March 18, 2013 - 16:26 AMT
Lenovo announces latest T-series ThinkPad ultrabook

Lenovo this week announced the availability of its latest T-series ThinkPad ultrabook, PCMag.com reports.

The ThinkPad T431s Ultrabook is another in a long line of T-series laptops that are the mainstay of Lenovo-equipped office workers. The new T431s is positioned as a high performance, enterprise-class ultrabook. It's got a new chassis compared to previous models, and is made with carbon fiber and magnesium for durability in everyday life.

The T431s is built around third-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, a 14-inch 1,600-by-900-resolution screen, up to 12GB of memory, and a selection of storage options including up to a 1TB hard drive, 24GB mSATA cache drive, and up to a 256GB SSD.

The chassis is a smidge smaller than the ThinkPad T430s and is in the same weight class (3.6 pounds). The T431s has a 180-degree hinge, so the screen can fold flat on your work surface, but doesn't flip over like Lenovo's Yoga designs. The T431s continues the requisite dual pointing mechanisms, with a TrackPoint and glass TouchPad. The TouchPad supports Windows 8 multi-point gestures, and also has a central scroll button for use with the TrackPoint.

The T431s is very thin, with a 0.82-inch (20.6 mm) thickness, is IT friendly with Intel vPro technology, and is compatible with ThinkPad Series 3 docking stations. Lenovo claims a 9 hour battery life with a standard 3-cell 47WHr battery.

The ThinkPad T431s will be available in April 2013, with a base price of $949.