Lenovo refreshes Z and U series notebook range

The Ideapad Z series notebooks have 13.3in or 15.6in high-definition widescreens

Lenovo has unveiled a range of laptops, all-in-one PCs and net-tops, claiming that the new designs will make computing more enjoyable and affordable for consumers.

The Z360, Z560 and Z565 and U160, U460 and U460s notebooks combine form with functionality, according to Lenovo.

"In the three years since Lenovo launched its worldwide Idea brand of PCs, we have expanded our consumer footprint to more than 85 countries, firmly establishing our presence in the consumer PC market," said Dion Weisler, vice president of business operations at Lenovo.

The Z series notebooks have 13.3in or 15.6in high-definition 16:9 format widescreens, optional Blu-ray drive and Dolby Advanced Audio.

Lenovo said that the Z360 and Z560 feature Intel Core processors and Nvidia GeForce graphics, while the Z565 comes with an AMD Phenom II processor and ATI Mobility Radeon graphics.

The U series notebooks are slender and light and designed for the fashion conscious, the firm said. The 14in U460 and U460s models can be configured with an Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Turbo Boost technology for more serious users.

Also revealed were the IdeaCentre A700 and B305 all-in-one PCs, which are designed with family and home users in mind.

These have high-definition touch screens starting at 23in, and again include the Intel Core i7 and Turbo Boost, as well as other home-friendly features such as HDMI in and out connections. The B305 includes an AMD Athlon II X4 quad-core processor and optional DirectX graphics.

The IdeaCentre Q150 net-top PC is pitched as an addition to the "living room entertainment centre", Lenovo said. The unit can be attached to a television or monitor and used to control and access internet video and media using a trackball mouse and mini-keyboard.

Finally, the H320 tower desktop PC is a slim home computer, which offers interesting features including a warning if the user is sitting too close to the machine.

Units will start shipping in June, and prices start at $649 (£440) for the Z series, $699 (£475) for the U series, $999 (£675) for the A700, $699 (£475) for the B305, $249 (£170) for the Q150 and $549 (£370) for the H320.