ThinkPad A series

ThinkPad A series

ThinkPad A21m
Developer	IBM (2000–2004)
Type	Desktop replacement
Release date	May 2000;25 years ago (2000-05)
Discontinued	January 2004;21 years ago (2004-01)
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, Caldera OpenLinux
Predecessor	ThinkPad 700 series, ThinkPad 300 series
Successor	ThinkPad G series, ThinkPad R series
Related	ThinkPad T series, ThinkPad i series

The ThinkPad A series was a short lived line of mid to high end desktop replacements released from May 2000 to March 2002 by IBM as a successor to the ThinkPad 700 series , combining features present in the ThinkPad 300 series . ^[1] It was discontinued in January 2004 ^[2] in favor of R and G series ThinkPads. This is not to be confused with the newer ThinkPad A series released by Lenovo consisting of ThinkPad T and X series models with AMD processors.

History

The ThinkPad A series was released as part of IBM's initiative in 2000 to revamp and streamline their lineup of computers. Following decreasing sales in their PC division, a decline that started from following a high of $1 billion in 1998 ^[3] and lead to $550 million in lost revenues starting the first quarter of 2000, ^[4] IBM invested more into the ThinkPad line, leading to increased sales in the corporate market. ^[3] The ThinkPad A series with the A20m and A20p were released to acclaim alongside the ThinkPad T series as its powerful, larger sibling. Being described as "a stellar choice for small or large businesses" that "trades portability for power" ^[5] by CNET in 2002 while reviewing the A3x series. It offered little compromise when compared to the T series both in the case construction, boasting titanium composite lids, ^[a] and in the keyboard, offering sturdy and responsive keyboards with 2.7mm of travel, ^[2] being rated as "a cut above anything you'll find elsewhere, except on some Dell notebooks" by CNET in the same review. The A20m was also one of the first laptops to offer a Intel Celerons in a 15" form factor, leading to 15" displays being more accessible than before.

IBM's Improvements

IBM's revamps were focused on improving wireless connectivity and user experience. Their wireless connectivity improvements lead to the addition of optional wireless LAN that connected to the mPCI slot and Bluetooth ^[6] that connected through the UltraPort, a modified USB port that could expand a ThinkPad's functions by adding features such as a CompactFlash slot or a webcam. To give users things to do on the internet, IBM hosted online demonstrations, tips, and forums to provide user help and share experiences. To improve user experience, IBM added the ThinkLight, dedicated volume buttons, and ThinkPad button(later the ThinkVantage button). ^[7]

To streamline the ThinkPad lineup, IBM replaced their previous ambiguous 300, 500, 600, and 700 series lineups with the better defined A, T, and X series, while keeping their i series around as their ultra-budget line. Naming wise, their streamlining involved the shift from a three number scheme to a system with a letter followed by two numbers. Whereas the previous naming system had a number in front to denote the series a product belonged to followed by a number indicating generation and a third number distinguishing revisions, the new scheme changed the first number into a letter that served the same function. Just like the previous naming scheme, letter suffixes can be added to the end of the model number to signify types of the model it is attached to.

Unique features

The A series wasn't simply a larger version of the T series. The A series, positioned as a desktop replacement, offered many additional features not available on the T series including a line-in audio jack, 4-pin FireWire, floppy drive, ^[b] , more powerful GPU options, and options for larger and higher resolution screens. The A3x generation expanded on the list of unique features by adding a second UltraBay in place of the floppy drive, web navigation keys on the left of the keyboard, ^[8] and option for IPS displays. Those "flexview" IPS screens, with drastically greater viewing angles, were also added as an option for future T, R, and X series ThinkPads, leading to ThinkPads of this era being known for their great displays.

IBM ThinkPad A series 2000–2004
Case	Screen	Type	A2x			A3x
14"	12.1"	Low Cost	A20m	A21e		Replaced by ThinkPad R series
				A21m	A22m
	13.3"			A21e	A22e
	14.1"
		Mainstream	A20m	A21m	A22m
15"	14.1"	Low Cost				A30	A31
	15"		A20m	A21e
		Mainstream		A21m	A22m	A30	A31
		Performance	A20p	A21p	A22p	A30p	A31p

A2x (2000-2001)

All ThinkPad A series information reference the tawbook ^[2]

A20m

The ThinkPad A20m was released in 2000 as a successor to the ThinkPad 770. It was released alongside the A20p and was meant to be both the lower cost and mainstream option of the A series. A carbon fiber case similar to the one in the ThinkPad 240 and 600 series was used to maintain stiffness while keeping the laptop somewhat light.

