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I have been a fan of Thinkpads since they were the mainstay of the IBM empire and have used them as my primary laptop almost exclusively for around 10 years now, starting with a T20 and currently using a T61. In my opinion, even through the build quality with Lenovo has lessened a bit from the classic IBM models and they keep trying to make the brand more “consumer-friendly”, it is still the preeminent business notebook out there.

That is why I was surprised to hear that Lenovo was planning on producing a Thinkpad netbook. Well, not surprised, as that is SOOOOO Lenovo…more like horrified.

Specs and images are out for the device, the Thinkpad X100e…and thankfully it is less netbook and more Ultra-light.

Specs according to our good friends at Liliputing are…

• Display: 11.6″ 1366 x 768 screen
• CPU: AMD Athlon Neo MV-40
• OS: Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Pro (32 bit or 64 bit)
• Memory: Up to4GB
• Storage: 160/250/320GB 2.5″ 5400rpm HDD
• I/O: 3 USB ports, VGA output, 4-in-1 card reader
• Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n WiFi, optional Bluetooth, 3G
• Input: Trackpoint and multi-touch touchpad
• Camera: 0.3MP
• Battery: 3 cell (2.2 hour) or 6 cell (5.1 hour)
• Dimensions: 11.1″ x 82.” x 11.2″ (w/6 cell battery)
• Weight: 3.3 pounds (w/6 cell battery)
• Price: Starting at $449

All in all, quite a respectable amount of bang in a small package and not that much different from the traditional X Series, and from the pics they are keeping the classic black lines of the Thinkpads if making them a bit more netbookish. However, you have an option for RED? A RED Thinkpad? Sigh…I can’t help feeling that this is just another example of Lenovo mishandling the proud Thinkpad legacy.