IBM Middle East celebrates regional success of ThinkPad notebooks with Centrino Wireless Technology

The new machines, including the completely redesigned flagship notebook computer, the ThinkPad T40, have industry-leading performance and set new standards for battery life, portability, ergonomics, as well as containing the most secure wireless access available today on select models. The other two new ThinkPad notebooks that feature Centrino technology are the ultraportable ThinkPad X31 and new models of the ThinkPad R40.

"The feedback from our resellers on the new machines has been unbelievable: customers are really interested in the mobile and wireless technologies - they understand that within a few years, having a notebook without secure wireless support built in will be a real inconvenience," said Sameh Farid, regional manager of personal computing division, IBM Middle East. "Many executives in the Middle East have to travel constantly, both within the region and internationally. Our range of ThinkPads with Intel's Centrino mobile technology not only offers them a host of wireless communication options when at their offices, but also allows them to make use of the new 'wireless hotspots' that are beginning to be deployed in hotels and office parks around the region"

Packed with the latest ThinkVantage technologies, these new notebooks can independently find and connect to available networks, recover data lost to viruses and require 50 percent less IT support than other notebooks in the market. All three new ThinkPad notebooks offer select models with numerous IBM ThinkVantage Technologies that improve security, provide choice and ease-of-use in wireless capabilities, and simplify PC "fleet management" for IT organizations. The technologies meet new requirements for flexibility, mobility, and dynamic reconfiguration of global organizations moving toward an on-demand business model. They are tools designed to help people and companies adjust to rapidly changing business circumstances.

Industry-Leading Wireless Security
All three models, the ThinkPad T40, X31 and R40, feature select models that are equipped with IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem (ESS), an IBM ThinkVantage Technology that combines hardware and downloadable software to authenticate users and help protect data and private information in both wired and wireless communications environments. This makes these IBM ThinkPad notebooks with ESS and wireless the most secure wireless notebooks in the industry.

Extreme Wireless Portability Around the Globe
IBM continues to define leadership in mobile computing by extending integrated dual-band wireless connectivity based on IEEE 802.11a/b into select models of the ThinkPad T40, X31 and R40. Dual-band a/b allows users to take advantage of the improved data transfer speeds in the 5Ghz spectrum, while offering compatibility at .11b rates with existing 802.11b networks including public hot-spot venues such as the local coffee shop or airport. ThinkPad notebooks feature the IBM UltraConnect Antenna built into the display cover for optimal signal reception, supporting multiple frequencies to optimise coverage and performance for improved wireless LAN connectivity worldwide.