It came in two body types with 3 display sizes. The 14" body type could be fitted with either a 12.1" SVGA(800x600) or a 14.1" XGA(1024x768) display. The 15" body type could only be optioned with a 15" XGA(1024x768) display.

A20p

The ThinkPad A20p was released as the high end version of the A20m. It sported a titanium composite lid similar to the T20 released around the same time, higher capacity battery, UltraPort, higher resolution displays, and more performant CPUs and GPUs when compared to the A20m.

The A20p was only available in the 15" body type with a 15" SXGA+(1400x1050) display.

A21e

The ThinkPad A21e was released starting at $1499 and was aimed at "budget-conscious business users". ^[9]

It had features cut out, including the ability to dock to the full sized ThinkPad Dock, ^[10] was made of ABS plastic, had a lower end 440MX chipset that couldn't handle as much RAM, did not have battery terminals nor the ability to hot or warm swap in the UltraBay, and couldn't support more than one PCMCIA card at a time.

During the A21e's lifetime, two versions of it were released. One, released in October 2000, was based on the A21m. The other was a smaller model released in March 2001 and didn't have a 1.44MB floppy drive or upgradeable CPUs. This was the model that the A22e would revise on.

In Japan only, there were versions both types of A21e released called the ThinkPad i Series 1800. ^{[11] [12] [13] [14]} These were essentially the same computers but rebranded under the i Series name.

The A21m based model was available in two both 14" and 15" body types. The 14" body type housed either a 12.1" SVGA(800x600) or a 14.1" ^[c] XGA(1024x768) display. The 15" body type was only available with a 15" XGA(1024x768) display.

The newer, smaller model was only offered in the 14" body type which could be optioned with 12.1", 13.3", ^[15] or 14.1" displays. the 12" display was SVGA(800x600) while the 13" and 14" displays were XGA(1024x768).

A21m

The ThinkPad A21m was released in September 2000 as a revision of the A20m with faster CPUs.

It came in two body types with 3 display sizes. The 14" body type could be fitted with either a 12.1" SVGA(800x600) or a 14.1" XGA(1024x768) display. The 15" body type could only be optioned with a 15" XGA(1024x768) display.

A21p

The ThinkPad A21p was released as a revision of the A20p with faster CPUs and higher resolution displays. PCWorld gave the A21p a score of 89, ^[16] rating it the best "Power Notebook" due to its chart topping performance. In the main review of the laptop, they noted its high resolution screen and high-speed mobile Pentium III processor, calling it the "Lexus of portables". ^[17]

The A21p was only available in the 15" body type with a 15" UXGA(1600x1200) display.

A22e

The ThinkPad A22e was released in June 2001 and was a revision on the smaller version of the A21e. A new version of i series 1800 was released based on the A22e as well. ^[18] This would be the last A series with an -e suffix as the ThinkPad R series succeeded it in the space of low cost smaller laptops.

The A22e was only offered in the 14" body type which could either house a 13.3" or a 14.1" ^[19] XGA(1024x768) display.

A22m

The ThinkPad A22m was released as a revision of the A21m with faster CPUs. While other A series models supported wireless LAN as upgrades, it was the first A series model to have the option of wireless LAN connectivity from the factory. It was given the Editor's Choice Award from ZDNet in 2001 and was the best rated out of the 7 other "AV notebooks" reviewed, being fast with excellent build quality. ^[20] Starting with the A3x series, the smaller 14" body type from the mainstream Axxm linup of desktop replacements would be succeeded by the R series.

It came in two body types with 3 display sizes. The 14" body type could be fitted with either a 12.1" SVGA(800x600) or a 14.1" XGA(1024x768) display. The 15" body type could only be optioned with a 15" XGA(1024x768) display.

A22p

The ThinkPad A22p was released as a revision of the A21p with faster CPUs. In a review in 2001, Bloomberg called it the Lexus among portables due to it "[teaming] great design with top-shelf components, as well as a screen resolution of 1600 by 1200, the highest available for notebooks". ^[21]

The A22p was only available in the 15" body type with a 15" UXGA(1600x1200) display.

