Lenovo and Novell Unveil World’s First Linux-enabled ThinkPad Mobile Workstation

SAN FRANCISCO (LinuxWorld Conference & Expo) – Aug. 15, 2006 – Lenovo and Novell today announced the industry’s first Linux-based ThinkPad mobile workstations, which will run Novell’s recently released SUSE® Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 operating system. The workstations are based on Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology. This groundbreaking innovation, the result of a two-year research and development effort between Lenovo, Intel and Novell, allows electronic engineers engaged in integrated circuit and board level design the necessary support solution for numeric intensive applications in any mobile environment.

At just an inch thin and 4.7 pounds, the new Linux-supported ThinkPad T60p strikes the balance between productivity and portability, giving electronic design engineers the processor speeds and memory requirements necessary for industrial-strength applications such as computer-aided design (CAD). Whether working with a wired or wireless connection, users now have a secure platform for this traditionally desk-locked advanced design engineering. In addition, engineers will be able to perform routine office tasks without having to switch workstations between the office and the lab.

With this new offering, Lenovo for the first time ever brings Help Centre assistance to Linux* customers who purchase select models of the ThinkPad T60p. The Help Centre will offer support for select Lenovo ThinkVantage Technologies, drivers, basic Linux configuration and hardware issues. Novell will continue to support core operating system questions and issues.

“The ThinkPad T60p is a milestone for our collaboration and shared commitment with Novell to develop innovative and powerful workstation solutions,” said Marc Godin, vice president of marketing for Lenovo’s Worldwide Business Unit. “Engineers running intensive based applications can now leverage these enhanced features while working remotely in the Linux environment.”

“The ability to use a ThinkPad with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop will open new doors for corporate desktop users,” said Jeff Jaffe, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Novell. “These demanding PC users now have the most advanced workstation infrastructure at their fingertips to maximize productivity at their desk, in the lab, at a site and on the road.”

“The ThinkPad T60p is a result of a shared commitment to develop market-driven platform solutions, and delivers outstanding performance and wireless capability of Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology,” said Doug Fisher, general manager, Core Software Division, Intel. “With this Linux-based mobile workstation, electronic engineers now have the capability to collaborate globally on design work anywhere, anytime. By enhancing their productivity, product development cycles can be accelerated to increase competitiveness.”

The Lenovo Linux-enabled workstations are currently certifying engineering design applications from companies such as Cadence, Synopsys and Mentor Graphics. Additional workstation certification candidates are also under evaluation.

ThinkVantage Technologies Drive Performance

Several ThinkVantage Technologies, including the ThinkPad Configuration Utility, Power Manager and Access Connections are supported on the new Linux-enhanced ThinkPad T60p workstations.

The ThinkPad Configuration Utility helps users to easily manage and control the system’s hardware. With Access Connections, users can automatically switch between wired and wireless networks via a simple navigation and setup wizard. The ThinkPad Power Manager adjusts the notebook’s system settings to match the user’s workload, impacting battery life, system temperature and overall unit performance. Customers can easily manage settings for CPU speed, fan noise, hard disk time out and refresh rate display.

In addition, the ThinkPad T60p mobile workstation supports warm and cold docking while running SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, supports up to 4GB memory and includes customer Help Centre support.

Lenovo Reaffirms Commitment to Linux

Lenovo has certified its ThinkPad line for many years as part of its commitment to provide customers with the information necessary to utilize the Linux operating system. This process ensures that a system is tested with a defined Linux distribution allowing end users to rely on the notebook’s basic functions.

With today’s announcement, Lenovo extends that process with support of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 from Novell® on select ThinkPad models as well as Help Centre support for these customers. In addition, Lenovo will offer drivers and utilities on the support site and provide updates for download by customers using SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10.

Pricing and Availability

Both the 14-inch and 15-inch ThinkPad T60p Linux Mobile Workstations will be available beginning August 15, 2006 via the Lenovo Web site, www.lenovo.com, and through select business partners. Prices start at approximately CDN$4,339 for 14-inch models and $4,479 for 15-inch models.