IBM Middle East announced the first models of its redesigned PC line, the new ThinkCentre desktop, offering innovative ThinkVantage technologies designed to help customers reduce system-operating costs and increase productivity. 

“The ThinkCentre S50 is the highlight in visual appeal, 62 per cent smaller than normal IBM PCs. Its ultra-small footprint is ideal for applications where space is at a premium (309mm x 359mm x 85mm),” IBM said. “It shares the same easy access and tool-free chassis design as its bigger siblings, the M50 and A50p full-sized desktop models, where maintenance, upgrades and service are dramatically simplified for customers.”

Commenting on the innovation, personal computing division manager for IBM Middle East Egypt Sameh Farid said: “Our ‘Think’ strategy is based on the belief that innovation matters. 0IBM’s ThinkCentre desktops address the real business issues of increased productivity, reduced costs and increased profits.”

The new models are equipped with IBM ThinkVantage technologies such as Rapid Restore PC, which help education and corporate customers alike to dramatically reduce the number of desk-side service visits and help centre calls, resulting in significant productivity and dollar savings.

The ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p all feature a new internal architecture that capitalises on the hyper-threading capabilities of Intel’s Pentium 4 processor, which improves performance by multitasking. New ThinkCentre models also include a tool-free chassis design, which simplifies and enhances usability. Encased in a durable steel chassis, components inside the machine, such as the hard disk and memory, can easily be removed by the customer, making the PC serviceable and upgradeable, helping to limit the downtime and cost associated with on-site support. Cable routing is bundled out of the way for easy access to components and cable ends and user “touch points” are coloured blue to be easily identified by the user.

ThinkCentre desktops also feature an innovative “caddy” that surrounds the hard disk drive, locking it into place without the use of tools or screws. Rubber bumpers on the caddy decrease vibration and deliver quieter operation. Other mechanical improvements have been made to the overall design of the new ThinkCentre PCs, including improved airflow and appearance.

IBM also introduced the ThinkCentre M50, with support for Red Hat and SuSE Linux. The M50 provides stability and manageability for the enterprise and is available with three improved mechanical designs. Each of these models shares a common system board and software image (per operating system), giving flexibility and image compatibility to organisations purchasing various models of the M50. Images on the S50 and M50 are compatible, enabling a single image to be deployed across multiple platforms. Both the S50 and M50 offer global models available in 68 countries and workhorse models that feature 12 months of planned hardware stability.

IBM’s other new product, the ThinkCentre A50p, is a multimedia-centric machine offering a wide range of optical drives and video graphics adapters with up to 128MB DDR memory.  Later this year, IBM will introduce its ThinkCentre A30, designed for small and medium-sized businesses and education and government customers who need a robust desktop at an economical price.

Select models of ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p desktops are equipped to take advantage of ImageUltra, IBM’s innovative, patented image management technology designed to lower costs by reducing the number of software images managed by IT departments. The ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p also feature the new Access IBM button, a “portal to IBM support” that taps into a rich set of onboard resources, diagnostic tools, automated solutions, and links to updates and service on-line for customers with Internet access.

Select models of the new ThinkCentre S50, M50 and A50p desktops feature the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem, consisting of an integrated security chip and downloadable IBM Client Security Software.

Select ThinkCentre models also offer industry standard technologies, such as serial ATA, dual-channel memory and Intel’s Pentium 4 processor with hyper-threading, improving overall system performance and efficiency.

IBM’s new ThinkVision C170 and C190 monitors are pitched as offering high quality CRT technology at an affordable price. Both monitors feature IBM ThinkVantage Design characteristics including an easy-to-use on-screen display for monitor adjustments, as well as quick and easy setup. The strong design of these displays compliment IBM’s new ThinkCentre systems and peripherals to provide a synergistic family appearance. The ThinkVision C170 is a 17-inch monitor with a 16-inch viewable image size. The C190 is a 19-inch monitor with an 18-inch viewable image size.  Both displays have superior front of screen performance.