A3x (2001-2004)

All ThinkPad A series information reference the tawbook ^[2]

A30

The ThinkPad A30 was released in October 2001 alongside the ThinkPad R Series, the laptop line that replaced the lower cost lines of the A series. This was reflected in the positioning of the A series in IBM's lineup shifting from "Desktop alternatives covering a range of performance and functionalities" to "High-performance desktop alternatives with exceptional versatility". ^[2]

It, along with the ThinkPad R30 released at the same time, started the era of ThinkPad design of a cut corner on the left side back side, thin, exposed metal hinges, grey function row and page left and right keys, and a blue enter key. This design was later brought to the T30 and the X3x series in 2002. While the cut corner and the grey color accents would only last in ThinkPad design until 2005, the exposed metal hinges along with the blue enter key and the page left/right keys would stay with ThinkPads for much longer. The changes to the A series were not all positive though. In place of the carbon fiber construction of the Axxm series, ABS plastic lids and glass fiber reinforced plastic bottoms were used instead on the A30.

Being a desktop replacement, the laptop featured not just one but two UltraBays, One Ultrabay 2000 on the left side and another Ultrabay Plus on the right. The Ultrabay Plus ^[d] could be used for floppy, SuperDisk, ZIP, CD, or DVD drives just like an Ultrabay 2000, or for expanding other device functions such as adding a numpad or a cradle for the IBM WorkPad PDA. Not only were there two UltraBays, there were two Communication Daughter Card slots that could house either 56K modem or 10/100 Ethernet cards. It also included six web navigation keys on the left side of the keyboard, three of which were preprogramed while the other three were user programmable. ^[2]

The A30 was available with 3 display options: a 14.1" XGA(1024x768), a 15.0" XGA(1024x768), or a 15.0" SXGA+(1400x1050), all of which were TN displays.

A30p

The ThinkPad A30p was the performance version of the A30, released at the same time. Based on the same chassis, the differences are mostly internal, with the only exterior differences being the inclusion of the UltraPort. However, the differences internally are drastic, not only is the unit more secure with the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem and more powerful in both processing power and graphics performance, it also features a high resolution, UXGA(1600x1200), IPS display—one of the first on a laptop.

The A30p came only with a UXGA(1600x1200) 15.0" IPS display.

A31

The ThinkPad A31 was a revision to the ThinkPad A30 with mobile Pentium 4-M processors, DDR RAM, and faster ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics. It was described as having a "knockout feature set" and being a "good choice for users who want a bit of portability without breaking the bank" by PCMag in a 2002 review. ^[22]

The A31 was available with 3 display options: a 14.1" XGA(1024x768), a 15.0" XGA(1024x768), or a 15.0" SXGA+(1400x1050), all of which were TN displays.

A31p

The ThinkPad A31p was a revision on the A30p and the performance version of the A31. Described as not just a desktop replacement but a workstation replacement ^[23] by PCMag in 2002, it was updated with the ATI Mobility FireGL 7800, Pentium 4-M processors, and DDR RAM. Continuing to use IPS display technology, the A31p's screen was described to "remain crisp even to viewers sitting at extreme angles." ^[24]

The ThinkPad A31p was the successor to the 760XD in the International Space Station. They were sent to the ISS starting in 2003 and stayed in use for six years until 2009 when the ThinkPad T61p replaced it. ^[25]

The A31p came only with a UXGA(1600x1200) 15.0" IPS display.

A31p in Space

• 
  ISS-20 Gennady Padalka trains the relocation of the Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft in the Zvezda Service Module
• 
  View of the ThinkPad A31p on the Middeck (MDDK) of the orbiter Endeavour during the STS-126 mission
• 
  View of data on a Thinkpad A31p as used by the STS-126 crew during separation from the International Space Station (ISS)
• 
  View of a Thinkpad A31p on the aft flight deck (FD) of the orbiter Endeavour during Flight Day 3 (FD3) rendezvous operations (OPS)
• 
  View of two A31p's on the shuttle Endeavour aft Flight Deck. The shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles are visible on the screen. Photo taken during a focused inspection of the TPS tiles.

Specifications

All ThinkPad A series specifications reference the tawbook ^[2]

Battery configuration

Main	M(x)	Main hot-swappable (max.cells)	Secondary	U	Ultrabay removable
				u	Ultrabay unremovable
	M(x)	Main removable (max.cells)		m(x)	internal (max.cells) "PowerBridge"
	m(x)	Main internal (max.cells)		S	Slice battery

