3. The PC Halfling: The ThinkPad G40, Continued

However, don't let the desktop CPU deceive you: the G40 is based on the 852GM. This mobile chipset has an integrated graphics core (core clock 133 MHz, memory clock DDR 200 MHz / 266 MHz). Like many integrated graphics solutions, part of the RAM is appropriated for video memory. Up to 64 megaBytes can be allocated for video applications automatically. The RAM and video memory bandwidths depend on the type of DDR memory used: our test machine used DDR 266 MHz modules, giving us a maximum bandwidth of 2.1 GB/s. The Pentium 4 CPU had a Northwood core with a classic FSB of 100 MHz (quad-pumped 400 MHz).

The G40 wouldn't be a ThinkPad if IBM hadn't implemented it with the so-called ThinkVantage technologies. This buzzword refers to all hardware and software technologies that partly automate system management (administration, maintenance, data integrity, and data back-up) and thus speed it up or make the G40 easier to use. For example, you can update the drivers on the G40 by simply clicking a button, provided you are online.

Access IBM - Updating Drivers in a Flash

It's just a matter of clicking the blue Access IBM button above the keyboard. When the Access IBM interface appears, you just select Get Help&Support, then Download&Update, and finally Newest Device Drivers. And that's all you have to do to connect to IBM's support server.