IBM ThinkPad 500

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Manufacturer IBM

The IBM ThinkPad 500 is a subnotebook from the ThinkPad series released by IBM in 1993.

Contents

History

IBM Thinkpad 500 (left) and 510 (right). Thinkpad 500 & 510 Machines.jpg
IBM Thinkpad 500 (left) and 510 (right).

The ThinkPad 500 was announced on 16 June 1993. It was the first subnotebook by IBM, designed and made by Lexmark - at the time, a subsidiary of IBM. [1] [2]

The next subnotebook by IBM was the IBM ThinkPad 701 series, which John Karidis influenced after using a 500 and feeling the keyboard experience could be improved by making it wider than the screen.

It was announced at the same time as the IBM ThinkPad 350. [3] The New York Times noted that IBM challenged companies like Zeos, Dell, Zenith Data Systems and Hewlett-Packard who developed computers in the same class as the 500. [4]

The ThinkPad 500 has a Lexbook counterpart called Lexmark SE10 (codename "Enchilada"). The main difference is that instead of using a TrackPoint, its keyboard has a mouse-key button.

The ThinkPad 500 was the first IBM laptop to use IBM Model M6-1 keyboard assembles. A minor revision of the original Model M6 buckling sleeve keyboard. Both were used on many early IBM (and Lexmark) laptops and even OEM'd for other companies like AST, Apple and Tadpole.

Specifications

The AC adapter is an FRU 59G7991 16.3v/1.84a and has a short barrel with a wide center connection like the 350 and 730T. The power supply for both the 500 and 510 are similarly unusual because they are the only Thinkpads to utilise "centre negative" power. You must not use an alternative power supply on a 500 or 510 as all other Thinkpads require "centre positive" - including the 350 and 730T.

Reception

InfoWorld regarded the ThinkPad 500 as a bit too small for comfort. [5]

PC World awarded the ThinkPad 500 the "Best Buy - #1 Value Mobile PC" in September 1994. [6]

Successor

Original Thinkpad 500 power supply showing the unsusual 'centre negative' barrel jack configuration. IBM Thinkpad 500 Power Supply.jpg
Original Thinkpad 500 power supply showing the unsusual 'centre negative' barrel jack configuration.

In March 1994 the ThinkPad 510 was announced, which contains the 486 DLC by IBM and a 7.7" colour display. [7]

The later Thinkpad 510 looks very similar to the 500, but with notible differences in design being the colour IBM logo to go with the colour LCD and the 500's blue brightness and contrast buttons have been moved to 'hot keys' on the keyboard.

References

  1. ↑ "COMPANY NEWS; I.B.M. INTRODUCES SERIES OF PORTABLE COMPUTERS". The New York Times. 1993-06-16. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  2. ↑ Smith, Tony. "The IBM ThinkPad: 15 years old today". The Register . Retrieved 2021-04-18.
  3. 1 2 Lee, Yvonne (June 21, 1993). "IBM subnotebook uses 486". InfoWorld . p. 31.
  4. ↑ Lohr, Steve (1993-06-23). "Notebooks May Hold Key to I.B.M.'s Revival". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  5. ↑ Paul, Frederic (1993-08-16). "Powerful IBM ThinkPad 500 is a bit too small for comfort". InfoWorld . InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.
  6. ↑ A., Dell, Deborah (2000). ThinkPad: a different shade of blue. Sams. p. 330. ISBN   0-672-31756-7. OCLC   781169669.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ Lee, Yvonne (21 March 1994). "IBM revamps line with four ThinkPads". InfoWorld .
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