Laptop color codes

Processor   Socketed desktop processor   Socketed mobile processor   Soldered high power processor   Soldered standard power processor   Soldered low power processor   Soldered ultra low power processor Weight 0.9 kg (2.0 lb) Up to 0.91 kg 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) 0.92–1.0 kg 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) 1.01–1.1 kg 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) 1.11–1.2 kg 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) 1.21–1.3 kg 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) 1.31–1.4 kg 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) 1.41–1.5 kg 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) 1.51–1.6 kg 1.7 kg (3.7 lb) 1.61–1.7 kg 1.8 kg (4.0 lb) 1.71–1.81 kg 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) 1.81–1.91 kg 2.0 kg (4.4 lb) 1.91–2.03 kg 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) 2.04–2.14 kg 2.3 kg (5.1 lb) 2.15–2.4 kg 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) 2.41–2.75 kg 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) 2.76–3.05 kg 3.1 kg (6.8 lb) 3.06–3.42 kg 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) 3.43–3.99 kg 4.0 kg (8.8 lb) 4.0–4.99 kg 5.5 kg (12 lb) 5.0–6.49 kg 7.2 kg (16 lb) 6.5–7.99 kg 9.1 kg (20 lb) 8.0–9.99 kg 10.7 kg (24 lb) 10–11.99 kg 12.7 kg (28 lb) 12–14.49 kg 14.5 kg (32 lb) 14.5–17.99 kg 18.1 kg (40 lb) 18–20.99 kg 21.7 kg (48 lb) 21–23.99 kg 24 kg (53 lb) 24–28.99 kg 29.5 kg (65 lb) 29 kg and above Screen resolution   4K or higher   1440p+ (WQHD,QXGA)   1080p+ (Full HD,UXGA)   Better than 768p (SXGA,SXGA+)   600p+ (SVGA,HD,XGA,HD+)   Up to 600p (VGA) Graphics   Dual standard socket graphics option   Dual proprietary socket graphics option   Standard socket graphics option   Proprietary socket graphics option   Soldered performance graphics option   Soldered midrange graphics option   Soldered mainstream graphics option   Soldered entry graphics option   Integrated entry graphics   Integrated basic graphics Laptop storage combinations (excluding WWAN slot) Level PCIe 4.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x4 PCIe 3.0 x2 M.2 SATA mSATA 1.8" SATA 2.5" SATA 1.8" IDE 2.5" IDE 2019 Not yet (laptops) 2013 2013 2013 2009 2003 2003 1991 1988 3 2 4 3 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 1 4 3 1 2 2 2 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 Laptop memory Amount LPDDR5X LPDDR5 DDR5 LPDDR4X LPDDR4 DDR4 LPDDR3 DDR4 DDR3L DDR3 DDR2 DDR SDR EDO FPM dual channel < dual channel dual channel < dual channel dual channel < dual channel dual channel < dual channel 2022 (laptops) 2019 (laptops) 2020 2017 2014 2014 2012 2014 2010 2007 2003 1998 1993 1993 1987 max memory = 512 GB N/A N/A 512 GB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A max memory = 256 GB N/A 256 GB (4 slots) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A max memory = 128 GB 128 GB 128 GB N/A N/A 128 GB (4 slots) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 64 GB ≤ max memory < 128 GB 64 GB N/A N/A 64 GB N/A 64 GB (2 slots) 64 GB (4 slots) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 32 GB ≤ max memory < 64 GB 32 GB 32 GB 32 GB N/A 32 GB 32 GB (2 slots) 32 GB (4 slots) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 16 GB ≤ max memory < 32 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB (2 slots) 16 GB (4 slots) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 8 GB ≤ max memory < 16 GB 8 GB 8 GB 8 GB 8 GB 8 GB (2 slots) 8 GB (4 slots) N/A N/A N/A 4 GB ≤ max memory < 8 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB 4 GB (4 slots) 4 GB (4 slots) N/A 2 GB ≤ max memory < 4 GB 2 GB (8 chips) 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB N/A 1 GB ≤ max memory < 2 GB 1 GB (1 chip) dual channel min dual channel min N/A single channel min 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB (4 slots) 512 MB ≤ max memory < 1 GB N/A N/A N/A single channel min single channel min N/A dual channel min half channel min 512 MB (8 chips) 512 MB (8 chips) 512 MB 512 MB 256 MB ≤ max memory < 512 MB N/A N/A N/A 256 MB (1 chip) 256 MB (1 chip) N/A single channel min 256 MB (1 chip) N/A single channel min N/A single channel min 256 MB 128 MB ≤ max memory < 256 MB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 128 MB (1 chip) N/A N/A half channel min N/A half channel min 64 MB ≤ max memory < 128 MB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 64 MB (1 chip) N/A 64 MB (1 chip) max memory < 64 MB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

