IBM ThinkPad Design v.3

8/14/2019 IBM ThinkPad Design v.3

1/14

Personal Computing Division

2004 IBM Corporation

IBM ThinkPad Design v.3

Matthew Kohut

PCD Market IntelligenceFebruary 27, 2004

ThinkPad X, T, R

[email protected]


2/14



Introduction

1. Protect the Display

2. Protect the Users Data

3. Protect the Internal Components

4. Make it Thin and Light

5. Make it Easy to Use6. Make it Easy to Service

7. Maximise Battery Life

8. Make Systems Common

9. Make it Easy to Connect

10. Make it Easy to Reduce Costs

In 1992, IBM shipped the industrys first notebook computer. Ten years and 20 million ThinkPad systems later, making

machines easier to use and minimising repair instances still drive IBM innovation. Listening to our customers hastaught IBM that these are key areas to focus on when designing a notebook system:

This presentation highlights features found in ThinkPad X31, X40, T40, T41, T42, R50 and R51 models. Most, but not all, ofthe features mentioned apply to other ThinkPad series as well.


3/14



Protect the Display

Dual latches help keep ThinkPad systems closedand prevent foreign objects from getting between

keyboard and display which can scratch screen.

Stainless steel hingesfirmly anchor display tobase for more strengthand to minimise torsionof display.

Lip (picture frame) arounddisplay helps take pressurefrom the top of the displayand transfers it to the sides,helping to protect it frompressure on top.

Tabs around display interlock withslots in the base providing a moresecure closure.

Accidental damage to the display is not covered under most manufacturers warranties. To help protect customers

investments, IBM ThinkPad notebooks feature the following features which help protect the display screen:


4/14



Protect the Display (cont.)

It is not just the type of material, but also the amountof material used in a notebook which determines howwell the display is protected.

ThinkPad T series features a magnesium compositetop for strength and a titanium reinforced carbon fibreplastic bottom for shock resistance and low thermal

conductivity.

ThinkPad R series features 2mm of ABS plastic forstrength and display protection.

ThinkPad X31 series features titanium reinforcedcarbon fiber plastic on top and a magnesiumcomposite bottom. X40 has a magnesium compositetop and bottom.

No matter what material used, IBM ThinkPadnotebooks offer excellent display protection. Justpress on the cover to see!

ThinkPad systems feature box frame with square pin

construction for added strength.

Stainless steel hinge attaches to wide display plate forbetter attachment of display to base.

(ThinkPad R series shown for illustration purposes)

Square Pin

Hinge

Box Frame

Display attach plate

ThinkPad T seriesshown for illustration

purposes


5/14



Protect the DataPerhaps more important than the hardware itself is the data residing on the hard disk drive. ThinkPad notebooks have

both hardware and software features to protect the users data.

Metal plate on thebottom of the hard diskhelps protect the drivefrom shock, staticelectricity, and dirt.

ThinkPad T and R series notebooks featurea shock absorber to help protect the harddisk from the most common type of shockevents and reduce hard disk failure fromoperational shock.

Embedded SecuritySubsystem (select models)with downloadable ClientSecurity Software canencrypt data on hard diskand provide for secure

access to the system.

When IBM exclusive ActiveProtection System (select models)senses a fall that could damage thehard disk, it protects the drive by

automatically parking the read/writehead. When the system is stable, itwill resume normal operation.

Rapid Restore Ultra is designed tohelp protect the user from data lossdue to software crashes. If activatedby the user, the software backs up

the users system to a hidden partitionand can restore it at the touch of abutton, even when the system cannotboot.

ThinkPad X40 features mini(1.8") HDD which is 20%

more shock resistant and13% quieter than standard(2.5") HDD*

20% improved operational shock resistance during seek operationsfor improved reliability (calculated comparing shock spec of 250G/2ms for ThinkPad 30GB/40GB 4200 rpm drive compared with 300G/2ms for ThinkPad 40GB Mini Hard Drive)

13% quieter during seek operations (calculated comparing acoustics seek operational spec of 3.0 Bels for ThinkPad 30GB/40GB 4200 rpm drive compared with acoustics s eek operational spec of 2.6 Bels for ThinkPad 40GB Mini Hard Drive)


6/14



Protect the Internal Components

All ThinkPad notebook ports are recessed,

protecting them from damage.

(ThinkPad X31 shown for illustration purposes)

ThinkPads also feature other protections to keep system components protected:

Release latches for Ultrabayexpansion devices on T andR series retract into thesystem where they are betterprotected than if they were onthe removable device itself.

To protect removable device as well as the system, ThinkPad T andR series notebooks feature a metal plate In the device bay.

To protect PCMCIA slots, instead ofplastic blanks that are easily lost,ThinkPads feature a spring loadeddoor. The door automatically movesout of the way when a card isinserted and closes when the card isremoved.

All ThinkPad notebook keyboards aresealed to be spill resistant and sit insidea tray so that spills are do not leakthrough to the electronic componentsunderneath.

Contained Water Spill

Keyboard


7/14



Make It Thin and Light

ThinkPad X31 Approximately 25mm thin*

ThinkPad notebooks are widely recognised for havingthin and light form factors. Here are some thicknessesfor ThinkPad systems:

ThinkPad T40/T41 Approximately 26mm thin*

ThinkPad R50 Approximately 34mm (14"), 37mm (15")*

ThinkPad X40 Approximately 21mm thin*

To allow ThinkPad systems to get thinner and lighter, Ultrabayslim (9.5mm) was introduced to augment Ultrabay (12mm)

devices.

