ThinkPad is a brand of portable
laptop computers originally designed, manufactured and sold by
IBM. Since early 2005, the ThinkPad range has been manufactured and marketed by
Lenovo, which purchased the IBM
personal computer division.
History
IBM introduced the ThinkPad line in 1992. The name "ThinkPad" had roots in IBM's corporate history and culture.
Thomas J. Watson, Sr., had first introduced "THINK!" as an IBM slogan in the 1920s. For decades IBM distributed small notepads with the word "THINK" emblazoned on a brown leatherette cover to customers and employees
[1]. The name ThinkPad was suggested by IBM employee Denny Wainwright, who had a "THINK" notepad in his pocket
[2].
The first three ThinkPad models introduced were the 700, 700C, and 700T, which debuted in October 1992
[3]. The 700C used the
Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system, 25 MHz
486SLC processor, 120
MB hard disk drive, the industry's first 10.4"
TFT color display
[3], 2.2 in (56 mm) × 11.7 in (300 mm) × 8.3 in (210 mm) dimension, and 6.5 lb (2.9 kg) weight, cost US$ 4,350. The design of the commercial versions differed significantly from the prototype's keyboard-less
tablet design. The bright red TrackPoint, a kind of
pointing stick embedded in the keyboard, enabled the notebook to be used on an airline tray table without a mouse. As stated above, an IBM researcher conceived the title "ThinkPad" from a corporate-issued leather-bound pocket notebook with the corporate motto 'Think' embossed on the cover
[3]. The name faced disagreements from the IBM corporate naming committee because the nomenclature system for the IBM computers was then numerical; however, the brand name "ThinkPad" was kept as the press showed appreciation for the title
[4]. The first ThinkPads were very successful, and soon collected more than 300 awards for design and quality
[5].
The ThinkPad 750 flew aboard the
Space Shuttle Endeavour during a mission to repair the
Hubble Space Telescope on December 2, 1993. The ThinkPad 750C's task was to run a
NASA test program which determined if radiation inherent in the space environment causes memory anomalies in the 750C or generates other unexpected problems
[6]. Throughout 2006, a ThinkPad A31p was being used in the Service Module Central Post of the International Space Station and seven ThinkPad A31p laptops were in service in orbit aboard the
International Space Station[7]. As of early 2010 the Space Station is equipped with 68 ThinkPad A31p computers plus 32 new Lenovo ThinkPad T61p laptops
[8].
ThinkPads have been praised for exceptional build quality, system reliability, services and design throughout their decade and a half of presence in the consumer market
[9]. The original design was a collaboration between
Tom Hardy, corporate head of the IBM Design Program, Italian-based designer
Richard Sapper (noted for the design of classic products such as the
Tizio lamp for
Artemide, office chair for
Knoll, kitchenwares for
Alessi and ballpoint for
Lamy) and Kazuhiko Yamazaki, lead notebook designer at IBM's Yamato Design Center in
Japan[9][10]. Sapper proposed a design inspired by the
Shōkadō bentō, a traditional black-lacquered Japanese lunch box
[9][11].
The fold-out
butterfly keyboard, which appeared in the ThinkPad 701 series, is widely considered a design masterpiece and is on display at the
Museum of Modern Art in New York. The ThinkPad 760 series also included an unusual keyboard design; the keyboard was elevated by two arms riding on small rails on the side of the screen, tilting the keyboard to achieve a more ergonomic design.
The 755CV featured another design quirk: the screen could be separated from the lid, allowing it to be used to project the computer display using an
overhead projector, before
data projectors were commonplace
[12].
Lenovo purchase
In 2005, the Chinese manufacturer
Lenovo purchased the ThinkPad brand from IBM in a five-year deal, whereby IBM still helps in the marketing and support of these products.
The following are some of the changes that have been made to the ThinkPad line:
- Added Magnesium-alloy chassis roll cage to reduce motherboard flex caused by holding the laptop one handed on a corner.
- Added Magnesium-alloy lid roll cage for a sturdier lid while replacing the lid material from magnesium-alloy to plastic for better wireless signal reception[13].
