Design Matters

We just introduced a very exciting new ThinkVision monitor that my team spent a great deal of time designing. Called the ThinkVision L190x, it is the best design we offer for muti-monitor environments. The border measures a ultra-scant 6.6mm. This is the narrowest border available in the industry. Hours were spent shaving off fractions of millimeters to achieve this goal. You will also notice a nearly black low-contrast Lenovo nameplate we created to remove visual distractions from your field of view. I think it looks great.

The monitor has tilt, swivel, lift and even pivot capability. The monitor can be easily rotated to change from landscape to portrait viewing while the image will adjust automatically. The stand includes the same cable management feature we introduced on the 22″ monitor earlier in the year. Also built into the design is a four port USB hub that makes connecting things like memory keys or our cool webcam easier.

David Hill

Last night at 10:00 PM EST the Cooper-Hewitt announced the winner of the People’s Design Award. ThinkPad was in the hunt for the top honor hanging with the top five nominees for days. The final winner was the TOMS shoe. The design, based on a traditional Argentine shoe, is arguably less important than the humanitarian aspect. For every pair purchased the company donates a pair to a child in need. Congratulations to them.

ThinkPad ended up in the fourth spot, beating out every other computer design nominated. It’s also noteworthy that ThinkPad topped the iPhone, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Corvette, and even the pyramids. Thanks to all the ThinkPad loyalists who voted for our product.

David Hill

Using a ThinkPad on an airplane is obviously a common occurence for anyone who owns one. Unfortunately, air travel and notebook computers don’t always mix. Where do you put your computer bag? In the over-head or under the seat in front of you? What if the overhead is full and you have the bulkhead seat? Did I remember to turn off the wireless radio? Is that guy next to me trying to read my e mail? Is she going to pour that drink on my keyboard?

My favorite is dealing with the annoying guy who always seems to be in the seat in front of me that insists on slamming his seat into full recline without a care in the world. I like to call this one “The Crusher”. Somehow I have managed to avoid having my ThinkPad destroyed by one of these types, but just barely. You need to develop a sixth sense that allows you to anticipate the free-fall and instantly snatch your ThinkPad out of harms way. I recently sat next to a unfortunate who had his notebook helplessly pinned between the tray table and coat hook. I had no idea you could bend a notebook display that far.

Several years ago I purchased two rows of coach class airplane seats to help us deal with this topic more effectively. The idea was that we could study the problem using actual seating conditions, rather than debating tray table dimensions and seating geometry. At the time I had no idea how hard it would be to acquire the seats or for that matter getting the spacing right. I certainly got some strange looks the first time I pulled out my tape measure on the plane ride to New York.

The seats have since become an invaluable asset for making design decisions and creating advanced concepts. They have also become quite the conversation piece. Nearly everyone who comes to our lab feels compelled to take them for a spin. For accuracy the seat pockets hold a few motion sickness bags, boring magazines, and pretzel crumbs.

In the interest of learning more about how people use their ThinkPad on planes, we’ve created a short on-line survey that we would like to have you take. We hope to continue using surveys like this, in addition to our polls, to help us refine future products. The link below will take you there.

Survey

If you would like to receive e-mails about future surveys, please visit our E-mail signup page and make sure to choose “Offers to participate in studies to improve our products.” While this page is technically only on our U.S. website, any members of our international audience can submit your e-mail address for these surveys. Please note that they will be English only at this time. Our standard privacy policy applies to these, so you don’t have to worry about us abusing your e-mail address.

David Hill

I just wanted to take a moment to let my readers know that I will be participating in the ThinkLive webcast event, put on by our friends over at NotebookReview.com. We’ll have some interesting discussions celebrating the 15th Anniversary of ThinkPad. I plan on bringing the rarely seen original ThinkPad design concept model from our archives.

You can register here and please join us at 2pm EST October 10th. U.S. residents who register are also eligible to win a ThinkPad Reserve Edition.

David Hill

Today is considered the official date to celebrate the anniversary of the ThinkPad’s introduction. A lot has happened in the last 15 years, and we have more planned for the future. As a tribute to this milestone I thought I would list the 15 things I like best about my ThinkPad:

1. The simple black box design that never looks out of style, thanks Richard

2. TrackPoint, every time I try to use a touchpad I get frustrated

3. The best in the industry keyboard

4. My ThinkLight that lets me use my ThinkPad in some of the strangest places

5. Presentation director that simplifies one of the most commonly used tasks

6. Access connections, especially the saved profile function

7. The single handed latch, secure and easy to use

8. The asymmetrical unique ThinkPad logo, dead-center is so ordinary

9. The full screen magnifier function, leave the reading glasses at home

10. Scrolling with the center button and the TrackPoint

11. The integrated fingerprint reader, I’ve never forgotten my finger

12. Rock solid mechanical quality and physical integrity ensures it always works

13. The rubberized finish that feels so good and is easy to clean

14. The extended battery that keeps it running longer

15. Sitting on an airplane next to a guy using a really goofy looking notebook

Feel free to share your own favorites.

David Hill