ThinkPad Core 2 Duo, 802.11n and Security Updates Announced by Lenovo

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Lenovo today announced that the ThinkPad T, X, R and Z series notebooks would be receiving a refresh in the form of a Core 2 Duo processor being offered on select models, 802.11n wireless cards and hard drive data encryption with the simple swipe of a finger.

Core 2 Duo ThinkPad Update

While Lenovo has not indicated any specific date for the availability to place an order for a Core 2 Duo based ThinkPad, it is expected sometime this week, or the end of October at the latest. The ThinkPad T60, ThinkPad Z61m, ThinkPad Z61t, ThinkPad X60 and ThinkPad R60 would be the notebooks receiving this processor refresh. Word from our contacts at Lenovo is that the T60 series and X60 series would likely be the first to have availability as right now they are testing the first production Core 2 Duo equipped T60 and X60 notebooks at company headquarters. The Core 2 Duo was released by Intel at the end of August and features 64-bit capability and about 10% performance increase over the previous Core Duo offering.

802.11n ThinkPad Update

Select notebooks in the T, R, X and Z Series will now offer integrated 802.11n wireless LAN technology. The standard for 802.11n is not yet finalized, but Lenovo will base compatability on the Draft Release, Version 1.0. The 802.11n standard will allow for wireless connections with throughput speeds of up to 270MBps when paired with an 802.11n router.

ThinkPad Security Updates

Lenovo has worked with Utimaco to integrate and offer SafeGuard Easy 4.30, a software program that encrypts information on the hard drive with the single swipe of a fingerprint reader on select ThinkPad notebooks. Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks are the first to offer this rock-solid, layered security solution, which currently provides one of the highest levels of data protection available on mobile PCs.

Lenovo has also expanded its security portfolio by offering a more integrated way for companies to centrally manage fingerprint templates and other authentication credentials and policies. Lenovo will offer Softex’s OmniPass software for PC authentication management including fingerprints and passwords on select Lenovo PCs.

ThinkPad Reviews

Following are reviews for Core Duo based ThinkPad notebooks that will soon be available with Core 2 Duo:

• ThinkPad T60 Review
• ThinkPad R60 Review
• ThinkPad Z61m Review
• ThinkPad Z61t Review
• ThinkPad X60 Review

Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (view larger image)

 

they better add memory card reader on their top model T60...

 

w00t! IBM/Lenovo FTW!

 

Sorry, no hardware or cosmetic changes, just software and internal for now.

I agree though, I'd at least love an SD card on the T-series.

 

do you think it would be worth it to wait for the core 2 duo? and building on that, i presume the prices for core 2 duo will be higher - so is that worth waiting for? thanks.

 

They will be higher, I suggest waiting to see how much higher. It's worth paying about $50 - $100 more for an equivalent Core 2 Duo processor over Core Duo, but no more than that.

 

Actually, the new Thinkpads shouldn't be any more expensive since Core 2 Duo processors cost the same as the Core Duo ones. At least that's what I'm hoping for.

 

It would be nice if they would choose a better 14" screen too. It's mainly for that reason I'm heavily leaning towards an Asus A8J instead of a T60 14". And the memory card reader is a nice perk.

That and you get a 7600 in the asus for about the same price as a t60.

 

Could someone please provide a link to the announcement from Lenovo? I went to thinkpad.com and the last press release posted there is about the battery recall.

 

this is great news!!

now I'll just wait for vista to ship on these and i'm buying

 

hah, "shouldn't"...It's ALWAYS more expensive. I believe Dell (notorious for their great price/components ratio) puts a $100-200 US premium on Core 2 Duos. Unless Lenovo isn't in the business to make money, expect to hand over an extra 100 bucks or two.

 

Hey guys I dont get it... the 812n is going to be supported when Santa Rose comes. How can IBM put that in the Core 2 Duo chipset?

Charlie

 

The same way dell is putting it there...

 

Fred, this was sent to me via email from the Lenovo PR agency and then I followed up with questions to my contacts there. I'll post the email I got for the first press release below -- I filled it out with information from other people that are nice to us and provide information within Lenovo.


ANNOUNCEMENT EMAIL:

Hello Andrew,

Today, Lenovo announced the first ThinkPad notebooks using security technologies from Utimaco that enable people to fully encrypt the contents of their hard drive with a single swipe of their finger.

Lenovo also announced improvements in wireless connectivity and processing performance to the ThinkPad line, and expand the security portfolio with a more integrated way for companies to centrally manage their fingerprint templates and other authentication credentials and policies. Lenovo will offer Softex’s OmniPass software for PC authentication management including fingerprints and passwords on all Lenovo PCs.

