Lenovo announces availability of new ThinkPad SL Notebook range designed specifically for small and medium business users.

Lenovo today unveiled a complete computing solution for South African small-to-medium business (SME) users that includes the new SL series of ThinkPad notebooks, value-added software and new services.

The three notebooks - SL300, SL 400 and SL500 feature cutting-edge technologies, such as LED backlit displays, excellent multimedia capabilities with an optional Blu-Ray DVD player as well as a black glossy cover for a stylish design. To make the computing experience productive and simple, Lenovo also combined software that helps with everything from data recovery to simplifying Internet connection with a new service package featuring on-line data backup and on-site warranty repair.

"Lenovo has experienced significant growth in the local market in terms of both notebook and desktop sales," said Rashid Wally, country manager, Lenovo South Africa. "As we prepare to celebrate our three-year anniversary, we aim to continue to grow ahead of the market and introduce new products, as well as services. The launch of the ThinkPad SL notebook range places us in a great position to pursue the local SME market and offer a platform designed specifically with these users in mind."

An additional five new Lenovo notebooks were also announced - the ThinkPad R400, R500, T400, T500 and W500. Lenovo brings many of the technologies first pioneered in the industry-acclaimed ThinkPad X300 notebook, such as solid state drive storage and LED backlit displays.

The new T Series includes technologies like switchable graphics and support for Display Port. All the latest ThinkPad notebooks, including the SL Series, are based on Intel's Centrino 2 processor technology.

Quality, affordability and service and support are critical factors to SME notebook users, and Lenovo's SME solution combines all of those. These notebooks have been designed for the way SME users work - whether at home, in the office or at a coffee shop.

With the growing demand for "around the clock" connectivity, select models of all the ThinkPad SL notebooks are available with built-in high-speed mobile broadband.

The number of SME users is growing dramatically. IDC forecasts that in 2009, the SME segment will command 31% of the total notebook (including ultra-portables) PC market worldwide. The growth in this space is outpacing the growth in traditional large volume buyers.

The notebooks also excel with their multimedia capabilities. Speakers, microphones and an optional Web cam provide excellent support for Internet voice and video conferencing. And support for HDMI/VGA means users can watch video content, like movies in high-definition. The ThinkPad SL Series also combines looks with performance with a glossy black top cover, a first for ThinkPad notebook design.

Known in the industry for hardware reliability, Lenovo designed the notebooks with durability and performance in mind. Lenovo's Active Protection System, an airbag like system, protects the hard drive against drops or falls, and an optional fingerprint reader helps protect against unauthorised users. The ThinkPad SL300 notebook also comes with an available LED backlit display.