ThinkPad X41 Fills Laptop, Tablet Roles
IBM's first new ThinkPad since Lenovo purchased the computing division was unveiled on Monday. Dubbed X41, the newest addition to the ThinkPad line is also the company's first foray into the Tablet PC market, as the notebook's screen can be turned and folded atop the keyboard.
China-based Lenovo purchased a majority stake in IBM's computer business in December of last year, a $1.75 billion dollar deal that initially was met with some trepidation by U.S. regulators over national security issues. The marriage created the third-biggest computer manufacturer in the world behind Dell and Hewlett Packard.
The X41 is 20 percent lighter than its nearest competitor, according to Lenovo at 3.5 pounds. The hybrid features a 12.1-inch touch screen for writing, as well as a full-size keyboard. IBM says the battery life of the notebook is the highest of any in its class.
The system runs Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005.
University of Virginia hospitals were the first to try out the new tablets. The hospital system has 100 clinics throughout the state, and officials hope that tablet PCs will provide an easier way for doctors to access patient information.
However, most notable about the X41 is arguably the built-in security. The notebook has a fingerprint reader, which will only give its owner access to system files. IBM also will include its proprietary system to help encrypt data to prevent theft.
The X41 will start at $1,899 USD and will be available starting on June 14 through select resellers, as well as the IBM Web site.