NEW THINKPAD NOTEBOOK Pcs EXTEND IBM's LEAD in HIGH-PERFORMANCE MOBILE COMPUTING Submitted By: Pleon Wednesday, 29 April 1998

NEW THINKPAD NOTEBOOK PCs EXTEND IBM'S LEAD IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE MOBILE COMPUTING Submitted by: Pleon Wednesday, 29 April 1998

ThinkPad 600 Series Highlights Industry's Broadest Array of Pentium II Offerings IBM today announced three powerful new series of ThinkPad* notebooks featuring Intel's new Pentium II mobile processor. The new ThinkPad 770E, ThinkPad 380XD and a new line - the ThinkPad 600 - offer large, medium and small businesses the broadest array of Pentium II notebooks from the most award-winning line of notebook computers in the industry. ThinkPad 600: The Perfect Balance Between Performance and Portability Starting at £2,326(4) Building on the ThinkPad's rich heritage of design innovation, quality and performance, the new ThinkPad 600 is the perfect mobile business partner. For notebook users who demand the best of ThinkPad performance and portability, the ThinkPad 600 leverages IBM's unparalleled leadership in notebook PC design and engineering to anticipate, integrate and deliver on the future needs of mobile computing. With prices starting from £2,326(4), the ThinkPad 600 is an ideal solution for mobile professionals who need to take their desktop computing capabilities with them, the new ThinkPad 600 series models are extremely thin and light, weighing in at only 2.23 kg and packaged in a thin 3.56cm profile. The new systems feature large, bright screens, spacious hard disk drives, full docking capabilities and a convenient front-loading bay that accepts a CD-ROM or floppy disk drive. The floppy disk drive can also be used externally via the adapter, which is included.

Page 1 Key usability and durability features include the enhanced TrackPoint pointing device and rubberised "doors" to the various ports, which greatly reduce the risk of door hinges snapping off from repeated use. Already familiar to ThinkPad 770 users, the enhanced TrackPoint features Press-to-Select and Release-to-Select functions, which allow tapping of the TrackPoint itself to speed application launches and reduce keystrokes. A programmable centre button beneath the standard right and left mouse buttons enables fast scrolling of Web sites and large documents or fast panning across wide spreadsheets. The centre mouse button also has a "software magnifying glass" to enlarge screen views in any application, and the TrackPoint suspension top requires minimal finger pressure, making it even simpler to use. Notes to Editor ThinkPad 600 Series Specifications

Page 2 The new models feature 32 MB SDRAM memory, two Type II or one Type III PC Card slot, ZV port, 4Mbps infrared port, 2MB of video RAM, ACPI and advanced systems manageability and full desktop expandability, enhanced audio and 512KB L2 cache (1) Standard I/O interfaces include serial, parallel, USB, diskette, keyboard/mouse port, docking interface and audio I/O. Customers can choose from a wide selection of models: · 510: Intel 266MHz PII processor, 13.3-inch TFT screen with a 1024x768 maximum resolution that can display 64K colours, a 4.0 GB HDD, 24X-10X CD-ROM, 32/160-288 MB SDRAM and an integrated 56K modem £3,631(4) · 410: Intel 233 MHz PII processor, 13.3-inch TFT screen with a 1024x768 maximum resolution that can display 64K colours, a 3.2 GB HDD, 24X-10X CD-ROM, 32/160-288 MB SDRAM and an integrated 56K modem £3,230(4)

Page 3 · 210: Intel 233 MHz Pentium processor with MMX, 13.0-inch HPA (2) screen with 1024x768 maximum resolution that can display 64K colours, a 3.2 GB HDD, 24X-10X CD-ROM, 32/160-256 MB SDRAM and an integrated 56K modem £2,326(4) ThinkPad 770: Taking High-End Mobile Computing to the Extreme Pricing for the new ThinkPad 770E/ED start at £3,600(4) and feature the fastest Intel mobile processor available (Pentium II 266 MHz). The new models have 14.1-inch active matrix displays and up to 8 1GB IBM hard disk drives (up to 16.2GB of internal storage with second HDD), the highest-capacity hard disk drives available in a mobile PC. The new ThinkPad 770 models

