New IBM ThinkPads Combine Advanced Performance And Windows NT Support
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SOMERS, NY (September 09, 1998) – IBM today announced new ThinkPad(R) notebook PCs that combine the performance of the new Intel(TM) 300MHz(1) Mobile Pentium II(R) processor with support for Windows NT(R) Workstation. Building upon strong demand for ThinkPads in the second quarter of this year, IBM has outfitted the newest members of the award-winning ThinkPad 600, 560 and 380 families with more spacious hard drives and large, bright displays.
For businesses deploying Windows NT or planning to do so in the future, the new ThinkPad 600, 560Z and 380Z models support Windows NT Workstation version 4.0. Tapping the strengths of IBM programmers, the ThinkPads deliver advanced Windows NT functionality, including full power management, resume on ring and Hot Plug PC Card support. The power management features allow users to manually set timers to control system devices such as the display, hard disk drive and the CPU, further extending battery life. In addition, a low-battery warning alerts users when the battery charge drops below 5%. If the battery reaches a critically low level, the systems will automatically suspend, allowing the user to insert a charged battery or switch to AC power without losing critical data.
Two new ThinkPad 600 series models offer an ideal solution for mobile professionals who need a performance notebook in a portable package, whether on the road or in the office. Designed with desktop computing capabilities in a highly portable form factor, the new models weigh only five pounds(2) and offer a slim, 1.4-inch profile. In addition to their 300 MHz(3) Mobile Pentium II processors, they offer bright 13.3 TFT XGA displays, spacious 5.1GB(4) hard disk drives, 32 MB RAM, full docking capabilities, integrated 56K(5) modems, and a convenient front-loading bay that also accepts a floppy disk drive or 24x-10x CD-ROM drive(6). The ThinkPad 600 model 45U, operating Windows 98, is $4,499(7); the ThinkPad 600 model 85U, running Windows NT, is $4,599.
The initial launch of the ThinkPad 560 Series helped define the ultraportable notebook product category. While some competitive ultraportables have compromised usability by omitting full-travel keyboards, large displays or even serial or parallel ports, the ThinkPad 560 series remains the notebook of choice for road warriors. Four new ThinkPad 560Z models boast 12.1-inch TFT screens, spacious hard drives (4.0GB or 6.4GB) and 32 or 64 MB RAM, while retaining their svelte, 1.2-inch thickness and 4.1 or 4.2 pound weight(8). The new configurations include the ThinkPad 560Z model 90U, a 233MHz Mobile Pentium II processor based-system preloaded with Windows 98 with a 4.0GB hard drive for $2,799; the model 91U, a Windows NT version, is $2,899; the model BOU, offering a 300MHz Mobile Pentium II processor, Windows 98 and a 6.4GB hard drive, is $3,799; the Windows NT version, model B1U, is $3,899.
The ThinkPad 380Z-series, a popular desktop replacement for both large enterprises and small and medium businesses, includes the most affordable ThinkPad that supports Windows NT Workstation. Four new ThinkPad 380Z models feature an integrated design, bright 13.3-inch TFT screens, 300MHz or 233MHz Mobile Pentium II processors and 4.0 GB hard disk drives. The ThinkPad 380Z series allows users to easily expand capabilities through a customer-upgradable hard disk drive, Universal Serial Bus port and an optional enhanced port replicator. The port replicator provides additional PCMCIA slots, cable management for convenient connection to desktop peripherals and input/output ports. Additional features include stereo speakers with a subwoofer, 24x-10x CD-ROM drives and 32MB of memory.
ThinkPad 380Z models with 300MHz Mobile Pentium II processors are $3,199 (Windows 98, model JGU) and $3,299 (Windows NT, model JBU), respectively. The 233 MHz Mobile Pentium II processor-based units are $2,599 (Windows 98, model HGU) and $2,699 (Windows NT, model HBU), respectively.
A new Enhanced Port Replicator with EtherJet for the ThinkPad 560Z and 380Z models is also available. In addition to port replication, the new option provides PC Card slots for expansion and integrated network connectivity with Wake on LAN remote systems management capability.
Source: IBM