Lenovo Malaysia introduces new line of workplace-transforming computers
By Tan Jee Yee December 5, 2019
- ThinkBook 14 and 15 laptops geared for SMEs where staff expect ‘work anywhere’ options
- Introducing ThinkCentre M90n-1 Nano, the world’s smallest commercial desktop
Lenovo is on a mission in “Transforming [the] Workplace”, and it’s one that involves computers catered for businesses and offices of the modern era. Chief among them are the brand new ThinkBook 14 and 15 laptops – a line of laptops catered towards small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Lenovo claims that SME employers are still lagging behind in offering or obtaining flexible, mobile solutions for work. Citing a study the company conducted, they say that desktops still persist as a primary device for 73% of employers, while fewer than 25% have access to cloud-based tools.
The study also notes that more than a quarter of Asian SME employees have displayed an interest in exploring more form factors and type of devices, including 2-in-1s and tablets in the workplace. Additionally, an increasing number of millennials and Gen Z workers expect their employers to provide “work anywhere” PC options.
“SMEs should aim to provide what employees will need, not only today but in the years to come,” says Lenovo Malaysia general manager Varinderjit Singh.
“Employees want to be more mobile and flexible at work in general, and it is up to SME decision-makers to make informed decisions on which solutions will best meet their needs now and in the future.”
Bookish goods
Enter the ThinkBook, which made its debut during IFA 2019 in Sept. The line-up falls squarely between Lenovo’s consumer notebooks and their ThinkPad range of business laptops – in that they offer some of the security features you may come to expect of the higher-end ThinkPad line while being more budget conscious and sporting sleeker, more consumer-centric designs.
Back to the ThinkBook. This laptop series comes equipped with 10th Gen Intel Core processors, which can intelligently adjust to the task at hand through adaptive AI. Users will be able to customise them with PCIe SSD storage and DDR4 memory to suit their preferences.
Lenovo Malaysia customer solutions architect Steven Cheng, in presenting the ThinkBook, says that the laptops have simple-to-use security features, which includes a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
Both laptops have narrow bezels, which means 80% or so screen-to-body ratio. They also feature two Dolby Audio speakers for sound. More performance-demanding workers can equip the laptop with discrete graphics as well.
The 14-inch Lenovo ThinkBook 14 is now available from US$823.79 (RM3,439), while the 15.6-inch ThinkBook 15 retails from US$1,029.80 (RM4,299) onwards.
The nano solutions
The company isn’t ignoring the 73% of desktop-focused businesses, though. They are also introducing the ThinkCentre M90n-1 Nano and the ThinkCentre M90n-1 Nano IoT, two highly compact commercial desktops.
In fact, Lenovo claims that the ThinkCentre M90n-1 Nano is the world’s smallest commercial desktop, though we have little reason to dispute that. The unit weighs as little as 505g, allowing users to easily fit it behind a monitor or merely left on the table with little worry of it taking up space.
The smaller size also means lesser energy costs. Lenovo says it saves as much as 30% of energy costs annually, and this despite it sporting up to Intel 8th Gen Core vPro i7 processors and SSD storage, plus an option to upgrade it to 16GB DDR4 of memory. It only requires a compatible USB Type-C monitor to power (or a Type-C dock).
The ThinkCentre M90n-1 Nano IoT, on the other hand, is meant for manufacturing, retail, healthcare and other IoT-centric industries where harsh operating temperatures are expected. This is built to be energy-efficient with a quiet fan-less design, which explains the prominent heatsinks. Lenovo says that the thermal range is at 0-degrees to 50-degrees Celsius.
Lenovo Malaysia also announced a collaboration with co-working community Common Ground, which will see the latter offering pay-per-use Lenovo device rental service for their members.
“Common Ground’s mission is to create and champion a community and lifestyle centred around business success. We are always partnering with brands that are in line with our goal to anticipate and meet the needs of our members. Through this unique collaboration with Lenovo, we can introduce and streamline smarter technology to our members who are digital natives,” says Common Ground Malaysia country head Yvonne Lee.
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