IBM ThinkPad R51 Released, IBM ThinkPad T42 Upcoming

The IBM ThinkPad R51 and R50e were quietly announced by IBM last week. Now leaks are appearing on the web of an IBM ThinkPad T42 May release that will have the new Intel Pentium M Dothan processor.

IBM ThinkPad T42 (or possibly T50)

IBM has no comment on any pending release of a T42 model notebook, but leaks are appearing on the web. It appears IBM has notified certain retailers of upcoming releases, including university departments, of which models will be available in the fall. Some college websites were asked by IBM to take down references to a T42 notebook, but it looks like NYU Dental school got missed:

http://www.nyu.edu/dental/compreq.html

below is the table of options taken from the NYU website

Component Minimum Notebook Requirements Computers Strongly Recommended Dell – http://www.dell.com/ IBM – http://www.ibm.com/ Dell Latitude D600 – ($1415 at NYU Computer Store) - 1.4 GHz, Pentium M, 14" XGA, 256MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 3Yr complete care warranty, on-site service. IBM ThinkPad R51 – ($1480 at NYU Computer Store) – 1.5 GHz, Pentium M, 14” XGA, 256MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 3Yr Protection Plus warranty, on-site service. IBM ThinkPad R51 – ($1630 at NYU Computer Store) – 1.5 GHz, Pentium M, 14” XGA, 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 1GB Ethernet, 3Yr Protection Plus warranty, depot service. IBM ThinkPad T42 – ($1720 at NYU Computer Store) – 1.7 GHz, Pentium M, 14” XGA, 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, 1GB Ethernet, 3Yr Protection Plus warranty, on-site service. NYU Computer Store for latest prices - http://www.bookstores.nyu.edu/computer/index.html or call at (212) 998-4672 or (800) 456-1494

And if you can read Chinese, this website has specific model numbers for T42 notebooks that include 1.8GHz Dothan Pentium M configurations:

ChineseWebsite with T42 Configuration and Model numbers

It's possible IBM might change the nomenclature and switch the ThinkPad T42 to ThinkPad T50, but my guess is that since this looks more like a processor upgrade and not a major revamp of the T series it will probably just be the T42. But then again, IBM usually only increments model numbers by one and then jumps to the next round ten digit number, so maybe it will be the T50. We'll know more in a month or two of course!

The current IBM ThinkPad T41 -- to be replaced by the T42 soon?

IBM ThinkPad R51, ThinkPad R50e, ThinkPad G40 Upgrade

Now onto something more solid and not at all rumor, IBM officially announced three new models last week. The ThinkPad R51, ThinkPad R50e and a ThinkPad G40 power upgrade. All these notebooks come equipped with cost-saving IBM ThinkVantage Technologies in standard configurations.

The new IBM ThinkPad R51 -- looks like any other ThinkPad!

Designed to reduce lifecycle costs by reducing downtime in PC networks, IBM ThinkVantage Technologies improve productivity by freeing users and IT staff to focus on business success rather than routine PC maintenance activities. The ThinkPad R50e and R51 feature Rescue and Recovery with Rapid Restore, IBM's newest ThinkVantage Technology. Operating as an embedded pre-boot emergency system, this solution is launched with one-button and offers relief from a broad range of common PC problems, including viruses, missing system files and corrupted software drivers -- even if the PC's main operating system isn't working.

To reduce the time required to migrate data from old machines to new ones, IBM also includes System Migration Assistant on new ThinkPad R50e, R51 and G40 notebooks. System Migration Assistant saves time and money by helping IT staff quickly migrating user-specific data and settings from an old machine to a new one.

The new ThinkPad R51 and G40 offer integrated wireless connectivity on select models. The ThinkPad R51 features Intel's latest Centrino Mobile Technology, the Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection. This is the first Intel Centrino Mobile Technology system to support both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards. The Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection mini-PCI adapter is also available as an option upgrade for select models of ThinkPad T, X and R series. The new ThinkPad R50e, R51 and G40 notebooks also come standard with IBM Access Connections, a software tool that simplifies transitions among various networks, including wired and wireless environments.

The ThinkPad R51 now offers the widest range of wireless alternatives, including Intel Centrino Mobile Technology 802.11b, Centrino 802.11b/g and IBM 11 a/b/g adapters (2). And new R-series models will bring 15-inch displays and integrated graphics into the mainstream. The ThinkPad R51 offers customers a full function notebook with a choice of ATI discrete graphics or Intel Integrated Extreme graphics 2. The new ThinkPad R50e comes with a 14- or 15-inch display and a choice of models with Pentium M or Celeron M processors.

Measuring 1.3 inches thin and with a travel weight of 5.6 to 5.9 pounds, the R51 and R50e can conveniently be carried by students walking to class or by government officials working at office or home. While on the go, data is protected on the ThinkPad R51 with IBM's Active Protection System, which works almost like an "airbag" detection system to detect unexpected acceleration -- for example, if the notebook is dropped. The system then takes action to protect data on the hard drive.

At 7.7 pounds, the new ThinkPad G40 notebook offers users a powerful desktop replacement with the added convenience of a notebook with a choice of 14.1- or 15-inch displays, as well as the IBM EasyPivot base and ComfortSlant keyboard -- ergonomic features designed to enhance the computing experience.