- Added Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic to 15 in (380 mm) ThinkPad Models.
- Reintroduced a line of Tablet PCs based on the X-series.
- Moved the physical location of GPU to the edge of motherboard near hinge to reduce the chance of damage caused by motherboard flex.
- Introduced Widescreen displays with the Z-series and added Widescreen to the T-series.
- Introduced a lower-priced laptop under the Z-series.
- Added rubber cushion to the hard drive tray to reduce vibration and to absorb shock.
- Added the Windows key to all 60-series and newer laptops making all the Windows shortcuts possible (although possible before with the keyboard remapping utility).
- Official support for Linux on select models[14].
- Added second drainage hole starting with the Z60-series.
- Ported the ThinkPad keyboard into stand-alone keyboards for desktop PCs in PS/2 or USB[15].
- Expanded usage of the ThinkPad brand name to cover the SL-series, based on designs and chassis from the consumer IdeaPad line.
- Expanded usage of the Thinkpad brand name to cover the Thinkpad Edge-series, more modern design with island style keyboard.
- Added an intercooling mechanism that allows the computer's inner workings to remain cool while in use
- Placed vents and a draining mechanism that allows any spilled material to drain through the computer without damaging the keyboard
Current product line
| Small Business | Consumer | Standard | Performance | Ultraportable | Tablet | Workstation |
ThinkPad SL Series
14–15.6 in (360–400 mm) with basic performance, use Intel Core 2 Duo processors. | ThinkPad Edge Series
13.3–15.6 in (340–400 mm) with average performance, uses Intel Core i5 processors. Consumer targeted styling unique in the Thinkpad line. | ThinkPad L Series
14.1 in (360 mm) or 15.6 in (400 mm) with mainstream performance, uses Intel Core i5 processors. Replaces R Series. Looks similar to SL Series. | ThinkPad T Series
14.1 in (360 mm) or 15.6 in (400 mm) premier performance, uses Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. | ThinkPad X Series
11.6 in (290 mm), 12.1 in (310 mm), or 13.3 in (340 mm) light-weight ultra-portable, uses Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. | ThinkPad X Series Tablet
12.1 in (310 mm) convertible tablet, uses Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. | ThinkPad W Series
15.6 in (400 mm) or 17 in (430 mm) ultimate mobile workstation, uses Intel Core i7 processors. |
[edit] Features
Traditionally black, ThinkPads have commonly featured magnesium,
carbon fiber reinforced plastic or
titanium composite cases. The ThinkPad has introduced many innovations, including the
TrackPoint pointing device.
ThinkLight, an LED keyboard light at the top of the LCD screen, Active Protection System, an
accelerometer sensor which detects when a ThinkPad is falling and shuts the hard drive down to prevent damage,
Roll cage design to eliminate motherboard flex, Biometric fingerprint reader, Client Security Solution, which improves security using a built-in
TPM and facilitates deployment in corporate environment,
ThinkVantage Technologies suite of computer management applications, and drain holes to help reduce damage to the keyboard and components from accidental spillage.
Model information
| | Parts of this article (those related to section) may no longer be up to date. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information, and remove this template when finished. Please see the talk page for more information. (October 2009) |
Several ThinkPads in use aboard the International Space Station, including 760, 770, and A21p models.
- ThinkPad 100-series
- The ThinkPad X100e is an entry-level ultraportable notebook. The X100e is available in either the standard non-glossy black or red in color. It contains unusual features like the presence of three USB 2.0 ports, VGA port, Ethernet LAN port, 4-in-1 card reader, headphone and mic combo jack. Features an AMD Athlon Neo X2 Single-Core MV-40 (1.60 GHz, 512KB) CPU, support for up to 2GB 667 MHz DDR2 memory. It comes with ATI Radeon HD 3200 IGP 128MB graphic cards, 11.6in HD AntiGlare (1,366 x 768-pixels) display and six-cell lithium-ion.[16]
- ThinkPad 235
- The Japan-only ThinkPad 235 (or Type 2607), is an interesting product because it is a progeny of the IBM/Ricoh RIOS project. Also known as Clavius or Chandra2, it contains unusual features like the presence of three PCMCIA slots and the use of dual camcorder batteries as a source of power. Features an Intel Pentium MMX 233 MHz CPU, support for up to 160 MB of EDO memory, and a built-in 2.5 in (64 mm) hard drive with UDMA support. Hitachi markets Chandra2 as the Prius Note 210.
