From: Vincent Poy (vince_at_pele.WURLDLINK.NET)
Date: Mon May 01 2000 - 14:49:58 EDT
May 1, 2000 09:06 AM Eastern Time
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2000--
Designed to Simplify and Enhance the Mobile Computing Experience
IBM today announced the next generation of ThinkPad(R) notebooks designed
to enhance and simplify the mobile computing experience. The innovative
IBM ThinkPad A Series and ThinkPad T Series provide extensive improvements
>from new Titanium Composite materials to one-touch IBM help and
information.
"We have raised the bar in mobile computing by creating a simpler
experience for users and an easier platform for information technology
professionals to manage," said Adalio Sanchez, general manager, IBM Mobile
Computing. "When designing these new ThinkPad lines, IBM focused on
usability features, like our ThinkPad Button and Access ThinkPad Portal,
while still delivering the power and performance our customers have come
to expect."
The IBM ThinkPad A Series and IBM ThinkPad T Series continue to build on
the IBM tradition of innovation and design leadership. The computers
incorporate weight-reducing Titanium Composite materials and a host of new
ease-of-use features including common swappable components and built-in
ports for modem and LAN connections. These new notebooks help keep users
connected with a range of options including wireless solutions. Plus,
IBM?s renowned service and support are now even more convenient with the
new ThinkPad Button, a tool that simplifies access to online and on-system
information, resources and help.
IBM has simplified its ThinkPad product lineup and changed the naming
scheme to connote the experience of the product. The "A" indicates that it
is an alternative to a desktop computer, while the "T" indicates it is a
'thin-and-light' notebook. The currently available ThinkPad 390 models are
transitioning to the new ThinkPad A20m. Likewise, the ThinkPad 770 models
are transitioning to the high-performance ThinkPad A20p, and the ThinkPad
600 is transitioning to the new ThinkPad T20.
"IBM continues to provide a leadership role in mobile computing with these
next generation products" said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative
Strategies. "The commonality of components and the addition wireless
technology is greatly desired within the IT community, yet should be of
high interest to anyone who wants to buy a next generation laptop."
Chubb Computer Services, based in Parsippany, New Jersey, is one of the
first large customers to select the new IBM ThinkPads. Chubb Computer
Services is transitioning from traditional desktop PCs to the ThinkPads
and will use the ThinkPads as part of its education training programs.
"We are installing laptop units in all of our curriculum in order to
enhance the student experience and chose the IBM ThinkPad A20 because of
its engineering and technical merits," said Tom Martin, vice president of
shared services of Chubb Computer Services. "In addition to the
price/performance selection, IBM also offered us a number of support
services resulting in a true partnership to help us with the logistics of
managing through 10,000 new laptops per year."
The new models offer a broad range of products, for users and businesses
of all sizes, and are available directly from IBM via the Internet at
http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/thinkpad or via phone at 1-888-SHOP-IBM. The new
ThinkPads are also available through IBM Business Partners.
Consistent with IBM's EoN (Edge-of-Network) strategy, to simplify the
computing experience for end-users and IT managers, ThinkPad continues to
lead the way in delivering enhancements, innovations and solutions that
have shaped and defined the mobile computing category, including:
- Titanium Composite Covers -- Increased strength for protection
Titanium has been used for aerospace, orthopedics and sporting
equipment because of its high strength and low density. Titanium
has natural dampening effect on vibrations and shocks. The new
ThinkPad A20p and T20 come with Titanium Composite material as part
of its Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic cover, adding strength (1).
The use of Titanium Composite has helped IBM to create some of the
industry's thinnest and lightest systems with large displays (up
to 15 inches).
- ThinkPad Button -- Easily access information, services and solutions
With a touch of the new ThinkPad Button, users can access instant
help and support through the Access ThinkPad portal. Access
ThinkPad includes an on-system tool with a quick search engine that
provides users information on things like optimizing battery life,
or an animated tutorial on how to change a Mini PCI card. It also
provides access to online information including the new ThinkPad
Community Web page, an interactive information center where users
can get help by asking an IBM expert or from each other in the user
forum. Designed with flexibility, the Access ThinkPad portal can
be customized by IT managers to configure the ThinkPad Button to
link to their company's intranet or help desk on the online side
and the on-system ThinkPad Assistant tool can be customized by
adding company information.
- Ultrabay (TM) 2000 -- Fast-swap a range of common devices
Users can share standard and optional Ultrabay 2000 devices
between ThinkPad A Series and T Series notebooks. The Ultrabay
2000 was designed to enable the user to swap devices, without
having to move the system. Devices for the new Ultrabay 2000
include CD-Read/Write ($389), DVD-ROM ($299), SuperDisk (LS-120)
drive ($195), CD-ROM ($125) second hard drive (requires optional
second HDD adapter, starting at $289) or second battery ($189).
The new ThinkPad Dock also accepts Ultrabay 2000 devices.
- Common Docking Solutions -- Robust, space-saving design
IBM introduces a simplified dock and port replication solution for
the entire line of ThinkPad A Series and T Series notebooks. The
new, sleek line of simplified docking solutions provide robust
functionality and save valuable desk space. The new ThinkPad Port
Replicator ($149) provides cable management. The new ThinkPad Dock
($499) provides cable management plus expansion capability in a
small 12.5" x 7.7" x 2.6 footprint. Both solutions work with the
ThinkPad A Series and T Series and come with integrated RJ-45 and
RJ-11 ports that allow for one-step pass-through for network and/or
modem connectivity from the notebook.(2)
- UltraPort (TM) connector -- Location-centric port for multiple uses
The UltraPort connector on the ThinkPad T20 and A20p enhances
usability of features because its location on the top edge of the
display. It is designed to be used with the optional UltraPort
Camera ($99) to capture still images or add video to e-mail.
