Unfortunately the Windows 7-based IdeaPad P1 is further off, Lenovo saying only that it will be available in the fourth quarter of 2011. (That's too bad, but at least it will allow developers to run the Windows 8 beta expected for release at Microsoft's September Build conference.)

Lenovo's IdeaPad P1
(Click to enlarge)

Beyond the Lenovo brand, the IdeaPad P1 essentially offers the same features as other recently announced Windows 7 tablets. There's a capacitive 10.1-inch touchscreen -- this does get an enhanced resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels -- plus a 1.5GHz Intel processor (the "Oak Trail" Atom Z670, we presume) and the usual 2GB DDR2 memory maximum.

According to Lenovo, the IdeaPad P1 will unsurprisingly use 32GB or 64GB of SSD storage. The tablet will also feature one USB 2.0 port, a microSD slot, a connector for an optional docking station, and a headphone jack.

Lenovo says the IdeaPad P1 will also include a webcam -- stated in one place on the preliminary data sheet as being VGA resolution, and in another as being two megapixel -- plus 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, a 10/100 Ethernet port, and Bluetooth. Additionally cited is the novel addition of three Mini PCI Express slots (if this is accurate, we're surprised there's room).

The IdeaPad P1's aluminum back will be available in silver-gray or "clementine orange," says Lenovo. The tablet will weigh 1.8 pounds and measure approximately 11 x 7.25 x 0.6 inches, the company adds.

According to Lenovo, the P1 will be offered with ann optional WCMDA/EVDO cellular modem, while its two-cell battery will provide up to six hours of operation. It's said a bundled "VeriTouch" security application will allow users to log into the tablet by touching a specified combination of areas on the screen to validate their identities.

Specifications listed by Lenovo for the IdeaPad P1 blet include:

• Processor -- 1.5GHz (Intel Atom N570 presumed)
• Chipset -- NM10 (presumed)
• Memory -- up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM
• Display -- 10.1-inch display with capacitive touch, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
• Camera -- may be either two megapixel or VGA resolution
• Storage -- 32GB or 64GB SSD
• Expansion
• microSD slot
• docking connector
• 3 x Mini PCI
  
• Networking:
  • LAN -- Ethernet port
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
  • PAN -- Bluetooth
  • WWAN -- optional 3.5G cellular
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • audio -- mic in, headphone out
• Battery -- two-cell; provides up to six hours of operation
• Dimensions -- 11 x 7.25 x 0.6 inches
• Weight -- 1.8 pounds

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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