One of the designers on my team shot this entertaining video out the 5th floor window of a “giant spider” attacking Lenovo. I thought this was a fitting Halloween blog. Thank goodness the people in the crosswalk were able to escape unharmed. Happy Halloween.
David Hill
Today Lenovo unveiled five new ThinkVision monitors that take “green” design and user critical ergonomics to a new level. The new line-up includes Lenovo’s flagship ThinkVision L2251x wide monitor, the company’s most environmentally-responsible monitor. The innovative L2251x is the world’s first PC monitor to be TCO Certified Edge. In case you have not heard of it, TCO Certified Edge is a supplemental award open to those products that already meet the stringent worldwide TCO Certified criteria for environment and usability in IT design. The supplemental award was created by the TCO to recognize those special products and technologies that go well beyond the call of duty within their existing eco-labeling programs. All the monitors are TCO Certified, EPEAT Gold Rated, and are more than 50% more energy efficient than previous models.
Here are some of the highlights related to our reduce, reuse, recycle strategy:
Reduce. The ThinkVision L2251x Wide features a webcam,microphone, ambient light and proximity sensor to further lower power consumption. The ambient light sensor adjusts screen brightness automatically based on room lighting conditions thus saving energy. The proximity sensors on the L2251x Wide cleverly turns the screen off when you step away, helping to save up to an additional 10 percent of power consumption a year. The integrated webcam and microphone makes it easier to reduce travel time and expense for critical meetings.
Reuse. The L2251x Wide chassis parts are made of 65 percent post consumer recycled plastics with no virgin plastics. With this achievement, it contains the highest amount of post consumer recycled plastics for monitors listed in the EPEAT registry. The new monitor is shipped in more than 90 percent recycled packaging, and for the first time, Lenovo is including a reusable protective bag as part of the packaging to further reduce plastics use. My team designed the graphics for the bag to celebrate this environmental achievement. Using a typical throw away plastic bag just didn’t make sense for these offerings.
Recycle. Lenovo provides a number of PC recycling options worldwide. Consumers in the U.S. can receive rewards for recycling if their old PC has residual value. Lenovo also offers Asset Recovery Services for business customers that provides computer take-back, data destruction, refurbishment and recycling. Additional Asset Recovery services include inventory, value assessment, on-site de-installation and data encryption. We really care about the planet.
We didn’t just focus on the green aspect of the design. The new monitors present vivid images fast by offering up to 1680×1050 screen resolution, a 1000:1 contrast ratio and a five millisecond response time. DisplayPort compatibility on select models also lets people easily work on their laptop or desktop via the monitor. The ThinkVision 2551x Wide features an ergonomic height adjustable stand that provides 110mm of lift and supports rotation from landscape to portrait. Four high-speed USB ports are also included for added flexibility and expansion. The appearance of the monitor family is right in line with other Think branded offerings, all business.
We spent a lot of time and energy designing these new monitors. I think you will like them for both their design and environmental leadership.
David Hill
The monitor uses just 21 watts of power when running and comes with other features that will help you save energy. The ambient light and proximity sensors and the low-voltage white LED display will help you save an additional 10% of power a year. As you can see the LCD is smart enough to know you left the room and shuts itself down until you return.
The chassis of the monitor is made of 65% consumer recycled plastics and there’s no mercury used in the panel. As for packaging materials they come from 90% recycled packaging. Lenovo is also willing to assist U.S. customers with the whole recycle process when it comes to their old PC equipment so you should definitely check talk to a Lenovo representative in your area for more PC-recycling details.
The ongoing saga of the ThinkPad external keyboard design has been very entertaining to follow. Blog statistics and media reaction would suggest that I am far from being the only one interested in this hot topic. SInce I last blogged about our newly introduced keyboard, and the “crowd sourced” methodology we used to design it, I’ve seen over 250 comments posted with thousands of visits by readers like you. It’s very rewarding as a designer to see this kind of a reaction to what we tried to do. I think Lenovo is pioneering the use of blogs to guide design directions. Having the views of the people who buy and use the things we design is a gift.
In reading the many blog comments it’s obvious to me that there continues to be interest in a wireless version. The data from our original study didn’t indicate enormous interest in this feature, but maybe things have changed. Is the time is right for us reconsider a wireless version? I asked my team to put together a new survey specifically on this topic so that we can learn more. Where do you want to use it? Why is wireless important to you? What wireless technology is preferable? How much extra would you pay for wireless? Cutting the cord does have a price tag. These are just some of the questions we have.
If you are truly interested in Lenovo bringing such a innovative wireless keyboard to market, help us build the business case and refine the design requirements. Thanks again for your ongoing interest and valued input, we’re listening. You can take the wireless keyboard survey here.
David Hill
A recent trip to participate in a vintage off road motorcycle race prompted me to write another of my design classic blog postings. Riding vintage race bikes through the woods in the cool of the morning brings out the best in riders and their riding gear. Many of the participants elect to wear period gear to further enhance the experience of the event. I personally draw the line at critical protective equipment like helmets or boots, but vintage jackets are certainly fair game. One of my favorites is the Barbour International Jacket. First introduced into production in 1936 this British masterpiece of design is both stylish and utilitarian. Thankfully, the jacket is still available in it’s original form some 73 years later.
The Barbour International was worn by every British National Motorcycle Team from 1936-1977. At the T.T. Isle of Man Race in 1965 over 95% of all competitors wore a Barbour International, no matter what country they represented. This jacket is clearly part of motorcycle history and can be seen on many of the all time greats. Steve McQueen even wore one in the 1964 ISDT competition where he was part of team USA. The event was held in East Germany that year. Steve was much more than just a movie star. He usually raced motorcycles under the pseudonym Harvey Mushman to avoid contractual issues with movie studios. During WW II the Barbour Jacket became the official Submarine Commanders coat and on the battle fields of Europe many a soldier prepared to defend Queen and country proudly wearing their Barbour.
Crafted from traditional waxed cotton, the jacket is durable,weatherproof, and stylish. It’s not just the cut of the jacket or the construction materials that make this jacket a classic, the attention to design details are also very important. The zippers are massive brass units that employ a glove friendly pull ring. Have you ever tried to adjust the zipper on your jacket while riding a dirt bike? The left breast pocket is cleverly angled to fascilitate reaching for your scorecard with your right hand while the left can still operate the clutch. That’s the kind of design thinking I enjoy. The snaps are military grade brass that fasten with a loud but reassuring sound, two are used to secure the pocket flaps. One would never do for such a jacket. A traditional belt keeps the wind from finding it’s way into where it shouldn’t be. The thornproof waxed cotton exterior and Barbour Tartan liner works wonderfully to keep you protected and warm, but for those especially cold outings there is a optional liner available.
You may never be quite as cool as Steve McQueen, but you can at least own the same jacket. I love riding with mine.
David Hill
The Lenovo IdeaPad U160 
The Lenovo IdeaPad V460 
The Lenovo IdeaCentre K320 
Lenovo Meet the Modder Dean Liou 