Mobile Computer acts as portable workstation.
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Press Release Summary:
ThinkPad A31p offers one communications bay for flexible wireless/wired networking and Embedded Security Subsystem (ESS), and is enabled for ImageUltra image management solution. Incorporated technology includes Intel Mobile Pentium 4 Processor-M, double data rate (DDR) memory, standard 256MB memory, with 1GB maximum, and ATI Mobility FireGL 7800 graphics technology. 15 in. UXGA FlexView display provides viewing angles up to 170 degrees.
Original Press Release:
IBM INTRODUCES FIRST MOBILE WORKSTATION Offers Leading Wireless, Security and Manageability Technology In Expanded ThinkPad Line
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 6, 2002 . . . IBM today 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.
"The powerful features of the ThinkPad A31p combined with IBM's reputation for quality, engineering and support give it a leadership position in the high-growth mobile workstation market," said Sarang Ghatpande, research analyst and program manager, D.H. Brown Associates, Inc.
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.
Security Solution Comes Standard
The ThinkPad A31p also comes standard 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 over a three-year period.
"Until now, there's never been a fully-functional mobile alternative from IBM for workstation users," said Rich Fennessy, vice president of marketing, IBM Personal Computing Division. "The ThinkPad A31p gives users the freedom to l ave 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."
Taking advantage of the many years of knowledge gained from creating IntelliStation workstations, the ThinkPad A31p was 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 percent greater brightness and twice the contrast of similar displays with viewing angles up to 170 degrees.
The ThinkPad A31p also features:
? 7.1-pound travel weight
? 256MB memory standard, maximum 1GB memory
? Three-year limited warranty/one-year battery
Two modular bays which provide maximum expandability to add options
Pricing and Availability
The ThinkPad A31p will be generally available March 19, with prices ranging from $3,349 to $3,699. The ThinkPad A31, also announced today, will be available March 19 with prices ranging from $2,499 to $2,674.
All IBM PCs can be purchased direct through ibm.com or by calling 1-888-SHOP-IBM. The ThinkPad and NetVista lines are also available through select IBM business partners. For more information, see ibm.com/thinkpad and ibm.com/netvista.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with more than 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.
About IBM ThinkPad
IBM ThinkPad continues to help lead the way in delivering enhancements, innovations and solutions that have shaped and defined the mobile computing industry. To date, more than 15 million ThinkPad notebooks have been shipped. Since the launch of the ThinkPad 700C in 1992, these acclaimed notebook computers have been lauded as design and engineering models, winning more than 850 industry awards. ThinkPad notebooks have been trusted for use in some of the world's most extreme settings, including space shuttle launches, altitudes more than 17,000 feet above sea level and on the open seas.
IBM, ThinkPad, NetVista, IntelliStation and ImageUltra are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
ATI and FireGL are trademarks of ATI Technologies, Inc., and are used under license.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and licensed to IBM.
Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary.
Travel weight includes battery and optional travel bezel instead of standard optical drive in Ultrabay Plus; weight my vary due to vendor components, manufacturing process and options.