- ThinkPad 240
- The ultraportable ThinkPad 240 (X, Z) started with an Intel Celeron and went up to the 600 MHz Intel Pentium III. In models using the Intel 440BX chipset, the RAM was expandable to 320 MB max with a BIOS update. With a 10.4 in (260 mm) screen and an 18 mm (0.71 in) key pitch (a standard key pitch is 19 mm (0.75 in)). They were also one of the first ThinkPad series to contain a built-in Mini PCI card slot (form factor 3b). The 240s have no optical drives and an external floppy drive. An optional extended battery sticks out the bottom like a bar and props up the back of the laptop. Weighing in at 2.9 lb (1.3 kg), these were the smallest and lightest ThinkPads ever made.
- ThinkPad 300-series
- The 300-series (300, 310, 340, 350, 360, 365, 380, 385, 390 (all with various sub-series)) was a long-running value series starting at the 386SL/25 processor, all the way to the Pentium III 450. They were lower specified versions of the ThinkPad 700 series, available at a lower price.
An IBM Thinkpad 310ED and a 760ED, both from the 1996-97 era. For their time, they were very mobile, powerful, and durable. The 760ED boasts the unique flip-up keyboard that was standard on all 760 Thinkpads.
Also a new features with
Intel (R) Core I'5 and I'7 series was a
Lenovo Thinkpad X300 Tablet PC was using for a work, multitasking and more.
- ThinkPad 500-series
- The 500-series (500, 510, 560 (E, X, Z), 570 (E)) were the main line of the ultraportable ThinkPads. Starting with the 486SX2-50 Blue Lightning to the Pentium III 500, these machines had only a hard disk onboard. Any other drives were external (or in the 570's case in the ultrabase). They weighed in at around 4 lb (1.8 kg) and because of their excellent design are still in use today.
- ThinkPad 600-series
- The 600-series (600, 600E and 600X) are the direct predecessors of the T series, and are known for their portability, comfortable keyboard, and sturdy construction. The 600-series packed a 12.1 in (310 mm) SVGA or a 13.3 in (340 mm) XGA TFT LCD, Pentium MMX, Pentium II or III processor, full-sized keyboard, and optical bay into a package weighing roughly 5 lb (2.3 kg). IBM was able to create this light, fully featured machine by using lightweight but strong carbon fiber composite plastics. The battery shipped with some 600-series models had a manufacturing defect that left it vulnerable to memory effect and resulted in poor battery life, but this problem can be avoided by use of a third-party battery.
- ThinkPad 700-series
- The 700-series (700, 701, 720, 730 (tablet), 750, 755, 760, 765, 770 (many with sub-models)) were the cutting-edge Intel-based ThinkPads. They featured the best screens, largest hard drives and fastest processors available at the time. This was the first successful ThinkPad introduced in 1992 (the first ThinkPad was a tablet PC without a keyboard and a mouse).
- ThinkPad 800-series
- The ThinkPad 800-series (800/820/821/822/823/850/851/860) were unique in that they were based on the PowerPC architecture, rather than the Intel x86 architecture. They all used the PowerPC 603e CPU, at speeds of 100 MHz, or 166 MHz in the 860 model. The 800 may have used a 603, and it is unclear if the 800 was experimental or not. All units used SCSI 2 instead of IDE hard disks. The units are believed to have all been extremely expensive, as the 850 cost upwards of $12,000. The 800-series can run Windows NT 3.5 (probably 4.0 as well), OS/2, AIX 4.14, Solaris Desktop 2.5.1 PowerPC Edition, and Linux.
