Lenovo to pre-install Skype

Lenovo's ThinkPad and ThinkCentre ranges will have Skype preloaded

PC giant Lenovo has revealed that all of its ThinkPad laptops and ThinkCentre desktop PCs will now come with Skype pre-installed.

"If you're fortunate enough to get your hands on a Lenovo ThinkPad or ThinkCentre for your home or office, be sure to keep an eye out for Skype," said the firm's chief blogger Peter Parkes.

Of course, if you don't fall into this category, the popular VoIP software can always be downloaded for free from Skype's web site.

The announcement means that those hoping for a fresh Windows install, free of clutter or any applications beyond those they choose to install, might want to look elsewhere. However, PC makers offering such a package are becoming increasingly thin on the ground.

Neither Lenovo nor Skype mentioned what the deal entailed in terms of benefits for Lenovo, but the fact that the firms share the same PR company, at least in Europe, may raise some eyebrows.