IBM rolls out notebook as good as workstation

BANGALORE: IBM India has introduced the ThinkPad A31p, the company’s first
mobile computer designed to meet the specific, high-performance needs of
workstation users.

"The new notebook combines the mobility of a ThinkPad with the power of
a workstation, affording users high-speed graphical performance with wireless
technology, security and manageability capabilities. The introduction of the
A31p reaffirms IBM as a leader in innovation and secures its place in the
forefront of the mobile workstation market. It offers users the freedom and
flexibility to leave the workplace and create and design virtually whenever and
wherever they want," stated a press release.

Optimized for connectivity, the ThinkPad A31p offers a communications bay for
flexible wireless and wired networking. Select models of the ThinkPad A Series,
including the A31p, are the first IBM notebooks to have both 802.11b and
Bluetooth integrated and running concurrently.

Providing notebook mobility to the traditional workstation user means static
operations such as collaboration with suppliers, OEMs and customers can now take
place in any office or conference room, or even remotely on the factory floor.
By allowing engineers to design models anywhere, the A31p can significantly help
increase flexibility and overall work productivity.

"This is the most functional mobile alternative for workstation users so
far from IBM," said IBM India, Country Manager, Personal Computing
Division, Shashi B Mal. "The ThinkPad A31p gives users the freedom to leave
the office and work almost anywhere. By leveraging IBM's own unique, patented PC
technology and expertise from our IntelliStation workstations, we are able to
bring to market a secure, manageable mobile workstation."

The ThinkPad A31p also comes with IBM’s Embedded Security Subsystem (ESS),
a comprehensive solution that combines both hardware and software. The
cryptographic chip can enhance most other security solutions by encrypting and
decrypting keys in hardware rather than main memory, where a Trojan horse virus
can steal the keys. IBM's ESS enhances authentication solutions, encrypts files
on the hard disk drive and eliminates the need for the key-fob used by many
virtual private networks.

Additionally, the ThinkPad A31p is the only mobile workstation enabled for
ImageUltra, IBM’s signature image management solution, which can help
integrate workstations into a network. ImageUltra helps successfully address the
costs involved with managing PCs, including deploying, managing and upgrading a
company’s systems, making it easier for businesses to link PCs with the rest
of their business infrastructure. ImageUltra is estimated to save companies up
to $100 per PC per year.

The ThinkPad A31p has been designed by engineers using industry-standard
design software for outstanding usability. IBM plans to have the ThinkPad A31p
certified by at least 25 ISVs shortly after the workstation becomes available
later this month. These certifications can be seen at ibm.com/pc/thinkpad/cert.html.

The ThinkPad A31p features some of the most advanced technology available in
the industry today, including Intel’s new Mobile Pentium 4 Processor-M, double
data rate (DDR) memory for robust functionality and ATI Mobility FireGL 7800
graphics technology that provides fast solutions for demanding 3D applications.
These graphics come alive on IBM’s unique 15-inch UXGA FlexView display, which
provides up to 25-50 per cent greater brightness and twice the contrast of
similar displays with viewing angles up to 170 degrees.