IBM's newest ThinkPad is no ordinary notebook. In fact, the new ThinkPad TransNote represents perhaps the greatest departure from standard notebook design since computers first took to the road.
The TransNote combines a notebook PC with a digital notepad, so users can write and draw using ink on paper, and have the input transferred to the PC. The digital notepad section of the PC, the ThinkScribe, comprises a digital pen, notebook and Ink Manager Pro software. You can take down notes and draw images on the ThinkScribe pad which are then captured and transferred to the PC. The pen and notebook, though digital, also work the old fashioned way--you'll be writing on paper, using ink, just like on a regular notepad. The device works by registering the position of the digital pad in relation to the ThinkScribe. This information is stored, ready to be transferred to the PC when needed. Two megabytes of memory in the ThinkScribe ensures you can write up to around 50 pages of with the PC off, and transfer them when the PC is on again. Once pages in the notepad run out, you can replace the pad with a ThinkScribe pad, or even use a standard legal-sized notepad.
The Ink Manager Pro software's very basic handwriting recognition isn't powerful enough to turn your handwritten notes into type, instead, handwritten notes are saved as an image. The handwriting recognition works by recognising keywords that you chose from your notes in order to index and search the handwritten notes in the future.
On the PC side you'll find a notebook powered by a 600MHz PIII chip, 64MB of RAM, a 10GB hard drive, two USB ports, a PC Card slot, and and CompactFlash slot.
The notebook's 10.4-in touch screen can be operated using a finger, or the stylus provided. The screen sits flush with the keyboard and digital pad when the notebook is closed, but can be raised to any angle for better viewing. It can even be flipped (away from the keyboard) and the display inverted to face an audience. IBM sees the TransNote capturing mobile professionals, especially those who make presentations which often include hand-drawn diagrams.
When closed, the TransNote is no bigger than a standard portfolio, and weighs in at less than 2.5kg. The notebook comes fitted for the road with a built-in modem and Ethernet card. There is also an option for the use of a wireless LAN card or Bluetooth card. The TransNote (available in March) adds to IBM's standard ThinkPad range.The ThinkPad TransNote will be available in Australia from mid-March for a web price of AU$6,499 including GST.
TransNote
Company:IBM Australia
Ph:1800 286 426
Price:AU$6,499 (available mid March)
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