IBM to unveil new desktop for SMB market at GITEX 2004

The new model incorporates advanced performance graphics and enhanced processing power well suited for small and medium business organisations in the region that are looking to run multiple applications simultaneously without overwhelming the PC.

"Our goal has always been to meet the varied needs of our desktop customers in the region, and the A51p is our answer to those who demand affordable, top-of-the-line performance, but who may not have a large IT department to turn to for support," said Imtiaz Ghani, regional manager of personal computing division, IBM Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan "IBM continues to innovate on the desktop and we will continue to develop industry-leading ThinkVantage Technologies, reducing lifecycle costs and simplifying the overall PC ownership experience.

Packaged with IBM ThinkVantage Technologies, tool-less housing and new design features, including innovative front air flow cooling, the ThinkCentre A51p combines power, security and ease-of-use to minimize dependence on IT staff or user intervention for basic tasks such as deployment, backup and security. In fact, with the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, which consists of an integrated security chip and downloadable IBM Client Security Software, IBM PCs are the most secure PCs in the industry. IBM's hardware and software-based solution allows users to manage multiple passwords with one 'master password' and keeps data secure from hackers or theft.

The ThinkCentre A51p also includes IBM Rescue and Recovery, a one-button backup and recovery solution that can easily restore previously saved data, settings and applications after a software failure--or even help retrieve files that were not backed-up before the failure occurred. Integrated in a tool-less steel chassis, the A51p is fully upgradeable and serviceable, allowing users to easily add or replace components inside the machine to help limit downtime and costs associated with on-site support.

The ThinkCentre A51p features the new Intel 915G Express Chipset and Pentium 4 processor with hyper-threading capabilities, standard gigabit Ethernet and the new PCI Express graphics bus, providing four gigabytes-per-second simultaneous transfers to and from PCI Express-based graphics cards for fast performance. The 16-lane PCI Express bus with available ATI graphics adapter provides customers with workstation graphics and multimedia capabilities on a desktop PC. The ThinkCentre A51p also includes DDR2 memory support, combining fast speeds with low power consumption.

IBM value-priced desktop
In addition to the A51p, IBM is also offering the new ThinkCentre A50 desktop, a value-priced desktop equipped with Intel's 865G or 865GV chipsets, Celeron and Pentium 4 processors with hyper-threading capabilities and tool-less serviceability. Like the A51p, the A50 features wide-spaced front USB 2.0 ports to accommodate most industry memory keys and improved access to all components. Other features include IBM's Rescue and Recovery, an innovative feature surrounding the hard disk drive for simple tool-less access and rubber bumpers on the caddy to reduce vibration and deliver quiet operation in the workplace.

New IBM flat panel monitor
Complementing the multimedia capabilities of the ThinkCentre A51p, IBM will also offer the new IBM ThinkVision L170m flat panel monitor. The L170m is IBM's first-ever LCD monitor with integrated two-watt speakers built into its slim bezel, allowing customers to decrease desk clutter and reclaim valuable workspace. The L170m includes a separate on/off button for the speakers, volume control, two headphone jacks for private listening and angled speaker placement to direct sound toward the user.
This new offering displays an optimum resolution of 1280 x 1024 and offers unique ThinkVantage Design characteristics, including an on-screen display function for intuitive adjustments and direct access to frequently used monitor functions. The tilt stand with one of the widest tilt ranges in the industry--4 degrees forward and 40 degrees backward--provides ergonomic adjustments for viewing comfort.