IBM Introduces the ThinkPad A Series and ThinkPad T Series - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, May 8, 2000

IBM Monday announced the next generation of ThinkPad 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 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).