IBM Takes Mobile Computing To The Next Level

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., April 24, 2002 . . . IBM today introduced a new ThinkPad notebook computer, the T30 -- a thin and light mobile computing powerhouse with a blend of new features that makes the machine appealing to individual users as well as companies of all sizes.

The flagship ThinkPad T30 offers customers a revolutionary, programmable multi-pointing system that allows users to quickly and easily choose the way they want to work, along with a unique solution that makes it easier to manage and restore PC systems and reduce IT support costs, and wireless connectivity that offers levels of security equal to a local area network connection.

"The wireless user interface on the ThinkPad is the best I have experienced with a wide range of encryption options as well as the operational displays for signal strength, signal quality and active channel," said John McCrea, senior vice president of marketing at Radiance Technologies, an emerging, 60-employee company and a leader in enterprise digital delivery management software. "By far, ThinkPad is the easiest notebook to set up and use, and its security capabilities are the most extensive in the industry."

ThinkPad T30 New Features

The ThinkPad T30, which boasts a total of 55 patents and others pending, is the first computer to offer UltraNav, a multi-pointing system that combines the latest full-function TrackPoint device with a new programmable touch pad. The UltraNav includes expertly designed wrap-around buttons that have the same touch and feel as the IBM TrackPoint for maximum usability; the touch pad corners can be used as "hot buttons" to launch up to four software applications or Web sites for customers who have Internet access; and the entire touch pad can be used as a scrolling device. UltraNav's customized set-up software wizard allows users to quickly choose how they want to navigate.

The T30 also offers IBM's patent-pending HDD shock absorber, a one-of-a-kind feature which provides a cushion of air to help protect memory and prevent loss of data when a notebook in use is placed on a hard surface.

"Our customers have told us they want secure, mobile PCs that are easier to use and allow them to work anytime, anywhere," said Fran O'Sullivan, general manager, PC products and services, IBM Personal Computing Division. "We take that feedback and leverage our research and technology to provide users with a better mobile experience. For example, the new pointing system is ergonomically designed based on customer research. The PC industry revolves around timely innovation, and with our latest mobile offerings we've raised the bar once again."

Wireless

Optimized for connectivity, select models of the new ThinkPad T30 offer leading-edge integrated wireless solutions, including for the first time built-in Cisco Aironet 350 Series Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) technology and out-of-the-box wireless networking support for IEEE 802.1x /Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) security standard.

In addition to the Cisco models, IBM has also integrated Intel PRO/Wireless 2011b LAN technology as a feature on select T30 models.

The new T30 utilizes IBM's in-display dual antenna system for strong signal performance1 with a wide variety of built-in communications capabilities, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi2 wireless on select models, as well as Ethernet and integrated modem. In addition, IBM Access Connections software enables users to easily manage connectivity options, allowing them to save preferred settings and switch between various communications capabilities.

IBM and Cisco Alliance

Today's announcement extends the value that the IBM and Cisco strategic alliance provides to businesses and exemplifies the ways both companies are promoting ubiquitous mobility through joint collaboration. By incorporating the new ThinkPad T30 into IBM's suite of mobility solutions, IBM Global Services now has the ability to deliver true end-to-end Cisco networking infrastructure solutions to companies seeking to improve productivity and protect vital intellectual capital assets from intrusion. IBM Global Services offers wireless LAN network consulting, systems integration, site services and help desk, and Cisco provides network infrastructure products and solutions. IBM also provides end-to-end networking services for mobile connectivity and public access wireless LAN using Cisco products.

As one of Cisco's largest system integration partners, IBM Global Services provides a comprehensive portfolio of networking and wireless security services for Cisco 's networking platform. "The introduction of the new T30, which takes advantage of the wireless security expertise of Cisco and IBM, means our customers can be confident their wireless communications are as secure as in the wireline world," said Dean Douglas, general manager, wireless e-business, IBM Global Services.

Security

Select models of the T30 feature the new TCPA-compliant IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0, the first security solution conforming to the 1.1 standard of the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance, an industry work group focused on enhancing trust and security on computer platforms. The security subsystem, a combination of hardware and software, helps protect user authentication and both wired and wireless communications. First offered by IBM in 1999, the new version of the Embedded Security Subsystem meets a standard recognized by more than 180 companies in TCPA as the computer security benchmark. New enhancements include user-selectable automatic file, folder and e-mail encryption and decryption3, compatibility with the latest releases of IBM Tivoli Access Manager for e-business, and support for options such as the Targus PC Card fingerprint reader and the Ensure Technologies XyLoc proximity badge reader.

Migration

All ThinkPad T30 notebooks are equipped to take full advantage of ImageUltra, IBM's innovative, patented image management technology and services designed to lower costs by reducing the multiple images an IT manager needs to handle down to one. ImageUltra is a key component of the IBM suite of migration and uptime offerings, including Rapid Restore PC, a unique data recovery solution. Analysts have estimated ImageUltra can save up to $100 per PC while significantly reducing the challenges of PC deployment and image support.

New ThinkPad Advertising Campaign

IBM this week launched an innovative ad campaign around its ThinkPad notebooks that spotlights how some noteworthy leaders in fields ranging from fashion to medicine to planetary science use their IBM PCs to help them achieve success.

Select models of the T30 are powered by the Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor-M 1.80GHz4, which provides users mobility features and long-lasting battery life. The Pentium 4 processor offers superb capabilities for multimedia and graphics-intensive applications, as well as the necessary performance needed for processor-intensive "background computing" tasks like compression, virus scanning and client management.

The ThinkPad T30 also features:

Travel weight starting at 4.9 pounds5
New 256 double data rate (DDR) memory standard, maximum 1GB memory
High resolution 14.1-inch TFT display
Battery life up to three hours6
3-year (1-year battery) limited warranty

Pricing and Availability

Models of the ThinkPad T30 will be generally available May 8, with prices ranging from $2,499 to $3,499.

IBM today also announced its newest ultraportable for highly mobile users, the ThinkPad X24, weighing 3.6 pounds and featuring up to 4.1 hours battery life and 256 MB memory standard. The ThinkPad A31, with new Intel Pentium 4 processors, CDRW and a number of other options, was also introduced. Prices for the ThinkPad X24 range from $2,499 to $2,674; prices for the A31 range from $2,199 to $2,374.

All IBM PCs can be purchased direct through ibm.com or by calling 1-888-SHOP-IBM. The ThinkPad and NetVista lines are also available through select IBM business partners. For more information, see ibm.com/thinkpad and ibm.com/netvista.

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with more than 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit http://www.ibm.com.

About IBM ThinkPad

IBM ThinkPad continues to help lead the way in delivering enhancements, innovations and solutions that have shaped and defined the mobile computing industry. To date, more than 15 million ThinkPad notebooks have been shipped. Since the launch of the ThinkPad 700C in 1992, these acclaimed notebook computers have been lauded as design and engineering models, winning more than 850 industry awards. ThinkPad notebooks have been trusted for use in some of the world's most extreme settings, including space shuttle launches, altitudes more than 17,000 feet above sea level and on the open seas.