge on one side. It should be available in September for 299 euros.
The more affordable Lenovo Smart Tab M8 will follow in October for 149 euros. Its display is smaller at eight inches and the stand is not integrated. The Lenovo Smart Display 7 will also be released in October for 129 euros. To me, it looks like an alarm clock with many, many functions. There is no built-in battery, so the smart display is dependent on a fixed location by the bed, in the kitchen or another place in your home.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.