This layered solution is the only one in the world that combines advanced hard drive data encryption programs with the ease of a finger swipe for pre-boot authentication. For users, this means a hassle-free way of accessing their protected information and knowing their information is secure. For businesses, this solution meets the requirements of all of the states in the U.S. that require protection of private data on PCs as well as current federal regulations.

I have Lenovo spokespeople available to speak further on this announcement. Let me know if you’d like more information and I’m happy to set something up.

Regards,

Janet


Janet Yang

Text100 Public Relations


================================



Unauthorized Access Denied, Lenovo ThinkPad Notebooks Launch Ironclad Security Solutions



RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.-- Lenovo today announced the first ThinkPad notebooks using security technologies from Utimaco that enable people to fully encrypt the contents of their hard drive with a single swipe of their finger. Lenovo also announced improvements in wireless connectivity and processing performance such as 802.11n technology and the Intel Core2Duo processor to the ThinkPad line, and a new relationship with Softex to provide a comprehensive new authentication management tool.



Lenovo worked with Utimaco to integrate and offer SafeGuard Easy 4.30, a software program that encrypts information on the hard drive with the single swipe of a fingerprint reader on select ThinkPad notebooks. Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks are the first to offer this rock-solid, layered security solution, which currently provides one of the highest levels of data protection available on mobile PCs.



According to the Computer Security Institute/FBI’s 2006 Computer Crime and Security Survey, unauthorized PC access and theft cost companies more than $16 million in losses in 2006. For the past several years, unauthorized PC access and theft have been leading causes of financial loss among IT users.



“Statistics show few stolen computers are ever recovered, and companies today know the increasing numbers of stolen notebooks bring a high risk for data and identify theft,” said Bob Galush, vice president software and peripherals, Lenovo. “Every person carrying unencrypted sensitive information on a notebook PC is at risk. ThinkPad and Utimaco’s SafeGuard Easy will help customers better manage this security risk.”



The SafeGuard Easy software has received FIPS 140-2 certification from the U.S. government. The U.S. government requires this certification when purchasing encryption products.



Lenovo also expanded its security portfolio today by offering a more integrated way for companies to centrally manage fingerprint templates and other authentication credentials and policies. Lenovo will offer Softex’s OmniPass software for PC authentication management including fingerprints and passwords on select Lenovo PCs.



“Not only are businesses focused on PC security, they want to manage it effectively. Softex’s OmniPass software gives them the control they need over multiple systems while at the same time helping to reduce IT support costs by minimizing password reset requests,” said Galush.



Wireless Connectivity

Lenovo is also leading the way in the next generation of wireless connectivity. Select notebooks in the T, R, X and Z Series will now offer integrated 802.11n wireless LAN technology. Based on the IEEE 802.11n draft standard1, ThinkPads with this new wireless technology will allow users to achieve “faster than wired” 2 connectivity with speeds in excess of 100 mbps. The new ThinkPad notebook 11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN adapter is backward compatible to support 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a wireless standards.



Processing and Operating System

In addition to the ThinkPad 11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Adapter, select notebooks in the T, R, X and Z Series will now offer the Intel Core2Duo 64-bit processor. This gives users increased performance without greatly increasing power consumption, especially valuable when running multiple processes simultaneously. In anticipation of Microsoft’s Windows Vista™ operating system launch in 2007, all ThinkPad Series notebooks will now offer Windows Vista TM Capable models, including many that are Windows VistaTM Premium Ready.



About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building the world's best engineered personal computers. Lenovo's business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable high-quality, secure, and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, see www.lenovo.com/us/en.



1 The IEEE 802.11n specification has not been finalized and is currently in draft release. The ThinkPad 11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Express Adapters are based on the Draft Release, Version 1.0, of the IEEE 802.11n specification. An adapter with 11a/b, 11a/b/g, or 11a/b/g/n can communicate on any of its supported formats; the actual connection will be based on the access point to which it connects.



2 Speed is dependent on many factors, for example the router, in addition to the wireless technology in the notebook.

 

I've been waiting for the Core 2 Duo's to come out in the Z series, now I just need them to bring back the darn titanium lids on the Z61M! Will they ever do this?

 

I believe this is new - I just checked the Lenovo website and they have the R-series for sale with the core 2 duo:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/thinkpad/r-series/rseries_byo_r60.html

Prices:
base config with Celeron M420: $769
T5500 chip: + $260
T5600 chip: + $335
T7200 chip: + $410

The R & T-series are listed on this page below says that it is available with the core 2 duo, but on the purchase page for the T-series, the Core2Duo is not yet available:

http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/s...1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1&categoryId=2035724

"
Processor
Up to Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor 2.33GHz [?]
(select models)
"
So the T-series listed the 2.16 Ghz as a +$300 option so it looks like the core2duo carries about a $110 premium.