ThinkPad system AC power bricks are designed tobe small and light, as well as common so they canbe shared among X, T, and R series

ThinkPad notebooks are among the thinnest and lightest machines in their class on the market:

* Thinness figures based on weighted average of system thickness


8/14



ThinkPad notebooks feature a full-size, seven-row keyboard that conforms to ISO specs for key size, spacing between

keys, layout, and key travel.* Other ease of use features:

Make it Easy to Use

ThinkPad notebooks thermalspecification for palm rest is morestringent than industry standards formaximum acceptable temperature ofpalm rest which helps increase usercomfort.

Easy to use volume and mutekeys on the keyboard

Forward and back keys makeweb navigation easier

Access IBM button letsuser access functions forconfiguring ThinkPad,system tools, and helpusing the system.

User has a choice ofthree differentTrackPoint caps tocustomise feel.

Buttons for touch pad(select models) andTrackPoint are designed forperformance and ease ofuse for all preferences.

ThinkPad T serieskeyboard shown forillustration purposes

* Full-size keyboard: As defined by ISO/IEC 15412


9/14



Make it Easy to Use (cont.)

IBM exclusive ThinkLight illuminates thekeyboard in low light environments.

Presentation Director softwaremakes it easier to configureThinkPad for use with projector,monitor, or television with

appropriate resolution and colorsettings. User can also disablescreen saver and powermanagement.

One button latch (select models)makes opening system easier

Side mounting of ports (select models)makes it easier to attach peripherals.

ThinkPad notebooks feature a full screenmagnifier as well as magnifying glass software tomake it easier to see small details on the screen.

Other ThinkPad systems ease of use features:


10/14



Make it Easy to ServiceThinkPad notebooks have multiple design features to make them enhance serviceability:

Mini PCI CDC Memory DIMM

ThinkPad X40 features one service door to internalMini PCI, CDC, and Memory components for easierservicing of system.

ThinkPad T41 and R50 systems share common systemboard to make it easy to manage multiple platforms in anorganisation.

Screw guide on T and R series corresponds to screw numbers

beside screw holes which makes these systems easier to service.


11/14



Maximise Battery LifeThinkPads systems feature industry leading battery life through multiple design optimisations to minimise power use

as well as a variety of battery choices designed to let the user work longer without plugging in.

All ThinkPad notebooks feature multiplebattery choices so users can work longerwithout plugging in and are able toprovide all day computing (8 to 10 hoursdepending on model).*

Battery Maximizer Wizard simplifiespower management by providing fuelgauge indication of battery life, as well astask optimisations that set processor

speed, monitor brightness, refresh rate,and device shut off timers for best batterylife with least performance hit.

Microprocessor controlled heat pipeprocessor cooler provides super efficientheat transfer from CPU and minimises fanuse, increasing battery life

X31: All-day (up to 10.1 hours) battery life (system battery plus optional extended life battery)

T41/R50 All-day (up to 9.5 hours) battery life (system battery plus ThinkPad T40 Series High Capacity Li-Ion Battery)


12/14



Make Systems Common

ThinkPad X31, T40, T41,R40, and R50 series canshare a single softwareimage, reducing ITexpense to create newimages for multipleplatforms.Common Port Replicator, Mini Dock, and

Dock all provide backwards compatibility withearlier X, T, R, and A systems that supportdocking or port replication.

Versatile ThinkPad R50 can use either UltrabayEnhanced or Ultrabay Slim devices without anadapter.

Any ThinkPad X, T, and Rsystem can use the same AC

power adapter regardless ofage or when the product wasintroduced.

Ultrabay Enhanced and Ultrabay slimdevices will work on older ThinkPadsystems that include an Ultrabay with asimple adapter.

IBM has a commitment to commonality throughout the portfolio. This ensures that when customers do upgrade to new

equipment, it does not mean losing their investment in old parts and options.


13/14



Enhance ConnectivityThinkPad notebooks with wireless capabilities (select models) feature many innovations designed to make connecting

to all types of wired and wireless networks easier, more robust, and more secure.

IBM Embedded Security Subsystem(select models) works withdownloadable Client Security Softwareto provide for more secure storage ofencryption keys and third partywireless digital certificates.

Users have easy access to an on-screendisplay that can show and change powerstatus of all installed radios.

IBM Access Connectionsallows user to create profileswhich store network andInternet connection settings forboth wired and wireless

connections. With one click, theuser can easily switchconnections without having toreconfigure the computermanually.

Dual integrated antennas arelocated around the LCD displaybezel which better isolates themfrom electromagnetic interferenceproduced by the system.

UltraConnect quad band antenna supports the differentfrequency requirements of 802.11a/b/g across the world.


14/14



System Migration AssistantMoves data to new PC

Remote Deployment ManagerDistribute images & update systemsettings

= IBM Exclusive

ImageUltraConsolidate & stabilise PC images

Rapid Restore UltraRapid data recovery

Embedded Security SubsystemHardware/software securitysolution

Access IBMHelps reduce Help Desk calls withhelpful IBM Utilities just one click

Access ConnectionsManage wireless and wiredconnections

Secure Data DisposalProtect sensitive data withmultiple levels of disk cleansing

ThinkVantage Technologies Make it Easy to Reduce CostsThinkPad notebooks feature a variety of ThinkVantage Technologies (many included in the system price) designed toreduce cost of deploying, managing, and recovering systems

= Additional Charge

Documents

IBM ThinkPad Design v.3