IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: ibm, thinkpad, a31p
- 1. Mobile Workstation Performance To Max
- 2. Workstation Graphics In Notebooks?
- 3. Notebook Hard Drive Performance Lags Desktops
- 4. Mobile Pentium 4 Is Now Here
- 5. An Exclusive First Look At The IBM A31p
- 6. The Full Tour Of The A31p
- 7. FlexView's 170 Degrees Of Freedom
- 8. Ultrabay 2000
- 9. The Fire Inside - The ATI Mobility Fire GL 7800
- 10. Customizing Your ThinkPad Can Make All The Difference
- 11. IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem
- 12. Benchmarks & Testing
- 13. 3D Mark 2001
- 14. SPECViewPerf 6.1.2
- 15. Battery Life
- 16. Conclusion
11. IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem
The IBM Embedded Security Subsystem is the first such product we have seen that integrates security onto a chip contained within the PC. The 'ESS,' as we like to call it, requires client software, which is a download from IBM. Once downloaded, the client software works together with the hardware to provide an integrated security solution. The integrated security chip provides protection of critical information, including passwords, encryption keys and other electronic credentials to help keep them safe from "sniffers," Trojan Horses, and other possible hostiles.
The security software can also act as an interface between security-aware applications and the security chip itself. It can also provide support for the latest in peripheral security access control devices. The ESS can also protect files and folders with a stronger level of encryption. It also offers support for a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) by using a combination of digital keys and signatures to protect sensitive information. Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to do in-depth testing on the ESS during our testing of the A31p.
Test Setup
| Specifications Of The A31p Model H6U | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Pentium 4 Mobile - 1.7 GHz w/512K Cache |
| Motherboard | Motherboard Based On The Intel i845 Mobile DDR Chipset |
| Memory | 512 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM |
| Display | 15" UXGA FlexView 1600x1200 |
| Hard Drive | 60 GB ATA-100 12.5mm 5400 RPM Hard Drive |
| Graphics Card | ATI Mobility Fire GL 7800 128 bit 64 MB DDR - 4X AGP |
| Network | 802.11b Wireless - Actiontec |
| Modem/Ethernet | 56K Softmodem by Agere Systems
10/100 Intergrated Ethernet by Intel Bluetooth Connectivity By Actiontec |
| Battery | Li-Ion Batter Life - 2 Hours |
| Ultrabay | Ultrabay Plus
Ultrabay 2000 |
| Ports | 2 USB Ports
1394 Firewire S-Video Out Infrared Dock/port eplicator Connector VGA Out Audio - Headphone/line out, Mic In, ine IN AC Adapter In IBM Embedded Security Systems 2 PC-Card/Cardbus Slots - Stacked Configuration |
| Dimensions - Weight | 13"x10.7"x1.8" - 33.02cm x 27.2cm x 4.6cm
7.7lbs - 3.5kg |
| Warranty | Limited 3 Year |
| Test OS | Microsoft Windows XP Professional w/all current updates applied |
| Preloaded OS | Windows XP Home/Professional / Windows 2000 |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows XP Home/Professional - Windows 2000 - Windows ME - Windows 98SE - Windows NT 4.0 (All devices not supported w/NT 4.0) |
| Included Software | Access ThinkPad, Access Connections, Access Support, Adobe Acrobat Reader, ConfigSafe (Windows 2000 models Only), MGI VideoWave (A31p Models Only), PC-Doctor, ThinkPad Utilities, Update Connector, IBM RecordNOW by Veritas (CDRW Models Only), Client Security Software (Embedded Security Subsystem Models Only - Download), IBM Data Transfer, IBM Rapid Restore, IBM Director Agent, Lotus SmartSuite Millennium, and Lotus Notes Stand Alone Client |
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Dear Tom;
I thought this was a wonderful and thorough evaluation of the A31p. What I would like to know is if you have reviewed any other ThinkPad computers with which you are equally impressed, if not more so? I am considering purchasing an A31p, but I am trying to find out if there are any slightly newer models similar features, but maybe slightly better video? Thank you for your time. PS: I tried to find this information on your website, but I could not even find this review? V/R David