IBM last week unveiled a completely updated line of ThinkPad notebook computers, including new ThinkPad T41 models that include a new autonomatic hard drive protection technology designed to put the brakes on data loss.
Because smaller, lighter, and more mobile systems are at a continual risk of being dropped and damaged, IBM developed a patent-pending hard drive protection technology to help protect people`s data.
The IBM Active Protection System, similar to the technology used in automobiles to deploy airbags upon impact, uses a microchip on the system board to detect system acceleration (such as in a fall) and respond by temporarily parking the drive`s read/write head until the system is stabilised.
This rapid response can help prevent hard drive crashes that could occur in some falls, to help prevent total data loss and reduce warranty costs.
Some insurance and analyst reports indicate that more than 10.5% of notebooks in a corporate enterprise are damaged annually, and that accidental damage accounts for the majority of PC loss claims.
Of the three notebook components most prone to damage - hard drive, display and keyboard - hard drive damage results in the loss of valuable information and productivity. Like other ThinkVantage Technologies, the Active Protection System is designed to improve user productivity and reduce overall costs of ownership.
"Applying this life-saving technology to personal computing is revolutionary. If you`re rushing to finish a report in an airport and you accidentally drop your notebook, with any other machine you`d face a greater potential for losing all your data," said Peter Hortensius, vice-president, Think Offerings, IBM Personal Computing Division.
"IBM is committed to providing our customers with the most reliable notebooks in the industry, and providing this new technology in addition to Rapid Restore Ultra are two great ways of doing that."
Choose how you work
Select ThinkPad T41 models are available with Intel Centrino Mobile Technology or with integrated IBM 11 a/b/g wireless. (1) The T41 also features select models with the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem and, when used with industry-standard wireless encryption, provides the most secure wireless computing environment in the world. (2)
IBM also announced updated ThinkPad X31, R40e, and G40 models featuring faster processors, integrated wireless technology on select models, and some of the latest ThinkVantage Technologies.
The ultraportable ThinkPad X31 now features integrated 11 a/b/g on select models and shares a common software image with the T41, giving flexibility to organisations purchasing various ThinkPad models by enabling a single image to be deployed across multiple platforms.
Additionally, for the first time, all wireless models of the ThinkPad T41 and X31 feature enhanced wireless security as defined by the WiFi Protected Access (WPA) and Cisco compatible Extensions (CCX) certification programs, providing improved wireless data security for organisations of all sizes. The Cisco Compatible Extensions program ensures Cisco-tested and certified compatibility with Cisco wireless Access Points. (3)
The ThinkPad R40e offers users a reliable, mobile computing experience at an affordable price. The R40e features Intel Pentium 4-M and a mobile Celeron processor.
The ThinkPad G40, with the Intel Pentium 4 processor on select models and up to 3.0GHz of processing power, (4) features the ThinkPad EasyPivot base and ComfortSlant keyboard, design enhancements developed for a more comfortable and enjoyable computing experience.
Leveraging ThinkVantage technologies
Several ThinkPad models announced last week feature updated ThinkVantage Technologies including Rapid Restore Ultra, Access Connections 2.7 and Access IBM 4.0. Rapid Restore Ultra is a one-button disaster recovery solution, giving users the ability to restore their system to a previously saved state after a software crash. Access Connections 4.7 saves wireless and wired network settings so that users can easily switch between networking environments.
The new Access IBM 4.0 software provides easy access to on-system and online (5) information including IBM service and support, which can reduce help desk calls and increase employee productivity and help desk efficiency. Additionally, select ThinkPad models feature the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, consisting of an integrated security chip and downloadable IBM Client Security Software. This hardware- and software-based solution provides a higher level of security for the client, providing a secure repository for storing sensitive keys, identity information and confidential data.
New ImageUltra services
IBM also announced new features to its signature manageability service designed to make image management more efficient and less complicated for the enterprise customer. ImageUltra Builder now features six new services designed to provide IT managers with significant cost savings, security and flexibility. These new services include the support of out-of-date images by creating, verifying, modifying and migrating images for discontinued hardware.
Pricing and availability
Prices for the ThinkPad T41 start at R25 000; prices for the R40e start at R14 700, and prices for the ThinkPad G40 start at R14 900. All prices include VAT. IBM personal computers are available through select business partners.
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IBM ThinkPad continues to deliver enhancements, innovations and solutions that shape and define the mobile computing industry. Since the launch of the ThinkPad 700C in 1992, these acclaimed notebook computers have been lauded as design and engineering models, winning more than 1 000 industry awards worldwide.
For more information, see www.ibm.com/thinkpad.
Prices include VAT and are subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary.
1. 11a, 11b and 11g wireless is based on IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g, respectively. An adapter with 11a/b, or 11a/b/g can communicate on either or any of these listed formats respectively; the actual connection will be based on the access point to which it connects.
2. No other PC maker offers this level of security as a standard PC feature.
3. All wireless models of the ThinkPad T41 and X31 have been tested in accordance with interoperability criteria set by Cisco Systems, Inc and is compatible with Cisco Aironet access points running software versions 12.01, 12.02, 12.03, 12.2 (8) JA, or 12.2 (11) JA.
4. Power management reduces processor speed when in battery mode.
5. Requires Internet access; not included.
6. Prices include VAT and are subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary.
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