IBM notebooks redefine wireless leadership and bring innovative ways to choose the way you think
Dubai-UAE, 6th February 2003- IBM Middle East announced today a new ThinkPad R40 notebook computer equipped with three major new technologies – a comprehensive new approach to wireless leadership, easier access to service and support, and a broad set of usability improvements. The new ThinkPad notebook now also offers three variations of its popular "red-button" TrackPoint cursor-control device.
Starting at just 2.5 kg (5.6 pounds) 1 and offering up to four hours of battery life 2, the ThinkPad R40 offers technologies designed to help
seamlessly integrate personal computers in networks that are becoming self-maintaining, highly dynamic, and responsive to regularly changing customer requirements.
"We have added new and faster wireless network access, security and cursor control features to the ThinkPad R40 notebook that will make this notebook even more desirable for businesses and consumers in the Middle East,” said Sameh Farid, regional manager of personal systems division, IBM Middle East. “Some of these fantastic new technologies include the Access IBM button which automatically connects the user to diagnostic tools and online help pages, and the new version of Access Connections which senses available wireless bandwidth and shifts between them depending on signal strength and traffic.”
Redefining Wireless Leadership in Notebooks
In wireless technology, the IBM ThinkPad R40 notebook redefines leadership with a comprehensive new approach that includes dual-band WiFi technology3, an innovative antenna design, and an exciting new version of IBM Access Connections. For the first time, IBM is offering dual WiFi connectivity based on IEEE 802.11 a/b standards. This takes advantage of the improved speed and number of transmission channels available with the new IEEE 802.11a standard, while maintaining compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11b-based networks. These new wireless-upgradable ThinkPad notebooks feature the IBM UltraConnect Antenna built into the display cover for optimal signal reception. The antenna supports multiple frequencies to optimise coverage and performance for improved wireless LAN connectivity worldwide, including both IEEE 802.11a and b. In addition, 802.11 a/b models of the ThinkPad R40 notebook are equipped with the IBM Access Connections Version 2.5 location manager utility, which enables the notebook to automatically sense a wired or wireless LAN connection and switch between them based on priority or speed. This means users can move seamlessly from a wired office connection to a wireless LAN campus connection, without manually switching network settings.
The ThinkPad R40 also offers models based on IEEE 802.11b or 802.11b Cisco Aironet. Select ThinkPad R40 models equipped with both WLAN technology and IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem (ESS) 4 can augment the security of the WLAN by storing IEEE 802.1x authentication credentials, such as digital certificates, with the security subsystem. Another security enhancement is the inclusion of Cisco LEAP support for 802.11 a/b models. This is important for customers who are using a Cisco wireless infrastructure with LEAP security and need a notebook that supports 802.11a with LEAP. For those who choose integrated wireless later, IBM also offers wireless upgradable models.
A New Tool to Help Limit Downtime
The IBM ThinkPad R40 now offers the new Access IBM button, a "portal to IBM support" that taps into a rich set of onboard resources, diagnostic tools, automated solutions, and links to updates and service on-line 5. Access IBM is joined on all new Think notebook and desktop personal computers by RapidRestore PC, which provides a one-button disaster recovery solution and can restore previously saved data, settings and applications after a software failure. Both Access IBM and RapidRestore PC help limit downtime, maximizing productivity and helping reduce expensive support costs.
Making ThinkPad Notebooks Easier to Use
Since its launch in 1992, the IBM ThinkPad notebook has offered TrackPoint -- a small, red, joystick-like cursor-control device. Users will now have a choice of three red TrackPoint caps -- the original dome, a new slightly softer dome, and a soft rim with a completely new shape. Based on extensive ergonomic research, the new caps provide additional choice in the feel of the award-winning ThinkPad
keyboard.
Choice among cursor-control devices is only one of large set of usability enhancements to the new ThinkPad R Series. It also offers high-resolution 15-inch XGA or SXGA+ high-resolution screens in addition to 14-inch choices; two USB 2.0 ports for faster data transfer and communications with USB 2.0-enabled peripherals; and new hot-swappable Ultrabay optical drives -- or the option of a second battery in that drive. Users who prefer IEEE 1394 "Firewire" ports can also order that option.
Additionally, IBM ThinkPad notebooks and IBM desktop PCs are equipped to take full advantage of ImageUltra, IBM's innovative, patented image management technology and services designed to lower costs by reducing the number of the software images managed by IT departments. The wireless UltraConnect Antenna, Access Connections, the Embedded Security Subsystem, Access IBM, RapidRestore PC, and Ultrabay are all unique to IBM's new Think strategy in personal computing.
Other IBM Announcements
IBM Middle East today is also announcing the availability of several new options designed to make mobile computing even easier. The new ThinkPad Port Replicator II includes simplified cable management, pass-through port replication and a USB port. The new ThinkPad Mini Dock includes full port replication, a four-port USB 2.0 hub, as well as system security (with a key lock, integrated system support tray and slots for a cable lock). Both the mini-dock and port replicator will provide compatibility with future ThinkPad models 6.
IBM also unveiled today the new 64- and 256-megabyte USB 2.0 memory storage keys, simplifying and accelerating the task of storing and transferring data 7. The new keys also allow users to define a secure, encrypted area for 64 megabytes and 256 megabytes of data.
Notes
1. Includes battery and optional travel bezel instead of standard optical drive in Ultrabay bay, if applicable. Weight includes battery
and may vary due to vendor components, manufacturing process and options.
2. These model numbers achieved eTesting Labs Inc's BatteryMark(TM) 4.0.1, or the Ziff Davis Media Inc.'s Business Winstone
2002 BatteryMark(TM) Version 1.0, Battery Rundown Time of at least the time shown. This test was performed without
independent verification by the VeriTest testing division of Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. ("VeriTest") nor Ziff Davis Media Inc.;
neither Ziff Davis Media Inc. nor VeriTest makes any representations or warranties as to these test results. Winstone is a registered
trademark and BatteryMark is a trademark of Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. A description of
the environment under which the test was performed is available at ibm.com/pc/ww/thinkpad/battery life. Battery life (and recharge
times) will vary based on many factors including screen brightness, applications, features, power management, battery conditioning
and other customer preferences.
3. Based on IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b. This wireless LAN product has been designed to permit legal operation world-wide in
regions in which it is approved. This product has been tested and certified to be interoperable by the Wireless Ethernet
Compatibility Alliance and is authorized to carry the Wi-Fi logo.
4. Requires download of security software from IBM.
5. Requires Internet access account; not included.
6. Future compatibility claims based on IBM's current plans, subject tochange based on IBM's business and technical judgment.
7. MB equals 1 million bytes when referring to storage capacity. Accessible capacity is less.
-Ends-
About IBM
IBM is the world’s largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. IBM Global Services is the world’s largest information technology services provider, with 2001 revenues of more than $35 billion. Services is the fastest growing part of IBM, with nearly 150,000 professionals serving customers in 160 countries. IBM Global Services has about 150 data centres around the world keeping thousands of businesses running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on IBM, visit www.ibm.com.
© Press Release 2003
