Apple Inc.'s MacBook is set to meet a new competitor in the market next year in the form of Lenovo's ThinkPad Ultrabook.

Lenovo, the world's second largest PC vendor is currently working on a 13-inch "premium" model that is meant to be a sequel to the ThinkPad X1. No specific details are confirmed as of the moment but it is speculated that it should dual-boot both Windows and a customized version of Android with the same front end as the IdeaPad K1. The company is also currently working on a 14-inch "mainstream" ThinkPad Ultrabook. Features that are included in the ThinkPad Ultrabook are Intel's 3D transistor-based Ivy Bridge technology which is a technology that ensures better graphics silicon as well having the advantage of using USB 3.0.

There are also reports stating that the ThinkPad Ultrabook would be able to offer Windows 8 by the time of its release which in turn could enable hybrid designs. Microsoft has already hinted on the possibility of releasing Windows 8 by next year but this new further confirms the rumors about Windows 8. Samsung also announced its offering of Windows 8 through releasing a tablet with wireless keyboard by next year. Targeted customers for these new designs are for high-end business users.

Intel announced its prediction that Ultrabooks are the "new wave" in Windows-based laptop computing and in turn could beat Apple's MacBook Air. The MacBook Air is considered as one of Apple's popular products but it is also considered a little bit "pricey" for consumers to purchase. The "price issue" is something that other companies would like to gain advantage on when it comes to attracting potential buyers. Lenovo's ThinkPad Utlrabook is considerably lower than MacBook Air but would still have the usual features of the Ultrabook. The ThinkPad Ultrabook is also considerably cheaper if compared to other Ultrabooks like the Toshiba Z835 which is priced at $899.

The ThinkPad Ultrabook's official release date is set to be available sometime in May-June of 2012 and would be priced around $800. Vendors are currently holding their pre-Christmas Ultrabook introductory pricing of about AUD$1,300.