4. Invisible Equipment Features: The "Thinkvantage"

IBM has put together equipment and software technologies, which it dubs "Thinkvantage," in order to automate some aspects of system management (administration, maintenance, data security, data backup) and thus speed it up - or just in order to make handling the T40 easier.

With the IBM Access Connections software tool, you can configure wireless and connected network connections in a few mouse clicks, for example, as well as control the many settings. The Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0 ensures integrated, easy-to-operate data security. It is comprised of an integrated security chip and client security software (CSS). Using immediate encryption of files and folders, confidential data can be hidden from unauthorized access.

Tools such as the Image Ultra Builder and Systems Integration Assistant are aimed at reducing the time the IT administrator spends migrating systems and software. If a software error causes a complete computer crash, the Rapid Restore PC program can restore saved data at the click of a button.

The blue "Access IBM" button above the keyboard gives the user direct access to system settings such as power management, makes a direct connection with the support websites and downloads the latest driver updates. This service function performed very well in the test.

IBM is even doing its own thing with Windows' power schemes. Using the Battery Maximizer feature, the user can create and save specific Windows power schemes.

The technologies briefly described here are aimed partly at keeping the system's TCO (total cost of ownership) as low as possible, and partly at enabling the user to work more productively than he or she would with a run-of-the-mill notebook.

Although we could not check all the functions as part of this test, the ones we did use - such as the access button, the battery maximizer and the access connections - performed superbly right off the bat.