Lenovo targets consumers with IdeaPad range

Lenovo has announced plans to flesh out its product range beyond ThinkPad business users with a new line of notebooks aimed squarely at the consumer market.

The company will introduce its IdeaPad notebook line this month with 15in and 17in models, and a smaller 11in model at the end of March.

IdeaPad notebooks have been designed with gaming, entertainment and ease of portability in mind, and feature face-recognition software instead of passwords.

The 11in model will be just over half an inch thick, while the 17in version has been tailored to accommodate gaming, music and video controls, and comes with the option of a Blu-ray hard drive.

All models will feature Dolby sound with four speakers, as well as an integrated camera. Prices start at $799 for the 15in model, and $1,199 for the 17in model.

Lenovo has also announced its intention to make inroads into the consumer PC market with the upcoming launch of a desktop range called IdeaCenter.