This Weeks 3G News By Photos

Europe UK : Lenovo announced plans to integrate Vodafone's high speed mobile data connectivity into upcoming models of ThinkPad notebooks. In select ThinkPad T60 and X60 notebooks, customers will be able to enjoy the benefits of high speed mobile data networking without the need to use external datacards.

Models of ThinkPad T60 and X60 with integrated high speed 3G/ EDGE/GPRS mobile connectivity from Vodafone are expected to be available in a number of European countries beginning in the second quarter of 2006. ThinkPad customers will be able to upgrade their notebooks to take advantage of the introduction of HSDPA when it is available, which will boost current 3G download speeds by approximately four times.

The ThinkPad notebooks provide built-in, cost effective and secure mobile data connectivity enabling customers to access the internet, email and corporate applications wherever a Vodafone signal is present.

"Our collaboration with Lenovo is an important part of Vodafone's plan to provide customers with ever more compelling mobile solutions that use 3G to bring the full potential of mobile broadband to life," said Nick Jeffery, Global Marketing Director - Business, Vodafone.

"Vodafone helps us extend the mobile computing environment for ThinkPad customers, giving users access to a high-speed wireless network when and where they need to do business," said Marc Godin, vice president, notebook marketing, for Lenovo. "In addition, our new Access Connections 4.1 software works with Vodafone's 3G network, enabling users to move seamlessly from one available network connection to the next without downtime or costly help desk calls."

In order to help simplify the connectivity process, ThinkVantage Access Connections 4.1 helps mobile users set up and automatically switch from one available network connection to the next, helping reduce costly help desk calls for assistance in changing IP settings, defining default printers or accessing a wireless network. In addition to facilitating wireless peer-to-peer networking, Access Connections 4.1 supports wired, WLAN and WWAN connectivity.

The integrated notebooks will initially be available during 2006 directly from Lenovo and through IT resellers in Europe.

ThinkPad notebooks are already recognised as having industry leading security features. In addition, ThinkPad notebooks with integrated WWAN capabilities will enable IT departments to make the most out of mobile working and enable their workforce to be more productive and flexible. A cost effective, integrated solution from trusted and reliable partners, means IT departments can also avoid hardware incompatibility issues, plus they can expect less hardware to troubleshoot and replace - as no PC card is necessary for connection - and improved data security for employees who frequently travel.