At Mobile World Congress, Lenovo is taking the wraps off a series of new IdeaPad laptops. The ultra-slim Windows 10 devices are getting subtle design changes and options for AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 processors, as well as the newest Whiskey Lake processors from Intel.
IdeaPad C340
We begin first with the IdeaPad C340. Coming in April, and starting at $450, this is Lenovo’s most affordable IdeaPad. It will be available in either a 14- or 15-inch size with Intel or AMD processors. A 15-inch Intel-based version will also be released, but will be priced at $500. Key features on this device include slimmer 3-sided narrow bezels, up to 8 hours of battery life, and a new “True Block Privacy Shutter” for webcam privacy. It also comes with a glass fiber top cover, as well as an optional fingerprint reader. Colorways include Abyss Blue, Platinum Grey or Onyx black.
Key Specs Intel
- Processor: Core i7-8565U, Core i5-8265U, Core i3-8145U, Pentium 5405-U
- Display: 14-inch FHD or HD, and 15-inch FHD or HD
- RAM: 4, 8, or 16GB
- Storage: Up to 512GB PCIe SSD or up to 512 GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Ports: 2x USB-3.1, 1x USB Type-C, card reader, HDMI
Alongside a jump to Whiskey Lake processors, the 14- and 15-inch Intel versions of the IdeaPad C340 are getting a graphics upgrade to the GeForce MX250. The 14 inch AMD version, meanwhile, features options for Radeon RX Vega integrated graphics. Processor options on the AMD version range from the Ryzen 7 3700U, Ryzen 5 3500 U, Ryzen 3 3200U, or AMD Athalon. It only features up to 4 or 8GB RAM but has configurations with up to a 512GB PCIe SSD. Connectivity is the same as the Intel version, but it only will come in the Platinum Grey, Onyx Black colorway.
IdeaPad S540
Next up is the IdeaPad S540. Also coming in April, this is a higher-end IdeaPad model. Its displays bezels are 25 percent smaller when compared the last generation, and it comes with a TrueBlock Privacy Shutter privacy mechanism for covering up the webcam. For more efficient cooling, it also has dual-action fans. Under the hood, the S540 features Intel’s eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, or up to the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U mobile processor. Lenovo is promising up to 12 hours of battery life and says its support for a Rapid Charge technology can give the S540 up to 80 percent battery capacity in one hour.
The 14- and 15-inch Intel versions of the IdeaPad S540 come with options for a PCIe SSD of up to 512GB, or up to 12GB RAM. It also comes with options for either standard Intel integrated graphics, the Nvidia GeForce MX250 graphics card or the GeForce GTX 1050. Connectivity includes 1 USB-C port, 2 USB-3.0 ports, and HDMI. It will be available in Abyss Blue, Copper, and Mineral Grey.
The AMD version only will be available in 14 inches and comes with Radeon RX Vega10 Graphics, up to 12GB RAM and up to a 512GB SSD. Battery life is a bit lower at 8 hours, and the connectivity and color options remain the same as the Intel version.
Pricing starts at $730 for the 14-inch AMD version (April release), $850 for a 15-inch Intel version (April release), and $880 for a 14-inch Intel version (June release).
IdeaPad S340
Final of the group is is the IdeaPad S340. Available in 14- or 15-inch sizes, Lenovo has trimmed the bezels down by 20 percent on this model. Also getting upgraded are both the Intel and AMD processors. It features up to an FHD IPS Touch Display and the same TrueBlock privacy shutter webcam found on the other IdeaPads. Battery life on the Intel version is promised at between eight and 10 hours.
Key Specs Intel
- Processor: Core i7-8565U, i5-8265U, i3-8145U
- Display: 14-inch FHD or HD, and 15.6-inch FHD or HD
- RAM: 4, 8, or 12GB
- Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce MX250 or integrated Intel graphics
- Storage: 128 GB/256 GB SSD
- Ports: 2x USB-3.0, 1x USB Type-C, 4-in-1 SD card reader
Specifications on the AMD versions are relatively the same but come with the Ryzen 7 3700U Mobile Processor and Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics instead. Battery life is rated down a bit between 6-8 hours. Pricing on the AMD 14-inch version is not yet available, but Lenovo is aiming for an April release. The 14-inch Intel variant will go on sale in April for $370, and the 15-inch version for $450. A 15-inch AMD version will come in at $430.
IdeaCentre AIO A340
Alongside the IdeaPads, Lenovo is also launching a new IdeaCentre All in One PC. Featuring a slim metallic stand, it comes with a narrow-bezel design with a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio. Under the hood are options for the Core i5-8400T, i5-8265U, or Pentium Silver J5005 processors.
Graphics are provided by AMD Radeon 530. RAM comes in at either 4GB or 8GB, and the storage is set up to a 512GB SSD. There’s an option for a touchscreen on both models. Connectivity includes two USB-2.0 ports, 2 USB-3.1 ports, HDMI out, and a 3-in-1 Card Reader. Two color options are available: Business Black and Foggy White. Pricing starts at $500 on the 22-inch version and $680 on the 24-inch version, with both coming in April.
