The latest version of IBM's ThinkPad notebook computer
is targeting users who are interested in switching from desktop PCs
to laptop computers, but have little need for
mobility.
Screen sizes up to 15 inches and a wedge-shaped design with a
larger, more ergonomic keyboard are just two of the features that
are supposed to ease the transition to the notebook platform for
IBM customers used to working on desktop machines, according to
Chris Mantin, worldwide segment marketing manager for ThinkPad at
IBM.
The new G40s, which carry a price tag of less than £1,000, use
Intel Pentium or Celeron desktop processors and come outfitted with
four Universal Serial Bus ports for connecting peripheral
devices.
Many competing notebooks in the so-called "desktop replacement"
market have only one or two USB ports.
Unlike Dell, IBM also decided to stick with a so-called "three
spindle" design that includes a floppy disc drive in addition to a
hard disc and optical (CD/DVD) drive, Mantin said.
He cited the continued use of the 1.44 Mbyte floppy disk among
the G40's target customers in small and medium-sized businesses,
education and government as the reason behind the decision to
include the extra drive.
The key for IBM is to provide a smooth transition from the
desktop to the notebook platform with a "desktop replacement" that
does not deprive customers of functionality they are used to in the
name of portability.
Such customers either prefer larger screens and keyboards and
need only "occasional mobility," or are not ready to make the
radical switch from desktops to "ultralight" notebooks, finding
comfort in the similar features and specifications between desktop
computers and desktop replacement notebooks.
Accordingly, the G40 is heavier than other ThinkPad models,
weighing in at around 8lbs and has a more limited battery life than
other notebooks. Lower-end models come with a six-cell Lithium Ion
battery that allows the G40 to run for approximately two hours.
Higher-end models come with a 12-cell battery that provides up to
three and a half hours of power.
Despite the focus on creating a desktop-like notebook, IBM is
offering a number of features aimed at portable users, including
dual-band 802.11a and 802.11b wireless support with selected G40
models.
In addition to an antenna built in to the G40's display and a
mini PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) wireless card
integrated onto the motherboard, wireless-enabled G40 models are
preloaded with the IBM Access Connections Version 2.6 software,
which enables mobile users to detect and switch between available
wireless connections based on their priority and speed.
The G40s are available immediately from IBM and the base model
comes with an Intel Celeron 2.0GHz processor.
At the high end, a G40 equipped with a 3.0GHz Intel Pentium
processor, 15 inch display, 802.11 wireless support and a combined
DVD/CD-rewriteable drive will cost double the entry-level
model.