ThinkPad laptop turns 15

The ThinkPad, created by IBM and currently sold by Lenovo, today celebrated its 15th anniversary. On July 19th 1992, the former released the 2521 tablet (right), for which the name "ThinkPad" was originally secondary. It had a 10-inch, 640x480 monochrome display, and ran off a 20MHz 386SX processor; network connections were made via a 2.4Kbps modem, and users who wanted a keyboard or removable storage had to connect the devices externally. RAM was limited to 4 or 8MB, but it did have a 20MB solid-state hard drive, technology only now regaining favor in mobile computing.

The biggest developments would come later that year, when IBM released the ThinkPad 700 and 700C. Aside from memory and processor upgrades, the C introduced color, and both models had integrated keyboards as well as the signature "eraserhead" joystick located between keys. The popularity of the 700 designs would shape not only the direction of ThinkPads, but the world of laptops in general. Prices were, however, prohibitive to anyone outside of business: a minimum-spec 700 cost $2,750, while a 700C was a $4,350. [via The Register]

By Electronista Staff