- ThinkPad TransNote
- The ThinkPad TransNote was a pen-based PC in a laptop. Data could be entered through the keyboard, TrackPoint, paper notepad (with writing sensor below), or the screen via stylus. This ThinkPad expanded on IBM's previous pen based notebooks (360P(E), 730T(E), and 750(P)).
- ThinkPad A-series
- The A-series was developed as an allround productivity machine, equipped with hardware powerful enough to make it a desktop replacement. Hence it was the biggest and heaviest ThinkPad series at its time, but also had features not even found in a T-series of the same age. The A-series was dropped in favour of the G-series and R-series.
- ThinkPad G-series
- The G-series consisted of only three models, the G40, G41 and G50. Being large and heavy machines, equipped with powerful desktop processors, this line of ThinkPads was consequently specialised in serving as a desktop replacement.
- ThinkPad i-series
- The i-series introduced the ThinkLight and were also the first notebooks equipped with Wireless LAN.
Lenovo ThinkPad R500 (lid closed)
- ThinkPad R40-series
- This line of laptops comprised the R40 and the R40e. These had Mobile Celeron, Pentium 4-M or Pentium M processors, depending on sub-variant.
- ThinkPad R50-series
- Based on the T40-series, this line of laptops includes the R50, R50e, R50p, R51, R51e and R52. This series of laptops is available with fingerprint-readers and uses many components also found in T40-series models, such as batteries, keyboards and planars (system boards). The R51e and the R52, both based on the T43 system board, are the first R-series laptop to utilize DDR2-memory and include a SATA-controller, however uses only ATA-harddrives.
- ThinkPad S30 and S31
- Japan & Taiwan-only Pentium III model with no CD drive, a 10 in (250 mm) screen, 256 MB Maximum RAM, PCMCIA slot, CF slot, two USB 1.1 ports, Firewire port, RJ11 and RJ45, and a keyboard with English and Japanese shared keys. Battery with built-in stand, long-life 5-hour run. HDD 20 GB upgradeable to 160 GB tested. Some models have built-in WiFi. BIOS are interchangeable in S30 and S31 and tested to work. The latest known BIOS is 1.82.
- ThinkPad W Series
- A recent line of mobile workstations designed to suit the needs of CAD/CAM users, 3D and Video artists and photographers. These are the most powerful ThinkPads ever made.
- Thinkpad Edge-series
- A series of laptops with focus on more mainstream aesthetics. This series is the first Thinkpad featuring a keyboard that differs from the classic Thinkpad keyboard, and is also currently the only Thinkpad available in a color other than black. It comes in three different colours: glossy red, glossy black and matte black.
- ThinkPad Z60-series
- This is the first ThinkPad laptop to feature a widescreen (16:10 aspect ratio) display. The Z-Series is also the first ThinkPad equipped with a titanium lid (on some models). Integrated WWAN and/or webcam also found on some configurations. The series includes, as of 2006, the Z60 (Z60m and Z60t) and Z61; the latter of which is the first Z-Series ThinkPad with Intel "Yonah" Dual Core Technology. The processor supports Intel VT-x; this is disabled in the BIOS but can be turned on thanks to a BIOS update. Running fully virtualised operating systems via Xen or VMware is therefore possible[17].
T series
- ThinkPad T20 series
- Comprising the T20, T21, T22 and T23, these were Mobile Pentium III or Mobile Pentium III-M, sub-5 lb (2.3 kg) class machines. Contained processors ranging from 0.18 micrometre (μm) Mobile Pentium III 650 MHz to 0.13 μm Mobile Pentium III-M 1.20 GHz. Typically had 14.1 in (360 mm) XGA screens, Ultrabay 2000 optical drives, S3 Savage/IX-MV graphics chip and Cirrus Logic CS 4614/22/24 sound chips; although variations along the line existed. Introduced the ThinkLight, a LED mounted inside the upper screen lip that illuminates the keyboard (activated with Fn-PgUp, the extreme diagonal keys); and titanium-reinforced and rubberized screen lids. Used MiniPCI form factor cards, which could be modem and/or Ethernet. With the T23, an internal WiFi antenna became available, so WiFi miniPCI cards could be used. These models did not contain the active hard drive protection or touchpad pointing device which appeared in later models. They were clad in black non-slip rubber with embedded glitter. The case lid had tabs along the edge that interlocked with depressions in the lower case when closed, to reduce case flexing. Comparatively more stylish, functional, and rugged machines; and easy to disassemble for repair or upgrades. The T23 machine, known internally in IBM as the 'Toronto' model, was the first to include Windows XP.
