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Topic: Lenovo

Lenovo's Steve Ward: ThinkPads are forever

Summary: During the Q&A of the opening session at PC Forum today, Steve Ward, who is heading up the combined Lenovo/IBM PC company was asked by former IBMer John Patrick about the fate of the vaunted ThinkPad notebook, which many of the attendees were typing on as the panelists spoke. Ward pronounced that "ThinkPads will be forever.

Dan Farber

By Dan Farber for Between the Lines |

During the Q&A of the opening session at PC Forum today, Steve Ward, who is heading up the combined Lenovo/IBM PC company was asked by former IBMer John Patrick about the fate of the vaunted ThinkPad notebook, PC Forum which many of the attendees were typing on as the panelists spoke. Ward pronounced that "ThinkPads will be forever." Nothing is forever, but the ThinkPad is one of the standout brands in mobile computing, along with Apple's PowerBook. Ward said that Lenovo will shortly open briefing centers in Beijing and Raleigh. "We will see more innovation, faster, and we will see that we are able to share development costs across a larger base."

On to more practical matters, Ward said that the branding has not been set, whether they will be called just ThinkPad or Lenovo ThinkPad. In typically big company fashion, the new Lenovo is doing studies to determine what is the right brand. The little button at the top right that now says Access IBM will change to access Lenovo's software support. Doc Searls asked Ward about support for Linux (a Linux-optimized ThinkPad), and Ward responded that Linux has to get more mass adoption before PC makers will open the throttle.

Topic: Lenovo

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  • More mass adoption needed?

    "Doc Searls asked Ward about support for Linux (a Linux-optimized ThinkPad), and Ward responded that Linux has to get more mass adoption before PC makers will open the throttle."

    Mr. Ward,

    I am awaiting the availability of a Linux powered laptop before I buy.

    I shall NOT buy a Windows powered laptop.
    Update victim
    Reply Vote

  • Lenovo Thinkpad?

    I've bought an IBM Thinkpad...but I won't ever buy a Lenovo Thinkpad. Sorry, the foreign sellout has gone too far.
    techboy_z
    Reply Vote

  • What about AMD-powered notebooks?

    Beyond Linux, what about using AMD processors in their notebooks and desktops? Lenovo currently uses them, and IBM used them in the past. And now with Intel's hands dirty with an anti-trust indictment in Japan about stifling competition illegally, there should be no fears by PC makers to start using AMD processors -- because there will be no retaliation by Intel.
    bbbl67
    Reply Vote

  • Lenovo is interesting analgram

    Consider the source - after all Mainland China is communist -

    Len for Lenin?

    Novo for New?

    Okay okay - Cantonese or Mandarin is probably the language of choice over there, but it's a kinda interesting choice for the marque used by a communist nationally owned company.
    quietLee
    Reply Vote

    • Well, Dell computers are made in China too...

      Dell computers are made in China and most of the products sold by Wallmart are from China so I guess that brand names don't mean as much as they used to.
      spectre@...
      Reply Vote

      • Dell computer

        I want to import dell computers into my coutry in Fiji Island in the South Pacific.

        I just started my computer company and I need help from you company in getting the dell computers and others such as laptops etc. I am also looking someone to be my contact in china.

        Hope to speak to some in future.

        thanks
        Mosese Tuapati
        mtuapati
        Reply Vote

    • good point -

      but probably just a coincidence.
      I think the backlash over the source of these computers is going to limit growth. China isn't really a communist country anymore - the old revolutionaries are probably spinning in their graves over what's happened.
      They're jus another band of bloodthirsty totalitarians who probably never even read the Communist Manifesto.
      And I won't be buying anything Lenovo, although I'll surely wind up with something else they have made.
      pete_w_flynn@...
      Reply Vote
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