IBM Targets Corporate Enterprises With Its First Mini-notebook for North America

Business Wire, June 16, 1999

SOMERS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 1999--

IBM, a leader in mobile computing, today introduced its first mini-notebook computer for the U.S. and Canadian markets. At 2.9 pounds, one-inch thin (1) and with a full-travel keyboard, the ThinkPad 240 is the latest design in corporate business tools for the enterprise.

Designed for professionals who travel frequently and need access to Windows-based applications, the new ThinkPad 240 affords the convenience of a full-sized notebook, with a full-travel keyboard and all standard ports on board, without making sacrifices in ergonomics, useability and power.

With a history of understanding user needs, IBM designed the ThinkPad 240 focusing on usability. Resulting from extensive research and testing with users, IBM designed the keyboard on the ThinkPad 240 to have the same full-size feel as other full function notebooks. And because all of the most commonly used ports are on board the system, there is no need to carry a port expander bar, providing lower total carrying weight.

"Mini-notebooks are gaining broad appeal in large organizations -- they're no longer viewed as executive status symbols," said Adalio Sanchez, general manager, IBM Mobile Computing.

To help integrate mobile clients with enterprises, the ThinkPad 240 supports Windows NT*(R) and is backed by IBM's renowned 24x7(2) toll-free HelpCenter*, during the warranty period.

Providing full-size performance in a portable package, the ThinkPad 240 incorporates a 300 MHz (4) Mobile Intel (R) Celeron (TM) processor, 64MB SDRAM that is expandable to 192 MB. It has a large, 6.4GB(5) upgradeable hard disk drive and 2.0 MB of VRAM with MPEG-1 support. Mobile executives will appreciate the ThinkPad 240's bright 10.4" SVGA display, durable UltraCarbon (TM) casing, integrated 56K V.90 (3) modem.

IBM's optional PC Data Vaulting service provides ThinkPad 240 users a quick and easy way to protect valuable data. This optional service can automatically back up PC files to a secure IBM data center via the Internet. For more information on IBM's PC Data Vaulting service, visit: http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/thinkpad/datavault.html

The ThinkPad 240 includes IBM's Access ThinkPad user interface that provides user-customizable help on the Windows 98 Active Desktop. Also standard are Norton AntiVirus, ConfigSafe and IBM Update Connector, which helps keep the ThinkPad 240 protected and up-to-date with the latest drivers and software upgrades

Designed to complement the ThinkPad 240, Options by IBM offer users a variety of peripherals and upgrades, including an extra long-life Li-Ion battery, which doubles the standard battery life ($189), AC adapter ($69), DC-Auto Adapter ($115), SDRAM upgrades of 32MB ($75), 64MB ($135), and 128MB ($499), CD-ROM drives in stereo ($289) or mono ($279), EtherJet CardBus Adapter ($349) and Token Ring PC Cards ($219).

The IBM ThinkPad 240 is protected by a one year limited warranty (6). IBM ThinkPad 240 is $1,999 (7). It will ship to corporate customer in late July with general availability through third-party resellers and direct sales in early August. The ThinkPad 240 will be available Europe in October. For more information on the ThinkPad 240, visit: http://www.ibm.com/thinkpad or call 800-426-7255 ext. 4571.

(1) Weight/thickness may vary due to vendor components, manufacturing

process and options. (2) HelpCenter response times varies. May exclude some holidays. (3) These 56K modems are designed to be capable of receiving data at

up to 56Kbps from a compatible service provider, and transmitting

data at up to 31.2Kbps. Public networks currently limit maximum

download speeds to about 53Kbps. Actual speeds depend on many

factors and are often less than the maximum possible. (4) MHz only measures microprocessor internal clock speed, not

application performance. Other factors also affect application

performance. (5) GB means billion bytes when referring to hard disk drive

capacity. Accessible capacity varies. (6) For terms and conditions or a copy of IBM's Statement of Limited

Warranty, call 1 800 722-2227 in the U.S. and in Canada call 1

800 426-2255. (7) Estimate reseller price to end users. Actual reseller prices may

vary.