The price on the R-series should give us a good idea of the premium Lenovo has added to the core2duo.

 

Great, thanks for the heads up, and good to see thiese available now. $100 is about what I would have expected.

 

Awesome! I've been waiting 6 months for the Core 2 Duos to come out in ThinkPads. Finally, I can purchase my T60! Sweet.

Thanks for the update guys!

Matt

 

I assume the T60's w/ C2D will still use the same video card?

anyone know how the FireGL 5200 ( i think) runs on linux for just standard desktop use?

 

In reality, just how much of an upgrade will the core 2 duo be?

I'm stuck in the position where I'm about to buy a Z61M (in the UK), and the Core Duo vrsion is now at a good price. If I wait I don't want to pay a premium for not that much extra return.

I've searched the past threads here on Core 2 duo vrs everything else, and some very mixed views.

802.11n is a bit suspect to me too. 'Not ratified' is a concern. As much as I'd love it, wouldn't it be best just to wait for that standard to settle then buy a mini pci at a latter date and simply put it into the Z61M then?

Security isn't a concern for me as I'm buying the Z61m for the sheer quality of the unit having used a T43 at work for quite some time.

I sold a HP ZD8000 to buy the Z61M. For me there is no comparison.

Thanks.

 

......and btw, glad I found this site, truely superb resource.

Very high quality reviews and forum. Very, very good indeed. Thanks to you all.

 

Core2Duos are now available on every line of thinkpad except the X-series tablet and the X60S version. Only the T60P and the Z61P offer the top of the line 2.33ghz chip. The others max out at 2.0Ghz. Core duo chips are no longer available except on the X60S .

There's about a 60-95 dollar premium for the core2duo.

I don't see any wireless-n chips available yet.

http://www.lenovo.com

 

Titanium lid casing is back on the z61m!

 

Well, I'm happy.

Bit of a coup.

Went for the core duo in the end at £1086 UK.

Bought it on Saturday from a UK website.

The price today is £1230.

Looks like I snuck in and nabbed a jammy deal. Nice.

 

When customizing a T60, where would I look to see if the 802.11n cards are available?


Thanks,
Matt

 

You can order them from the Levonpo Web site. http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/thinkpad/t-series/index.html

My question is: Where do I get the best prices for the same products, the Levono site or other discount stores?

 

eek.

I was about the pull the trigger on this notebook till I looked at some of the more detailed pictures of it.

Lenovo seems to have moved the headphone jacks for it to the front of the laptop rather than the side, where they should go.

Also, the overall notebook doesn't seem as refined and professional as thinkpads usually are.

I guess I'm going to hold out for a widescreen T60 model...

 

They don't appear to be available quite yet. It is listed under the "Compare series details" section, but its not hyperlinked yet, and is not listed as an option in their store yet.
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/thinkpad/t-series/index.html

 

Thanks for the info. Do you think it will be available before the current sale ends (October 31)?


Thanks again,
Matt

 

Matt If I am reading your posts correctly you have yet to purchase your T60. However, in your sig you have the specs of one.
Is this the one you are wanting and have yet to pull the trigger on?
Are you buying directly from the Lenovo site?

One thing I am nervous about in buying myself is that I am located in China for the next several years and won't be making any trips home soon. I want to buy and have a friend bring it over for me so I must get it right the first time around as sending one back would be very difficult at best. (buying in China prices are ridiculous for the specs, HK too!)

I am worried about the screen issue that you are all talking about now. It seems like the luck of the draw as to getting a good one with great viewing angles or a bad one.
How can I limit this risk?

Also I have been playing around with the buying options on Lenovos site. There are a lot of options I am just not familiar with and uncertain if needed or not, Noob, yes!

If someone could assist I have around 2000-2100USD to spend and want the best of everything I can get in a 14" model. Remember I live and work in China so I need an international warranty and some of the packages specific for the states would be useless.

A widescreen T60 would be great but don't imagine that anytime soon....

Thanks for the help.

Joe

 

Yes and no. Yes, I do currently own a T60. However, I am going to sell it to a friend of mine in order to buy a new Core 2 Duo one. Oh and yes, I am planning to purchase from the Lenovo website.

As far as view angle "risk", there is not really a "fix" for the T60. I do not know much about this but I do think that upgrading your video card would improve viewing angles.

I would agree, though, that there are many options when configuring a notebook. If you would like me to help you pick some of those options I would suggest you email me ([email protected]). I will also need you to answer these questions.

With $2000 you could buy a very, very nice T60. The one I plan on buying is around $2000 with tax. That is perfect for your budget, but you may not need all the options I have selected.

So, I suggest you email me.

As far as widescreen T60, I would not expect to see one until January/February.


Good luck,
Matt

 

Thanks Matt I really appreciate the offer and will take you up on that.

Joe