I am sure that those of you that searched for a netbook or ultra-portable notebook in the last year or so are familiar with the ThinkPad X100e laptop that packed Lenovo's impressive build quality together with a decently fast AMD processor, so you will be happy to know the Chinese company took another step in the same direction with the new 11 inch ThinkPad Edge that can now be configured with either AMD or Intel processors.

First of all let me tell you that I was a huge fan of the original X100e since its build quality was top notch, although it did have its shortcomings, battery life being particularly low since that AMD Neo processor needed quite a bit of juice to function.

However, this should not be the case anymore since Lenovo has now moved towards AMD's Nile platform that features a lower power consumption, Intel fans having also the option of going for a Core i3 low voltage processor, Lenovo now promising up to seven hours of battery life for its 11 inch ThinkPad Edge offering.

3G or 4G/WiMAX3 also come as an option thanks to a Qualcomm's Gobi chip while a HDMI output is standard for all the models together with an Lenovo spill-proof full-size keyboard and a low light sensitive webcamera.  

"Just like large businesses, small business customers want laptops that perform without skimping on features that at the same time, fit their unique style and come at the right price," said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, ThinkPad Marketing, Lenovo.

"That's why we've created the ThinkPad Edge 11-inch laptop with the latest processors for multitasking, 3G and WiMax for anywhere connectivity and included extra business-focused features like a standard low light sensitive webcamera."

The ThinkPad Edge 11-inch laptop is available right now, starting from $449, that gorgeous Heatwave Red Glossy finishing coming as my personal favorite, although this is also available in Midnight Black Glossy and Midnight Black Smooth.