A Requiem for the IBM ThinkPad

Posted by Mark Harrison Categories: Features, PC / Laptop

This is very old news, but I figured I would talk about it anyway.  I have to admit to a bit of sadness since IBM sold off its PC division to Lenovo.  I’ve owned many computers throughout the years. Although I’ve been primarily an Apple user, one of the best non-Apple computers I’ve ever used was an IBM ThinkPad.  Though IBM didn’t have the same design philosophy Apple has in regards to form and function, IBM made rock solid machines.  The same cannot be said for many of it’s competitors. Not only that, but IBM made innovative and feature rich laptops.

Some might say that the IBM ThinkPad’s was butt ass ugly. I disagree. I think they are definitely a utilitarian beast, but that is part of its charm. The sleek black titanium composite case is gorgeous in my opinion. Others might say that they were over priced, but IBM was unmatched in the PC industry in build quality and the service and support categories. Some people might even complain about IBM’s insistence at including the TrackPoint. If you’ve ever seen a ThinkPad, you know what the TrackPoint is. You will likely remember it as a red nipple, or a pencil eraser. I’ve even heard it referred to, by people who thought they were too clever for words, the ClitStick. I think it is one of the best human interface solutions for a laptop ever. I can never be as accurate with a trackpad as I can with the TrackPoint and it is really nice not to have to take my hands off the keyboard just because i need to point and click. I often wish my PowerBook had one!

I had hoped that Lenovo would do a good job at keeping up with the design standards that IBM set.  Unfortunately, it didn’t take them long to start parting ways with a design philosophy that has endured for many years.  The ThinkPad was never meant to be flashy.  It was meant to suit any and every type of business environment, and in doing so, became the defacto standard in corporate America.  I see the ThinkPad quickly becoming just another general use machine.  In the end, the only thing likely to separate it from the rank and file laptops of today will be the inflated price tag. 

I, for one, will miss IBM in this market. They were an old school player in the game and had a lot of clout in the industry. But hell, it isn’t like they are going out of business. Far from it. Slightly ironic to me that Apple lasted longer in the PC industry then old Big Blue though, huh?