Lenovo adds to its ThinkPad line the newest T431s featuring a range of design enhancements, including sleeker-looking keyboard, super thin display bezel, a larger trackpad with multitouch glass surface, and refined aesthetics. According to the company, the refined design is inspired by the results of an extensive global research project. Being the thinnest and lightest T series ever, the new T431s weighs just 1.63kg and measures only 20.6mm thin. Along with new design elements, the new ThinkPad Ultrabook retains the carbon fiber top cover and magnesium exterior for business-class rugged design and durability (MIL-STD-8 standard).
The new premium business notebook is powered by Intel’s 3rd gen Core Ivy Bridge processor up to i7-3687U and up to 12GB of RAM (4GB soldered to the mainboard). You may get Core i5-3337U or i5-3437U instead, if the power of i7 is too much for you or you just want to save some cash. It uses integrated Intel HD graphics chip and comes with a 14-inch 1600×900 display with 250 nits brightness. For storage, the ThinkPad can be equipped with up to 1TB of 5400RPM hard drive or 256GB SSD, and there is a SD/SDHC/SDXC card reader.
The redesigned T series offers an enhanced trackpad experience with a new bigger, smooth 5-button TouchPad with glass surface and multi-touch, which is optimized for Windows 8. As a ThinkPad, it integrates the iconic TrackPoint as well. The island-style keyboard gets backlight. Other features include 720p HD webcam, WiFi 802.11n, USB 3.0 ports and optional WWAN 3G/4G mobile broadband support. Intended for business users, there are also optional built-in fingerprint reader and Smart Card Reader, as well as Hardware Password Manager suite that includes self-encrypting drives for data protection.
Coming in April, the ThinkPad T431s starts at $949. A new Graphite Black color option is available.