- ThinkPad T30
- Features include an Intel Mobile Pentium 4 processor ranging from 1.6 GHz to 2.4 GHz. A T30 may accommodate up to a 2.4 GHz processor with the latest BIOS and Embedded Controller upgrades. Graphics are provided by ATI Radeon Mobility 7500 hardware with 16 MB of discrete video memory, which supports external widescreen resolutions. Users have even reported success with output resolutions of 1,920 × 1,200 via DVI on the optional Port Replicator II docking station, although IBM claims a limit of 1,280 × 1,024 due to a weak TMDS transmitter. The T30 was available with a 14.1 in (360 mm) screen, with resolutions of 1,024 × 768 and 1,400 × 1,050. DVI video output is available with the optional Port Replicator II docking station, but resolution is officially limited to 1,280 × 1,024[18]. Features available include the embedded security subsystem, UltraNav touchpad, 256 MB standard memory (1 GB maximum according to IBM manual, but it has been reported[19] to accept 2 GB of RAM[20]), a 20, 40 or 60 GB hard disk, Ultrabay Plus drive, wireless, and Bluetooth. The T30 also contains a miniPCI slot usable for a wireless card. The shell is titanium-reinforced composite. The whole package was a bit heavier and thicker than the T4x series.
- ThinkPad T40-series
- Includes the T40, T41, T42, T43, and associated p series (for performance; e.g., T43p). A typical 14.1-inch (360 mm) T4x weighs 4.9 lb (2.2 kg), slightly less than the 600-series, and features an Intel Pentium M Processor (ranging from the Intel Pentium M at 1.73 GHz to the Intel Pentium M 770 at 2.13 GHz), a 14.1 or 15-inch (380 mm) LCD (XGA, SXGA+), an integrated GPU (Intel Graphics Media Adapter 900) or a discrete GPU (Radeon 7500, 9000, Fire GL 9000, Fire GL T2, and Fire GL V3200 workstation CAD card that is slower in fullscreen video editing and computer games, and most notably 9600 and x300 which are faster for games), and a hard drive ranging in size from 30 to 100 GB with the Active Protection System to protect the hard drive (T41 and later models). p (mobile workstation) models typically offer FireGL CAD graphics, and are also available with a 14 in (360 mm) SXGA+ or a 15 in (380 mm) SXGA+/UXGA FlexView display with wide viewing angle and high density IPS technology. These 15-inch (380 mm) display models weigh slightly more than their lesser brethren, with optical drive and battery, at 2.7 kg (5.9 lb). One model of T42 also offered IPS SXGA+ 14 in technology. All T4x models use either 6-cell or 9-cell lithium-ion batteries, as well as an optional 3-cell Ultrabay Slim lithium-polymer battery. The 9-cell battery gives a runtime of 5+ hours and a crease allows the laptop to lay flat on an airplane tray-table. Some T42 and T43 models feature a biometric security system with built-in fingerprint reader. Some models also include Bluetooth support. The T43 model offered DDR2 memory (vs DDR for other T-series machines) but ran hotter and noisier, and so the T42 models were thought to have the best combination of ergonomics and performance. The T40 was IBM's first ThinkPad to use the Pentium M "Banias" CPU. The T42 employed a Pentium M "Dothan" processor with a 400 MHz frontside bus, while the T43 used a later revision of Dothan running a 533 MHz FSB. Lenovo integrated the ExpressCard into ThinkPad T43 in May 2005.[21]
- ThinkPad T60-series
- Includes the T60, T61; and associated p series (for performance; e.g.,. T60p); intended as the next generation of the T4x Series ThinkPads; this is the first T-Series ThinkPad to include the Intel Core Duo "Yonah" Technology, and later the Intel Core 2 Duo "Merom" Mobile technology; and the first T-series ThinkPads to come in widescreen resolution. This model has a VMX-enabled BIOS, meaning that running fully virtualised operating systems via Xen or VMware is possible, provided a VMX compatible CPU is installed. The T61, announced in May 2007, features a widescreen resolution as the default resolution, and incorporates the Intel Santa Rosa platform having a fully 64-bit chipset. Like the T60, the T61 also received a CPU core upgrade before its life cycle ended, from "Merom" to "Penryn", both part of the Intel Core 2 Duo line. It is the first T-series ThinkPad to have an integrated web camera (optional), smart card reader (optional), and media card reader (optional). Furthering innovation founded in the T60, the T61 also sports a top-cover roll cage, aside from the magnesium roll cage inside the main chassis. T61 extra features include a fingerprint reader (some models, also available on T60) and a new improved framing (all T61 models).
