New IBM ThinkPad X40: Thinnest,
Lightest ThinkPad Ever, Exclusive 'Emergency' System for Data Recovery
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., February
10, 2004 ... IBM today unveiled its completely redesigned ultraportable notebook computer,
the ThinkPad X40, setting new standards for portability, battery life, and wireless
connectivity in ultraportable systems. Starting at only 2.7 pounds (1), the new X40 is the
lightest and thinnest ThinkPad ever and boasts the smallest footprint in its class with a
full-size keyboard (2).
And in a PC industry first, IBM today is
also launching Rescue and Recovery with Rapid Restore, a completely new set of tools
contained in an embedded, pre-boot emergency system. They provide one-button relief from a
broad range of common PC problems, including viruses, missing system files, and corrupted
software drivers.
By incorporating the latest ThinkVantage
Technologies with the light system design, the ultraportable ThinkPad X40 is ideal for the
global mobile user, road warriors and business travelers. Because many of IBM's new
recovery tools exist outside the PC's main operating system, business travelers who are
away from office technical support have new options for solving PC problems -- regardless
of whether Windows will start. Commonly described by IBM as a "lifeboat"
solution, this tool helps reduce IT support costs by enabling user self-recovery and
reducing the need for help-desk calls and desk-side visits.
"A ThinkPad like the X40 fits into
our longer term vision," said Steve Evans, vice president of information systems for
the PGA Tour. Evans is responsible for the technology supporting PGA tournaments, players,
staff and agents. "Since we've got over 300 players carrying ThinkPads and they are
traveling every single week, having full function in a lightweight model will be a big
benefit. The support features are just as important. The ability to recover if there is a
problem on the road is really going to help our help desk to be effective and keep our
costs down." The ease of carrying a ThinkPad X40 into meetings, Evans said, will help
him transition to asking people to begin taking action while he's still in the meeting,
and from doing paperwork at his desk to taking care of most duties on his notebook.
Ultimate Mobility In A Versatile
Ultraportable
The ThinkPad X40 is a full 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter -- 14 ounces less --
than its predecessor, the ThinkPad X31. For the business traveler, 14 ounces translates
into three cell phones; or two digital cameras; or a bottle of water; or a pair of jeans,
a sweater and a T-shirt. It also offers a unique battery design capable of providing the
longest standard battery life of any leading brand notebook (3), at up to 7.5 hours (4) on
select models with the optional 8-cell battery. Mobile users can also combine the X40's
unique battery options to deliver all-day computing for people who take their notebooks
with them anywhere and everywhere, offering up to 10 hours of optional battery life in a
total solution that weighs less than 4 pounds.
"With this new design, IBM ThinkPad
support for the highly mobile user is unsurpassed in the industry," said Fran
O'Sullivan, general manager, IBM Personal Computing Division. "The new ThinkPad X40
redefines the ultraportable notebook standard for 2004 and beyond. Reducing ThinkPad
weight by 14 ounces translates into an entirely different experience for users. It means
they can do real computing on demand, wherever they happen to be located."
IBM provides flexibility so users can
take advantage of wireless technology via Intel 802.11b, IBM 11b/g, IBM 11a/b/g (5), and
Bluetooth Wireless Technology. When used with the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, along
with industry-standard wireless encryption, the ThinkPad X40 provides the most secure
wireless computing environment in the industry (6). In addition, all X40 models come
standard with a modem, Gigabit Ethernet and Infrared.
Featuring the Intel Pentium-M processor
together with enhanced IBM ThinkVantage Design, the ThinkPad X40 sets new standards in
mobility and battery life. In addition, select models include Intel's Centrino mobile
technology, providing wireless connectivity while helping to deliver high performance and
extended battery life.
The ThinkPad X40 also includes innovative
new features such as a powered USB 2.0 port, which supports external optical drives
without a separate AC adapter, and a new Secure Digital port. The ThinkPad X40 can work
with the new optional X4 UltraBase Dock, providing additional expansion options for mobile
workers at a combined weight of only 4 pounds. By redesigning the X4 UltraBase Dock for
increased functionality, IBM provides the flexibility of converting the X40 into a
two-spindle solution that supports UltraBay Slim devices such as additional batteries,
added media options, and increased storage capacity. The X4 UltraBase Dock also includes a
USB 2.0 hub, power-on button and keylock for added security. The ThinkPad X40 also
features a simplified case design allowing for faster and easier service of memory and
communications options.
Additionally, the X40 has been designed
for greater durability for business travelers, by including IBM's 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, uses a microchip
on the system board to detect system acceleration (such as in a fall) and responds by
temporarily parking the drive's read/write head. This rapid response can help prevent some
hard drive crashes that occur in some falls, helping to prevent total data loss and
ultimately reduce downtime and warranty costs.
A Powerful Ultraportable Alternative
IBM today is also announcing new models of the ultraportable ThinkPad X31. The ThinkPad
X31 now features Intel Pentium-M processors up to 1.7GHz (7), with a travel weight of 3.6
pounds. For organizations that want image commonality, the X31 is compatible with the T41
and R50.
Easier to Use, Manage and Service
In addition to IBM Rescue and Recovery with Rapid Restore, the new ThinkPad X40 includes
other IBM ThinkVantage Technologies that improve security, provide choice and ease-of-use
in wireless capabilities, and are designed to increase IT staff and user productivity.
Both the ThinkPad X40 and the ThinkPad X31 features updated versions of Access Connections
and Access IBM. Access Connections 3.0 simplifies the management of wireless and wired
network settings so that users can easily switch between networking environments. The new
Access IBM 4.5 software provides easy access to on-system and online (8) information
including IBM service and support, which can reduce help desk calls and increase employee
productivity.
Pricing and Availability
The new ThinkPad X40 notebook and new models of the ThinkPad X31 notebook will be
available on February 24 through www.ibm.com. IBM personal computers are also available
through select business partners. Prices for the ThinkPad X40 start at $1,499, while the
ThinkPad X31 starts at $1,349. For more information, see www.ibm.com/thinkpad
Notes
IBM, ThinkPad, ThinkVantage, and IBM Rescue and Recovery with Rapid Restore are trademarks
or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Intel, Pentium, and Centrino are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Windows is a trademark or registered
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Prices do not include tax or shipping and
are subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary.
1. Weight includes standard battery and
may vary due to vendor components, manufacturing process and options.
2. Full-size keyboard defined by ISO/IEC 15412.
3. Based on manufacturer's published figures for IDC data for top 5 vendors in 2003
notebook sales, as of Jan. 28, 2004.
4. These model numbers achieved 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/batterylife. Battery life (and recharge times) will vary based on
many factors including screen brightness, applications, features, power management,
battery conditioning and other customer preferences.
5. 11a, 11b and 11g wireless are 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.
6. No other PC maker offers this level of security as a standard PC feature. Software
download required.
7. Mobile Intel Pentium processors feature Intel SpeedStep® technology. With Intel
SpeedStep, processor speed may be reduced to conserve battery power.
8. Requires Internet access; not included.
