IBM''s updated ThinkPads

Our Convergence Bureau
15 October 2003

Mumbai: IBM has launched a completely updated line of ThinkPad notebook computers in the US. These include new ThinkPad R50 and T41 models that have the world's first automatic hard drive protection technology.

As smaller and lighter mobile systems are at a greater risk of being dropped and damaged, IBM has developed a 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 upon impact, uses a microchip on the system board to detect system acceleration (such as in a fall).

The system responds by temporarily parking the drive's read/write head until the system is stabilised. This rapid response can help prevent hard drive crashes that could occur in some falls to help prevent total data loss and reduce warranty costs.

Insurance and analyst reports in the US indicate that more than 10.5 per cent of notebooks in a corporate enterprise are damaged annually, and that accidental damage accounts for the majority of PC loss claims. Of the three notebook components most prone to damage — hard drive, display and keyboard — hard drive damage results in the loss of valuable information and productivity.

IBM officials say applying life-saving technology to personal computing is revolutionary. IBM says it is committed to providing its customers with the most reliable notebooks in the industry. The new technology and Rapid Restore Ultra are two great ways of doing that.

The new ThinkPad R50, available in 14- and 15-inch models, has a travel weight of less than 6 pounds and measures 1.3-inches thin. It features a long-life battery, and by adding a second system battery option users can achieve almost 10 hours of battery life, providing users with a truly mobile computing experience.