- ThinkPad T400 and T500 series
- This series succeeded the T61-series. Some T400 models have an associated s (for small; e.g., T400s) and lack some rarely used features such as modems. Notable features include switchable graphics (ability to switch between discrete and integrated graphics, only in Windows Vista and newer) and optional LED backlit screens. The T400 models include 14.1 in (360 mm) screens but lack digital video out, while the T500 line includes 15.4 in (390 mm) screens and a DisplayPort interface. T400 and T500 use Penryn core processors and have DDR3 1066 memory by default on all models.
- Thinkpad T400s
- This is high-end model of T400. This is model is the thinest and lightest model in T series. T400s is based on Intel Penryn platform. The most significant hardware change is the layout of the 7-row keyboard with big ESC and DEL keys.
- ThinkPad T410 and T510 series
- The design of setting of this series are based on T400s. This series is based on Intel Calpella platform.
X series
- ThinkPad X20-series
- Pentium III Mobile, sub-4 lb (1.8 kg) machines. Contained Pentium III-M processors ranging from 500 MHz to 1.13 GHz. 12.1 in (310 mm) XGA screens, and ATI Rage Mobility M1 (X20, X21) or Radeon Mobility M6 (X22, X23, X24) graphics chips. Used miniPCI form factor cards, which supports modem and/or Ethernet. With the X22 and later machines, provisions for wireless networking support are built into the chassis. Ultrabay 2000 optical drive support can be fitted via the Ultrabase portable docking station option, and extended batteries can give the series a 5-hour running time.2000$
- ThinkPad X30-series
- Pentium III Mobile (X30), Pentium M Banias (X31) or Pentium M Dothan (X32), 12.1 in (310 mm) XGA screens, dedicated Graphic Chip (ATI M6 with 16 MB, which means no shared memory is cut from the RAM), Bluetooth on some models (upgradable), WLAN (802.11b, b/g or even a/b/g), FireWire, CompactFlash card slot. No built-in optical drive. Lots of options like second battery, Mediaslice (for battery and UltraBay), port replicators, docking stations (some with a PCI slot).
- ThinkPad X40 Series
- An example of the lightweight X series, weighing in at 2.7 lb (1.2 kg), 25% lighter than its predecessor, the X31. The last variant of the X40-series, the X41 Tablet, was the first ThinkPad tablet PC since the original pen-based ThinkPad. It is the lightest 12 in (300 mm) Tablet PC with a keyboard from any manufacturer. It was also the final released ThinkPad designed by IBM before the brand was purchased by Lenovo. (The X40 was known internally in IBM as the Sydney model)
- ThinkPad X60-series
- Includes the X60 and X61, with their associated s and Tablet series.