To simplify device connectivity and remove the need for cables,
IBM is planning to announce a Bluetooth (TM) wireless technology
communication solution for the ThinkPad UltraPort connector in the
second half of 2000.
- Communications Bay -- Versatile connectivity
Users can connect easily with built-in RJ-45 and RJ-11 ports
and the versatile user-accessible Communications Bay, which
accommodates industry-standard Mini PCI cards. Users can enable
either the on-board RJ-11 or RJ-45 ports to use at home or in
the office. Models are available with either an IBM 10/100
EtherJet Mini PCI adapter with 56K (3) modem or 56K modem Mini
PCI card.
- Wireless Communications -- Simplified connectivity The new
ThinkPad A Series and T Series can work easily with the new
optional 802.11b IBM High Rate Wireless LAN PC Card ($179) and
Access Point ($999) and future Bluetooth technology options.
(This new wireless LAN solution also works with current
ThinkPad notebooks.)
- Comfort Features
ThinkLight (TM) -- Located on the top edge of the display, this
tiny LED shines down on the keyboard so users can keep working in
low light conditions
Individual Volume Control -- push button controls for up, down
and mute
IBM Keyboard -- The new ThinkPad feature IBM's renowned full-sized,
full-stroke keys, ergonomically designed palm rest and IBM's
TrackPoint pointing device with Internet Scroll Bar and magnifying
functions to help users breeze through spreadsheets and Web
pages.
Easy Open Cover -- The cover has been re-designed so users can
unlatch and open the notebook with one hand.
ThinkPad A Series -- The desktop alternative
The ThinkPad A Series is comprised of broad range of notebooks from the
most affordable to ultimate high-performance models with exceptional
graphics features. Prices start at $1,799 (4).
With a travel weight starting at 5.9 pounds (5), the easy-to-use entry
ThinkPad A20m offers a wide range of affordable models with an Mobile
Intel(R) Pentium(R) III processor at 700MHz (6) or 500MHz or a Mobile
Intel Celeron (TM) processor at 500MHz, 64MB RAM (upgradable to 512MB),
hard drive up to 12GB (7) TFT display up to 15 inches and battery life up
to 3.7 hours (8).
The high-end ThinkPad A20p incorporates exceptional graphics performance
including: the ATI Rage (TM) Mobility 128 video chip, 16MB VRAM, S-video
in and out ports for video capture and playback; MGI VideoWave III video
editing software; DVI support via docking; an Intel Mobile Pentium III
processor at 700MHz featuring Intel Speetep (TM) technology; 128MB RAM
(upgradable to 512MB); 18GB hh SXGA Plus (1400x1050) display; all in a
1.5-inch (4) profile.
ThinkPad T Series -- The leading thin-and-light offering
The 4.6-pound ThinkPad T20 notebook is the lightest(a) notebook with a
14.1-inch display. Prices start at $3,099.
With a 1.3-inch thin profile and up to 4-hours of battery life, the
ThinkPad T20 is ideal to take on the road. It is powered by an Intel
Mobile Pentium III processor at 700MHz or 650MHz featuring SpeedStep
technology, with 128MB of RAM (upgradable to 512MB) and 8MB of VRAM. The
ThinkPad T20 is available with 14.1-inch or 13.3-inch XGA display, 6GB or
12GB hard disk drive and are available with DVD-ROM or CD-ROM standard.
ThinkPad A Series and T Series systems are available preloaded with either
Microsoft (R) Windows 98 or Windows 2000, and they support Windows 95,
Windows NT 4.0 (9). The ThinkPad T20 also supports OS/2 (R) Warp V4.
For more information, please visit http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/thinkpad or
call 800-426-7255, ext. 4751.
1) Titanium Composite Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic has three times
the strength of ABS plastic as tested by IBM using the high flex
modules test on 2/28/00.
2) For network connection, modem/LAN combo Mini PCI card must be
installed in the notebook's Communication Bay.
3) These 56K modems are desigd to be capable of receiving data up
to 56Kbps from compatible service providers, and transmitting data
up to about 31.2Kbps. Public networks current limit maximum
download speeds to about 53Kbps. Actual speeds depend of many
factors and vary and are often less than the maximum.
4) IBM purchase price; does not include tax, shipping and is subject
to change without notice.
5) Includes battery and travel bezel option (purchased separately).
Weight/thickness may vary due to vendor components, manufacturing
process and options.
6) MHz only measures microprocessor internal cloformance. Many factors
affect application
performance. For Mobile Intel Pentium III processors feaStep technology,
this denotes maximum performance mode;
battery optimization mode is approximately 80% of maximum
performance mode.
7) GB equals one billion bytes when referring to hard disk drive
capacity. Accessible capacity may vary.
8) Results based on ZD benchmark test. Battery life will vary based
on many factors including screen brightness, applications,
features, battery conditioning, power management and other
customer preferences.
9) Not all are full feature functionality. (a) Based on comparisons with
the following models, as of 4/4/00:
Compaq Armada M700, Dell L8100, Hewlett Packard OmniBook 4150, NEC
Versa SX, Acer TravelMate 730, Apple PowerBook and Gateway Solo
9300.
All prices and terms are for the USA only. IBM and ThinkPad are registered
trademarks of International Business Machines. Microsoft, Windows, Windows
NT and Windows 2000 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other
company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of
their respective owners.
CONTACT: IBM, New York Lisa Kaslyn, 212/745-3110
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