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