Lenovo ThinkPad X61 tablet
The X60 is the first X-Series ThinkPad to feature Intel chips using the Intel Core architecture. The Core Duo L2400 (Low Voltage) CPU on the X60s model achieves 7+ hours of battery life on standard benchmarks, and can reach around 10 hours under light use, when using the extended-life battery. Note this model lacks a built-in optical drive, unlike the larger T60. The X61, like the T61, also is the first X-series ThinkPad to use Intel's Santa Rosa platform and to be available with a 3G WWAN option. This series includes the Thinkpad Reserve Edition, a 5,000-model limited edition laptop designed for executive class professionals. It was clad in hand-stitched leather, and came with a three-year 24/7 service warranty.
- ThinkPad X300/X301
- Codenamed "Kodachi". Released February 26, 2008. Distinguished from other ultraportable laptops by its usage of LED backlighting, removable battery, solid state drive, and integrated DVD burner, it is the flagship model for the X-series. The ThinkPad X300 used the small form factor Intel GS965 chipset, instead of the standard GM965 along with Intel Core 2 Duo L7100 low voltage CPU with only 12 W TDP. Its successor, the ThinkPad X301 uses the Intel Centrino 2 mobile platform with GS45 chipset and an ultra low voltage CPU. It also integrates GPS, WWAN, and a webcam in the top lid. The thickest part of the laptop is 0.92 in (2.3 cm) and the thinnest part is 0.73 in (1.9 cm).
- ThinkPad X200/X200s
- Successor to the X60-series, the ThinkPad X200 laptop leverages the new technology from the X300, including the options of a Solid State Drive (SSD), an optional integrated camera, 12.1" widescreen display, optional 3G WWAN, a new 9-cell battery for extended running time up to 9.8 hours, weight as low as 2.95 lb (1.34 kg), and CPU up to 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. The X200s is a newer model of the X200 which is lighter and thinner, and has the option of a WXGA+ screen with LED Backlighting for increased battery performance. The X200 series included Tablet PC models[22].
- Thinkpad X100e series
- An entry level ultraportable Thinkpad with an AMD Athlon Neo processor and AMD Vision Pro graphics[23]. The X100e is available in either the standard non-glossy black or red in color. It contains unusual features like the presence of three USB 2.0 ports, VGA port, Ethernet LAN port, 4-in-1 card reader, heaphone and mic combo jack. CPU options are the AMD Athlon Neo Single-Core MV-40 1.60 GHz, AMD Athlon Neo X2 Dual-Core L335 1.60 GHz, and AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core L625 1.50 GHz.[24] Support for up to 4GB 667 MHz DDR2 memory. It comes with ATI Radeon HD 3200 IGP 128MB graphic cards, 11.6in HD AntiGlare (1,366 x 768-pixels) display and six-cell lithium-ion.[16]
Reception
Both IBM- and Lenovo-made ThinkPads have been recognized by the press for their reliability.
Laptop Magazine states that the ThinkPad has the highest-quality laptop
computer keyboard available
[25]. The ThinkPad was ranked #1 in reliability and support according to PC Magazine's 2007 Survey
[26]. The Lenovo ThinkPad is the PC Magazine 2006 Reader's Choice for PC based laptops, and ranked number 1 in Support for PC based laptops
[27]. The ThinkPad Series is the first product line that has received PC World's Hall of Fame award
[28]. The ThinkPad X Tablet-series is PC Magazine Editor's Choice for tablet PCs
[29]. The 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) ThinkPad X60s is ranked number 1 in ultraportable laptops by PC World. It lasted 8 hours and 21 minutes on a single charge with its 8-cell battery
[30]. The Lenovo ThinkPad X60s Series is on PC World's Top 100 Products of 2006
[31]. The 2005
PC World Reliability and Service survey ranked ThinkPad products ahead of all other brands for reliability
[32]. In the 2004 survey, they were ranked second (behind
eMachines)
[33]. Lenovo was named the most environment-friendly company in the electronics industry by
Greenpeace in 2007
[34] but has since dropped to place 16 of 19 as of September 2009
[35]. Lenovo ThinkPad T60p received the Editor's Choice award for Mobile Graphic Workstation from PC Magazine
[36]. Lenovo ThinkPad X60 is the PC Magazine Editor's Choice among ultra-portable laptops
[37]. The Lenovo ThinkPad T400-Series is on PC World's Top 100 Products of 2009
[38].