Page 4 offer up to 64MB SDRAM standard with maximum memory expansion up to 288MB SDRAM, 4MB SGRAM, 512K L2 cache, 64-bit 3D graphics, ACPI and advanced systems manageability and full desktop expandability. ThinkPad 770ED also features an integrated 56K modem for high speed connectivity (available on select models). The ThinkPad 770E/ED's innovative, modular design and array of docking alternatives delivers extensive investment protection by adapting to changing requirements and situations. The hot-swappable UltraBay II* accepts a DVD drive, CD-ROM drive, floppy disk drive, second hard disk drive, second battery, travel cover, VST Zip 100 or Super Disk (LS-120) drive. The new models offer optional port replicators, SelectaBase 770 and PC Card Enabler and full docking support with SelectaDock I, II or III. For unsurpassed multimedia presentations and high-end training solutions, the ThinkPad 770 family offers support for playback of DVD enabled content and hardware supported full MPE G-2 files (standard on the 770ED), high-speed CD-ROM drives (optional 24X-10X), high impact acoustics with Dolby Digital audio support and advanced 3D graphics. The ThinkPad 770 E/ED's also include full docking solutions with SelectaBase 770, PC Card Enabler and SelectaDock I, II or III. For multimedia presentations and high-end training solutions, the ThinkPad 770E/ED offers playback of full MPEG-2 files including DVD movies (standard on the 770ED) and high-speed CD-ROM drives (optional 24X-10X), high impact acoustics with Dolby Digital audio support, MMX processors, and 3D graphics.

Page 5 ThinkPad 380XD: The Mainstream Solution To Desktop Replacement A popular desktop alternative, the ThinkPad 380 series is now even more powerful, yet is still an affordable choice for corporate customers and consumers. The ThinkPad 380XD series has a 12.1-inch TFT or HPA screens, faster processors (PII 233, PII 266 or 233MMX) and larger hard disk drives (5.1, 4.0 and 2.1GB). The new models also feature stereo speakers with a subwoofer, 10X-24X CD-ROM drives and 32MB of memory standard. The flexibility of the new ThinkPad IBM 380XD series notebooks 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. Designed for mobile professionals who demand the power and flexibility of a desktop PC in an all-in-one, portable package, the new systems offer an impressive price/performance ratio, with estimated reseller prices

Page 6 starting at only £2,541(4). The ThinkPad 380XD is available through authorised IBM resellers. Extensive Windows NT Support IBM collaborates with Microsoft in several areas to deliver Windows NT Workstation advanced solutions to ThinkPad customers in every type of business around the world demonstrating an understanding of mobile users' unique and changing needs. According to Brad Chase, Vice President of Windows Marketing at Microsoft Corporation, "When businesses make the transition to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 as their platform of choice, what they're saying is they're placing more of an emphasis on reliability, security, manageability and want a platform that is ready to take full advantage of future Windows operating systems when they become available. IBM, by offering ThinkPad users advanced functionality, including power management and plug-n-play, gives our mutual customers a no-compromise mobile solution for Windows NT Workstation 4.0 today. Whether they operate a small business, enterprise network or any size business in between, ThinkPad users who run Windows NT Workstation can be assured they're running the world's best business operating system." All IBM ThinkPad 770, 600, 560 and 380users can take advantage of Windows NT Workstation 4.0 immediately to benefit from its security, scalability and reliability. Full power management features include; suspend/resume, low battery warning, resume on ring, and suspend on battery drain and hot plug PC Card support. With the ThinkPad 770, IBM provides additional Windows NT Workstation functional

