IBM powers-up ThinkCentre line of desktops

IBM recently announced several new models of its redesigned ThinkCentre desktop line, the ThinkCentre S50, M50 and the A50p, as well as one of the industry`s first DVD burners to support all recordable DVD formats endorsed by the DVD Forum and DVD+RW Alliance.

According to Oliver Fortuin, Personal Computing Division executive, IBM SA: "The initial purchase price is only about 20% of the cost of owning a PC. The remaining 80% represents the cost of deploying, managing and maintaining the PC. These new and more powerful ThinkCentre systems, which offer IBM`s innovative ThinkVantage technologies, are designed to help customers reduce the number of service and support calls, diminishing system downtime and increasing productivity.

"IBM PCs are the most secure standard PCs in the world when equipped with the Embedded Security Subsystem," adds Fortuin. "This consists of an integrated security chip and downloadable IBM Client Security Software which provides a higher level of security for the client, with a secure repository for storing sensitive keys, identity information and confidential data. No other manufacturer offers stronger security as a standard PC feature."

"All our ThinkCentre models include Rapid Restore Ultra, a one-button backup and recovery solution that can easily restore previously saved data, settings and applications after a software failure," says Fortuin. "Our customers now also have the freedom to remove components from inside the machine, such as the hard disk and memory, making the PC serviceable and upgradeable. This will once again limit the downtime and cost associated with on-site support."

The tool-free chassis design, which simplifies and enhances usability also features an innovative "caddy" that surrounds the hard disk drive, locking it into place without the use of tools or screws.

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"To streamline support queries we have also included the Access IBM button which gives customers a portal to tap into a rich set of onboard resources, diagnostic tools, automated solutions, and links to updates and service online for customers with Internet access," says Fortuin.

Select models of the new ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p feature an internal architecture that capitalises on the hyper-threading capabilities of Intel`s Pentium 4 processor, improving performance by multitasking. Customers can now choose between an Intel Pentium 4 processor running at speeds up to 3.2GHz or the new ThinkCentre A30 which includes an Intel Pentium 4 processor running at speeds up to 3.06GHz.

"IBM has also introduced the Multi-Burner Plus for desktops. As one of the industry`s first DVD burners to support all recording formats, the IBM Multi-Burner Plus, which also burns CDs, will ease customer concerns about purchasing burners that might support obsolete formats," concludes Fortuin.

The new ThinkCentre S50 models start as low as R8 530 with the new ThinkCentre M50 models priced at R12 760 and the new ThinkCentre A50p models start at R10 390. The new IBM ThinkCentre range of desktop PCs is available immediately through select business partners. All prices are inclusive of VAT.