Criticism
Users who have previously been using a
desktop computer or other notebook brands or are using external keyboards while stationary or own or
support other brands criticize Lenovo's choice of
Fn and
Ctrl key placement. The problem is that on most other keyboards the Ctrl key is the leftmost key, whereas on Thinkpads it is second from the left. Some have gone even so far as physically removing the Fn key from their keyboards in order not to accidentally press it instead of Ctrl
[39][40][41][42]. A BIOS options exists in recent models to swap the functionality of the Fn and Ctrl keys. Thinkpad Edge has the BIOS option named: "Fn and Ctrl key swap"
[43].
There have been concerns and complaints about the service, support, hardware, and security before and after Lenovo acquired the ThinkPad line. For example:
- Possibly the most common criticism, especially of the X-series ThinkPad line, is that the drivers and OS recovery software are no longer shipped on CD or DVD, but are on a hidden partition on the hard disk. (This complaint has been made about many other laptop brands as well.) The system is typically recovered by using the hidden partition data, and requires that the owner burn the recovery information to anywhere between two to six optical discs, depending on whether CDs or DVDs are used. This process can only be performed once. If an undetected flaw in the CD/DVD media makes the recovery CD unusable, the customer is then forced to purchase a new copy from Lenovo. If the HDD malfunctions before a recovery system is created by the user, there is no way to return the system back to its original state other than buying a restore CD/DVD set from the Lenovo company (at prices currently ranging from USD $20 to $40).
- There was also a problem with what was a critical update, in which the BIOS update program added an extra random bit to the password data, which resulted in users being locked out of their systems. The update to the BIOS was unusable, because the BIOS password was required to access the BIOS. While Lenovo claimed that this problem only affected 1% of its computers, these 1% were forced to resort to inconvenient and sometimes expensive fixes[44].
- The IBM EasyServ service has been outsourced to Solectron[45]. The default depot repair is now handled by Solectron, and there have been complaints about unsatisfactory repairs and charges from users[46][47][48].
- Many IBM ThinkPad models give a 1802 error when trying to install "unauthorized" wireless cards. This prevents users from starting up their computers unless the wireless mini-PCI card is removed or an IBM-authorized card is used. However, there are workaround patches[49].
- The latest SL series lacks several of the otherwise common key features of a ThinkPad, such as the Roll Cage or the ThinkLight. SL users report that the keyboard is flimsier than earlier IBM Thinkpads, particularly in the center of the keyboard. The overall satisfaction with the SL series keyboards is reported as lower, when compared to IBM Thinkpad keyboards. Early feedback on SL models suggests a trend to lower reliability, an observation that has characterized the Lenovo-designed Thinkpads.
- 15 in (380 mm) displays with 1,400 × 1,050 and 1,600 × 1,200 pixel resolution are no longer offered, including the popular IPS or AFFS flexview produced by Boe-Hydis.
- Like most OEMs, Lenovo was forced to switch the screens for the new T510 and W510 to 16:9 aspect ratio (instead of the traditional 16:10 widescreen computer ratio). The T410 still has a 14 in (360 mm) 16:10 screen, though.
- For the T400 and T500, Lenovo switched from using the keyboard's stiffener plate to using a stiffer chassis to reduce weight, which the company claims results in a more rigid keyboard[50]. The keyboard change was also made for R500, W500, and W700 Thinkpad models[51]. Many users felt that the new keyboard flexed more, even though Lenovo's own deformation test showed the new keyboard to perform better by 0.03 mm (0.0012 in)[50]. The manufacturer later acknowledged a problem and offered replacement keyboards with a stronger backplate to affected users. In addition, the design of the affected machines was amended to include additional chassis support for the keyboard, a change which many users report has fixed the problem. The T410, T510, and W510 now use a completely different keyboard that combined with internal bracing avoids most keyboard flex issues. The new keyboard features a revised key layout and is similar to the "weight saving" keyboard of the previous generation. The T410 has been somewhat unreliable for some users due to a tendency to overheat.
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