IBM
Unveils New ThinkCentre Desktop Family
Posted: 29 June 2003
New ThinkCentres break records with price, performance and features
in powerful new models — including the tiny ThinkCentre S50,
half the size of previous models
IBM Middle East announced today the first models of its redesigned
PC line, the new ThinkCentre desktop, offering innovative new ThinkVantage
Technologies designed to help its customers reduce system operating
costs and increase productivity.
The ThinkCentre S50 is the highlight in visual appeal — 62
per cent smaller than normal IBM PCs, its ultra-small footprint
is deal for applications where space is at a premium (its only 309mm
x 359mm x 85mm). It shares the same easy access and tool-free chassis
design as its bigger siblings, the M50 and A50p full-sized desktop
models, where maintenance, upgrades and service is dramatically
simplified for customers.
“Our ‘Think’ strategy is based on the belief
that innovation matters. By
redefining the overall experience and costs of owning PCs, our customers
gain a more valuable computing experience,” said Sameh Farid,
Personal Computing Division manager for IBM Middle East Egypt and
Pakistan. “Today’s business is measured in terms of
increased productivity, reduced cost and increased profits. IBM’s
ThinkCentre desktops address these real business issues.”
The new models announced today are equipped with IBM ThinkVantage
Technologies such as Rapid Restore PC, which help education
and corporate customers alike to dramatically reduce the number
of desk-side
service visits and help centre calls, resulting in significant productivity
and dollar savings.
Higher performance, easier maintenance
The ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p all feature a new internal architecture
that capitalizes on the hyper-threading capabilities of Intel's
Pentium 4 processor, which improves performance by multitasking.
New ThinkCentre models also include a tool-free chassis design,
which simplifies and enhances usability. Encased in a durable steel
chassis, components inside the machine, such as the hard disk and
memory, can easily be removed by the customer, making the PC serviceable
and upgradeable, helping to limit the downtime and cost associated
with on-site support. Cable routing is bundled out of the way for
easy access to components and cable ends and user “touch points”
are coloured blue to be easily identified by the user.
ThinkCentre desktops also feature an innovative “caddy”
that surrounds the hard disk drive, locking it into place without
the use of tools or screws. Rubber bumpers on the caddy decrease
vibration and deliver quieter operation. Other mechanical improvements
have been made to the overall design of the new ThinkCentre PCs,
including improved airflow and appearance.
Three New Ways of Thinking
IBM also today introduced the ThinkCentre M50, with support for
Red Hat and SuSE Linux. The M50 provides stability and manageability
for the enterprise and is available with three improved mechanical
designs. Each of these models shares a common system board and software
image (per operating system), giving flexibility and image compatibility
to organizations purchasing various models of the M50. Images on
the S50 and M50 are compatible, enabling a single image to be deployed
across multiple platforms. Both the S50 and M50 offer global models
available in 68 countries and workhorse models that feature 12 months
of planned hardware stability.
IBM also announces today the ThinkCentre A50p, a multimedia-centric
machine offering a wide range of optical drives and video graphics
adapters with up to 128MB DDR memory. Later this year, IBM will
introduce its value-priced ThinkCentre A30, designed for small and
medium-sized businesses, education and government customers who
need a robust desktop at an economical price. Leveraging ThinkVantage
Technologies
Select models ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p desktops are equipped
to take advantage of ImageUltra, IBM's innovative, patented image
management technology designed to lower costs by reducing the number
of software images managed by IT departments.
The ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p also feature the new Access IBM
button, a “portal to IBM support” that taps into a rich
set of onboard resources, diagnostic tools, automated solutions,
and links to updates and service on-line for customers with Internet
access.
Select models of the new ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p desktops
feature the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, consisting of an integrated
security chip and downloadable IBM Client Security Software.
This hardware and software-based solution provides a higher level
of security for the client, providing a secure repository for storing
sensitive keys, identity information and confidential data.
Select ThinkCentre models also offer industry standard technologies,
such as Serial ATA, dual-channel memory and Intel's Pentium 4 processor
with hyper-threading, improving overall system performance and efficiency.
New ThinkVision CRT Monitors
IBM today also announced the new ThinkVision C170 and C190
monitors, offering high quality CRT technology at an affordable
price.
Both monitors feature IBM ThinkVantage Design characteristics including
an easy-to-use on-screen display for monitor adjustments, as well
as quick and easy setup.
The strong design of these displays compliment IBM's new ThinkCentre
systems and peripherals to provide a synergistic family appearance.
The ThinkVision C170 is a 17-inch monitor with a 16-inch viewable
image size, the C190 is a 19-inch monitor with an 18-inch viewable
image size, both displays have superior front of screen performance.
Both ThinkVision C170 and C190 monitors meet TCO-99in its black
version and TCO-03 in its two-tone black version.
About IBM
IBM is the world’s largest information technology company,
with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM
offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that
enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers
to take full advantage of the new era of e-business.
For more information on IBM see www.ibm.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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