IBM India unveils 'biometric' laptop

BANGALORE: IBM India has introduced its first ThinkPad with an integrated fingerprint reader. ThinkPad, now features a model that delivers simplified access to password-protected personal and financial information, Websites, documents and e-mail while offering an unmatched level of data protection through its new biometric capability and embedded security subsystem.

"Today we raised the bar on security for the entire PC industry," said Sanjeev Menon, Brand Manager, Mobile Computing, IBM India. "What was once considered sci-fi technology is now available to all enterprises, large and small, in the notebook of choice for everyday business. The first biometric ThinkPad combines a fingerprint reader with an Embedded Security Subsystem, providing a layer of security that is built in, not bolted on. We take our customers' security into account in every aspect of our business solutions, from PCs to servers to middleware to wireless networks."

The fingerprint reader is built into select models of the ThinkPad T42. With the new reader, located on the wrist rest below the arrow keys, users swipe their finger across a small horizontally oriented sensor to log-on to their systems, software applications, web sites, or databases. The scanning process takes only seconds, combining convenience with the strongest notebook security available as a standard feature. This type of fingerprint reader captures more data than a traditional "picture" capture window, because it scans more of the fingertip's surface area, helping to prevent misidentification.

IBM also enhanced its hardware- and software-based Embedded Security Subsystem by releasing a new level of Client Security Software, Version 5.4, with a secure Password Manager, simplified ease-of-use and installation, and available by pre-load for the first time. The new version allows fingerprint identification and complex passphrases to be used interchangeably or in combination. The new software and the embedded security chip are seamlessly integrated with the fingerprint reader, protecting vital security information, such as encryption keys, electronic credentials and passphrases, and guarding against unauthorized user access.

Available in a thin and light platform, the ThinkPad T42 is less than 1 inch thin and has a travel weight as little as 2.2 Kgs. It also offers IBM's unique battery configuration, capable of providing all day computing, up to 7.5 hours on select models with the nine-cell extended battery. Mobile business users who take their notebooks with them everywhere will benefit from the power of the Intel Pentium M processor, long battery life and multiple options for wireless connectivity. Select high end configurations offer an Intel 765 Pentium M 2.1 GHZ processor..

The ThinkPad T42 notebook will be available from December 1, 2004 through IBM Business partners across the country and its Website.

Prices for ThinkPad T42 models with a fingerprint reader ranges from Rs. 95, 000 to 2,00,000 for different configurations.