Page 7 extensions that are normally available only to Windows 95 mobile users. These extensions include Ultra Bay II warm-swap capability, DVD for storage, MPEG-2 playback, 3D Graphics (OpenGL only), video capture and infrared. ThinkPad: The Most Manageable Mobile System In The Industry Designed with small and medium businesses in mind, SystemXtra allows IBM customers to better control the overall life cycle cost of mobile computing. SystemXtra offers a unique technology exchange option, which enables customers to upgrade their ThinkPads anytime after 24 months. This provides access to the latest mobile technology, keeping it in the hands of skilled employees and reducing the capital outlay with specialised leasing programs. ThinkPad Options by IBM As a ThinkPad users' computing needs expand, they can

Page 8 optimise performance with a variety of PC peripherals for ease-of-use in networking, data access, desktop expansion and Internet communication. They include: · The International PC Card Modem with GSM cellular capability is a powerful PC card modem for ThinkPad and notebook computer users. The modem is a V3.4 modem that allows users to achieve high-speed dial connections of up to 56Kbps for downloading data and up to 33.6Kbps for data transmissions. The modem employs the popular 56K Kflex protocol and can be upgraded to the newly ratified 56K ITU V.90 standard when code becomes available. · The IBM 10/100 EtherJet PC CardBus Adapter with 32 Bit PCI-based architecture, which is a flexible networking solution that supports both 10Mbps and 100 Mbps connectivity, and enables fast and easy migration from 10Mbps to Fast Ethernet; · The IBM Selectabase 600, which provides easy connectivity to multiple peripherals, allowing users to maintain their

Page 9 mobility and gain the strengths of a desktop computer, and it connects into the same PC Card Enabler and same Selectadock 3 that is used by the ThinkPad 770; · The ThinkPad 600 24X-10X Internal IDE CD-ROM Drive, which connects directly to the internal IDE controller in the system unit, with no separate adapter card required; · The ThinkPad 600 LI-ION Battery, which provides quick and easy charge capability. Customer Service and Support

Page 10 IBM offers a one-year limited warranty on the ThinkPad 380 and three-year limited warranty on the ThinkPad 770 and ThinkPad 600 including International Warranty Service. Like all ThinkPad products, the new models announced today benefit from IBM's world-class service and support with a comprehensive Website for easy access to product information and updates. During the warranty period, IBM's HelpCentre provides toll-free telephone support up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (3). Additional support and technical information is available at the ThinkPad Web Site located at http://www.ibm.com/pc/uk/thinkpad Ref: 98/120 Media Contact:

Page 11 Contact: Katharine Sharp Business Manager, Notebooks IBM Personal Systems Group, UK 01256 343002 sharpkl@uk.ibm.com Customer Contact:

Page 12 IBM PC Response Centre on 0870 6010136 This release and other information form IBM are available electronically on NEWSdesk, the online IT news network. If you are not currently accessing the service, it can be reached on the Internet at: http://www.newsdesk.com, or dial-up software can be obtained by calling +44 (0) 115 9 405300. IBM ThinkPad Products IBM Personal Systems Group's ThinkPad family of notebook computers has been setting standards of excellence in the PC industry since its introduction in 1992. The family consists of the top-of-the-line ThinkPad 770, designed for users who insist upon power and performance; the new ThinkPad 600 offers the perfect balance between performance and portability; the ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight ThinkPad 560, for highly-mobile users; and the ThinkPad 380 and 310 tailored to the needs and budgets of mainstream, price-sensitive customers. Distributed primarily through IBM Business Partners and retail outlets, the ThinkPad family has enabled IBM to become one of the top three suppliers of notebook PCs in Europe. For more information about IBM's PC products and ThinkPad, visit the IBM Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www.ibm.com/pc/uk

Page 13 * Trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. ** Trademark or registered trademark of the respective companies. (1) Only PII models. (2) High-Performance Addressing (HPA) technology refreshes screen twice as fast as previous-generation DSTN panels for great video performance. (3) During warranty period, free 24-hour telephone hardware support at no additional charge during the warranty, and 30 days pre-installed operating system support. International Warranty Service available in those countries where IBM and IBM resellers sell and service ThinkPad products (registration required) (4) Estimated IBM authorised reseller price. Actual price may vary. All prices exclusive of VAT.

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