IBM ThinkPad Notebooks premiered in 1992 with the 700C, featuring a 10.4-inch TFT screen and the ThinkPoint mini-joystick to guide the cursor around the screen without a mouse.

Innovations such as the built-in CD-ROM of the 755, the fold-out butterfly keyboard of the 701, the tiltable keyboard of the 760 and the detachable panel of the 755 CDV encouraged consumers to buy IBM ThinkPad. ThinkPads cost more than other laptops, but loyal customers knew the value that came with the IBM ThinkPad price.

In 2005, IBM sold majority interest in its ThinkPad line to Lenovo but maintains a link on its website to the new manufacturer for the convenience of loyal users. Lenovo has rewarded that loyalty with thin, lightweight, fully featured notebooks, some models with either magnesium-alloy roll cages or shock-mounted hard drives to withstand the rigors of mobile computing as part of its ThinkVantage technology.

Other ThinkVantage features that make it smart to buy a thinkpad:

1. The airbag-like Active Protection System (select models) designed to protect your hard drive from fall damage.

2. The Rescue and Recovery system to recover data lost to operating system failure or viruses when you press the blue ThinkVantage button.

3. The integrated Fingerprint Reader and Password Manager, replacing hundreds of passwords with a finger swipe, coupled with ThinkVantage Client Security.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the ThinkPad that meets your needs

Lenovo offers three feature-packed ThinkPad notebook computer lines targeted to users looking for value, features and performance.

I recommend: Choose the ThinkPad R series if you’re looking for a lightweight, great-performing notebook for your home office at a great ThinkPad price. Choose the T series for advanced features such as NVIDIA graphics and wireless WAN capability. Choose the X series for maximum portability with minimum weight but without sacrificing usability or durability.

Buy a ThinkPad online from Lenovo

Factory-direct purchasing has often been a great way to save money and is as true for computers as for other office equipment.

I recommend: Lenovo Discounts offers deals on selected ThinkPad notebook computers; also check out Lenovo’s ThinkPad coupon deal.

Check out third-party online ThinkPad stores

Many buyers like to buy their ThinkPad notebooks from a third-party outlet whose reputation matches that of the computers it sells, as well as offering a greater option of ThinkPad accessories.

I recommend: Best Buy’s online business division offers great ThinkPad prices. Also check out such online retailers as NexTag and Newegg.com for their deals on ThinkPad notebooks and accessories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Evaluate your current needs and estimate what your future needs are when shopping for a ThinkPad, then buy the ThinkPad that slightly exceeds them.
• •  Consider buying a port replicator for your ThinkPad if you divide your work time equally between your office and the road. You can connect to all the peripherals you'd use with a desktop, including a full-sized monitor and mouse while saving your work directly to your ThinkPad so you can take it with you.