The right combination of features and value: IBM ThinkPad series

Getting the right combination of mobility, memory, long battery life and powerful processing capabilities is what defines a notebook. Not every user needs the same functionality and notebook vendors need to cater for many different user needs when designing mobility solutions.

"IBM is ensuring that it has all its bases covered with a new range of ThinkPad notebooks suitable for any user and every occasion," says Mike Botes, GM of the IBM division at Tarsus Technologies, a local IBM distributor. "From highly portable systems with the latest technologies, to systems that allow users to 'take their desktops with them`, the new ThinkPad range, available from Tarsus, has it all."

First in line is the IBM ThinkPad R Series, sleek, lightweight, simple to use and affordable systems packed with feature rich essentials for those users that are constantly on the run. With weights as low as 2.4kg, powerful Intel processors and easy-to-read 14.1- and 15.1-inch TFT displays, these systems provide robust functionality for mobile users. The ThinkPad R32 models sport a Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor-M and ATI Mobility graphics that do not require system memory.

"Selected R models come with standards-based Cisco Aironet Wireless 802.11b technology built in, allowing users to integrate into their Cisco wireless network for fast, secure connections," adds Botes. "In addition, the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0 on some models provides a higher level of security with hardware- and software-based technology that lets you lock your data and secure communications. The IBM ThinkPad R series also allows you to easily swap and share optional Ultrabay 2000 devices with the Ultrabay Plus integrated modular bay."

For those accustomed to a desktop and who want the flexibility to work anywhere, an IBM ThinkPad G Series notebook is the answer. These powerful desktop alternatives - with an Intel Pentium processor up to 2.8GHz or an Intel Celeron processor at 2GHz - satisfy most performance requirements without sacrificing portability. The G Series easy-to-use design features allow users to swivel their notebook for more comfortable viewing with the EasyPivot base and ComfortSlant keyboard which helps to reduce fatigue and increase comfort.

They also boast integrated Intel Extreme Graphics to deliver bright text and images on 14.1- or 15-inch TFT displays with XGA resolution. Select models are available with integrated WiFi connectivity.

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Finally, IBM`s ThinkPad T Series notebooks are the ideal solution for frequent travellers who need high performance in a lightweight package. Including Intel`s new Centrino mobile technology on select models, the ThinkPad T Series notebooks are a new benchmark of computing performance, battery life and mobility.

Users can now work unplugged for longer by combining the new ThinkPad T40 high-capacity battery (standard on select models) with the new optional ThinkPad Ultrabay Slim Li Polymer battery for all-day computing (up to 9.5 hours). Preloaded with IBM`s Rapid Restore PC, which gives users the power of a one-button recover and restore solution, certain T models also include IBM`s Embedded Security Subsystem.

The T Series comes standard with DVD or CD-RW/DVD Combo drives, ThinkLight keyboard light for low visibility use and an ergonomic keyboard with palm rests.

"Combined with IBM`s renowned technical leadership and support, the new ThinkPads offer all mobile users just what they need for productivity on and off the road," concludes Botes. The IBM ThinkPad R, G and T series notebooks are available from Tarsus.