Lenovo has launched the IdeaPad U260, calling it the world’s “First 12.5 inch ultraportable consumer laptop” with a 16:9 screen and a slim form factor. What are the specs, how sexy is it — and is Lenovo actively channeling and/or going after Apple? Read on for my analysis…

Lenovo says the U260 is uncompromising on luxury, providing a minimalist design, glass touchpad, metal alloy-cover and a faux-leather palm rest. Fancy. So what’s the price for this luxury item? A surprising  start at $899 — or $100 cheaper than the 11-inch MacBook Air.

I just can’t help but thinking Lenovo is trying to do with PCs what Apple has done with their Macs, make them sexy and stylish while also practical. But I also feel like Lenovo is taking a cue from the Cupertino company. The Lenovo press release is filled with details about the manufacturing of the notebook, including a “one-piece magnesium-aluminum alloy frame” for strength and thinness, along with “silky smooth” glass touchpad with multi-touch pinch-to-zoom technology.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Lenovo positions the new notebook for mobile executives who want a “classy laptop” or consumers looking for an uncompromising computer that combines thinness and ergonomics. Lenovo says that the machine checks in at just under 3 pounds and just over half-inch in height. Again, these stats hit close to come for MacBook air users.

Nifty Moves

But here’s where Lenovo actually ups-the-ante. Other than the slightly larger screen size, Lenovo has put in an Intel Core i7 CPU, and the U260 starts with 320GB of hard disk storage, which can be customized to be 128GB of SSD storage. There’s also 4GB of DDR3 RAM on board. It comes with Lenovo’s “Windows 7 Enhanced Experience,” and a few other tweaks. There’s no word on battery life, however. (A Core i7 CPU, plus a mechanical hard drive option could put this notebook at less-than-stellar battery times.)

But regardless, it’s most definitely aimed at the same demographic Apple has targeted with their new MacBook Airs. How does it really stack up? I’ve reached out to Lenovo to request a review-unit. If I get one, I’ll give you the low-down on whether this IdeaPad is a true PC-contender for those who want the same sleek design without all the Apple-nonsense.

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3 Comments on “Lenovo IdeaPad U260: Truly Unique or Targeting MacBook Air?”

  1. Mark Says:
    November 18th, 2010 at 11:45 am

    I find your very last comment interesting: Apple nonsense. What do you consider to be nonsense in Apple? Fast start up times? Less crashes? Fast shut down times?

    You are comparing hardware to software. I believe that the Lenovo ideapad will be a great piece of hardware, but it is still running Windows. The Apple is a fantastic piece of hardware, and it runs a very stable reliable OS.

    I used PCs for decades, and have recently switched over to the Apple Macbook, and I will never go back.

  2. Dave Courbanou Says:
    November 18th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    Hi Mark,

    If you poke around this site, you’ll see I’m a big Apple fan, so I was saying that comment tongue-in-cheek. I know that doesn’t always come across well on the Internet.

    I meant ‘nonsense’ in the way that some people I know look at an Apple product and don’t care about the aesthetics because they’re more concerned about how many USB ports they have, or why there isn’t feature XYZ.

    Thanks for reading =)

  3. Don McCoy Says:
    November 22nd, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    I have been in the market for a second lightweight ultraportable for travel. I have my work laptop, but I want to do things I cannot use my corp computer for- (Video, music, games, etc.) so, I have been looking at several options- Ipads, android tabs, etc.

    A few observations- Is it just me, or does it seem like every day there is something newer, cooler, better spec’ed, better priced coming out? Its almost paralyzing. Im afraid to actually buy something because I’m sure to have buyers remorse immediately after I buy something.

    Next, WHAT IS UP with all the nasty, hateful Apple vs Windows fights i see everywhere? Come on! Can’t we all make our own choices based on personal preferences without calling people morons (or worse) just because they have different tastes or ideas? GROW UP. And I’m NOT referring to the two previous posters- Im talking about what i see in general.

    I have tried the tabs, and I like a lot about them, but well, as much as I type, I need a physical keyboard, so this lenovo or the MB air is a much better fit for me than an Ipad or tablet. But here again, I have been flamed for “Not getting it” or being “stuck in the past” simply because I want a keyboard.

    I kie apple hardware a lot. I have a large Mac at home. But for my travel enviroment, I would rather just deal with ONE OS, so I can shuttle things back and forth as needed from one laptop to another.

    I have a windows laptop, and Apple Iphone, and I really dont want an android tablet- (THREE OS??? No thanks)

    I am considering the windows phones, they look great. Then I could use one OS windows, for phone, work laptop, personal laptop.

    This lenovo looks like a winner for me- MBAir like form factor, better ports, better specs, excellent build quality, and even cheaper. not crazy about the estimated 4 hrs of battery life, but all other things being equal, I think I could live with that.

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