Ibm notebook computer

somers, n.y.--IBM rolled out the ThinkPad 760 series notebook computers with 12.1-inch active matrix LCD screens and built-in MPEG-2 support (EN, Sept. 4). Meanwhile, Dell Computer Corp. has introduced high-resolution SVGA active matrix displays in its Pentium Latitude XPi notebooks, and added new active matrix displays to its 486 Latitude LX notebooks.

The biggest screens used in previous IBM ThinkPad models were 10.4-inch LCDs. The new 12-inch LCDs are manufactured by the IBM/Toshiba joint venture called Display Technologies Inc.

Targeting multimedia applications, the 760CD features three processors: an MPEG-2 video decoder and Mwave digital signal processor (DSP), both sourced internally from IBM, and a 90MHz Pentium. The DSP handles sound, a 28.8 Kbps modem, telephony, answering machine functions, and fax services.

The 760CD also includes built-in video port and infrared communications. The 760C model features an Mwave DSP and either 90MHz or 120MHz Pentium. The new ThinkPads also have tilt-up keyboards, providing a five-degree angle of lean when the notebooks are opened.

Models are available with Windows 95 preloaded in addition to IBM's OS/2 Warp and Windows 3.11. Pricing ranges from $5,349 to $7,449 depending on configuration.

The Dell Latitude XPi P90ST features the SVGA active-matrix display, an Intel 90MHz Pentium processor, and up to 1.2-Gbyte hard drive. Pricing for the Latitude XPi P90ST starts at $4,299 with 8MB of memory, a 420MB hard drive and a three-year extended warranty.

The Latitude LX 4100T, which has 10.4-inch active matrix color display and an Intel DX4 100MHz processor, starts at $2,299. All Latitude LX systems come standard with 8MB of memory and a 420MB hard drive.

Dell also announced today that it will offer an external Sony double speed portable CD-ROM player with integrated speakers for $499. It is compatible with all Latitude notebooks.

AST Research Inc. has unveiled the new Ascentia 950N/90 based on Intel Corp.'s 90MHz mobile Pentium chip and featuring a 10.4-inch, high-resolution display. The systems ship with active-matrix and passive-matrix screens and support up to 1.2Gbytes of hard disk space. The notebook also supports MPEG playback and has an optional docking station with quad-speed CD-ROM drives.

The system is one of the first notebooks to ship with Windows 95 preinstalled and follows on the heels of a 75MHz Pentium model that AST released in May. Next up is a 120MHz Pentium model, which will ship when that chip becomes available.