2. Sturdy, Stable Case With Well-marked Connections

Even the top deck of the Z60m is adorned with the classic trademark

The silhouette of the Z60m, with its forward leaning case design, differs markedly from the rest of the Thinkpad family. Despite that, users will notice immediately that this notebook is a "real Thinkpad" by the way it feels in the hand. The upper deck of the clamshell lid and the overall workmanship both contribute to a high-value look and feel, just as they did in the days when IBM ran the show. As a reminder of those days of yore - or perhaps better stated as an inducement for would-be buyers - the top deck includes the Thinkpad name and still includes the red-green-blue IBM acronym.

To release the upper half of the clamshell and raise the display, you must depress a locking tab. This also brings a trackball with integrated fingerprint scanner into view, right next to the unit's customary, highly-regarded full-sized keyboard. For some systems, this scanner is part of a comprehensive security system that also incorporates an integrated trusted-platform module and compatible SafeGuard security software from Utimaco. The combination ensures maximum security and protection for files saved on the unit's hard disk.

The combination of a very stable case and a tool that watches over the drive for sudden jolts or shaking makes the Z60m a safe haven for files and important data. The data integrity tool can react to potential danger in a fraction of a second; it averts head crashes by shutting down the drive and locking the heads into a safe position.

The readable and well-marked descriptions for ports and connectors on the machine also make a positive impression, much like those found on the Compaq nc8230 from Hewlett Packard. High-contrast symbols on the top deck make it obvious where to find specific connections.

All connections are clearly marked and easy to understand.

On the Thinkpad Z60m, the battery slides in through the back side of the unit. You'll also find only a single USB port on that side of the machine, and the front of the unit is likewise sparsely populated. On the right, you'll find a 3-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS formats), and on the left an on/off switch for the integrated WLAN module, beside the input sensor for the infrared interface.

The back has room only for one USB port and the power port.