A2x Specifications

Model	Release (US)	Dimensions (w, d, h)	Weight (min)	CPU	Chipset	Memory (max)	Graphics	Storage	Networking	Audio	Screen	Battery	Other	Operating System
A20m [26] (14")	May 2000	317 x 268 x 43.3mm (12.48 x 10.53 x 1.7")	2.9 kg (6.4 lb)	Intel Mobile Celeron or Pentium III (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s	Intel 440BX	512MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility M (4MB SDRAM, AGP 2X) or M1 (8MB SDRAM, AGP 2X)	One UltraBay 2000, One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56K modem [28] or 3Com 10/100 Ethernet with 3Com or Lucent 56K modem [29] in Communications Bay	Crystal Semiconductor CS4624 with CS4297A Intel AC'97 codec 0.5W Stereo speakers Internal microphone	12.1" SVGA(800x600), or 14.1" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD	M(9) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock One 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy drive (Unremovable)	Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 2000 Professional Caldera OpenLinux eDesktop 2.4
A20m [26] (15")		329 x 268 x 44.7mm (12.95 x 10.53 x 1.76")	3.1 kg (6.8 lb)								15.0" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD
A20p [26]			3.45 kg (7.6 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium III (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s		512MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (16MB SDRAM, AGP 2X)	One UltraBay 2000, One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56k modem [28] in Communications Bay		15.0" SXGA+(1400x1050) TN TFT LCD	M(9) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock One 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy drive (Unremovable) One UltraPort	Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 2000 Professional
A21e [30] (14") (Original)	Oct 2000	317 x 267.5 x 43.3mm (12.48 x 10.53 x 1.7")	3.0 kg (6.6 lb)	Intel Mobile Celeron (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s	Intel 440MX	256MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility M (4MB SDRAM, PCI)	One UltraBay 2000, [e] One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56K modem [28] or 3Com 10/100 Ethernet with 3Com or Lucent 56K modem [29] in Communications Bay	Intel 440MX Audio with CS4299 Intel AC'97 codec 0.5W Stereo speakers	12.1" SVGA(800x600), or 14.1" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD	M(9) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator One 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy drive (Unremovable)
A21e [30] (15") (Original)		329 x 268 x 44.7mm (12.95 x 10.53 x 1.76")	3.3 kg (7.3 lb)								15.0" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD
A21e [31] (Refresh)	Mar 2001	305 x 254 x 35.6mm (12.0 x 10.4 x 1.4")	2.59 kg (5.7 lb)							Intel 440MX Audio with CS4299 Intel AC'97 codec 1.5W Mono speakers	12.1" SVGA(800x600), or 13.3" XGA(1024x768) or 14.1" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD	M(6) [d]	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator
A21m [26] (14")	Sep 2000	317 x 267.5 x 43.3mm (12.48 x 10.53 x 1.7")	2.9 kg (6.4 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium III [f] (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s	Intel 440BX	512MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility M (4MB SDRAM, AGP 2X) or M1 (8MB SDRAM, AGP 2X)	One UltraBay 2000, One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56K modem [28] or 3Com 10/100 Ethernet with 3Com or Lucent 56K modem [29] in Communications Bay	Crystal Semiconductor CS4624 with CS4297A Intel AC'97 codec 0.5W Stereo speakers Internal microphone	12.1" SVGA(800x600), or 14.1" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD	M(9) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock One 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy drive (Unremovable)	Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 2000 Professional Caldera OpenLinux eDesktop 2.4
A21m [26] (15")		329 x 267.5 x 44.7mm (12.95 x 10.53 x 1.76")	3.1 kg (6.8 lb)								15.0" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD
A21p [26]		329 x 268 x 44.7mm (12.95 x 10.53 x 1.76")	3.45 kg (7.6 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium III (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s		512MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (16MB SGRAM, AGP 2X)	One UltraBay 2000, One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56K modem [28] or 3Com 10/100 Ethernet with 3Com or Lucent 56K modem [29] in Communications Bay		15.0" UXGA(1600x1200) TN TFT LCD	M(9) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock One 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy drive (Unremovable) One UltraPort	Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 2000 Professional
A22e [31]	Jun 2001	305 x 254 x 35.6mm (12.0 x 10.4 x 1.4")	2.59 kg (5.7 lb)	Intel Mobile Celeron [g] (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s	Intel 440MX	256MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility M (4MB SDRAM, PCI)	One UltraBay 2000, [e] One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56K modem [28] in Communications Bay	Intel 440MX Audio with CS4299 Intel AC'97 codec 1.5W Mono speakers	13.3" XGA(1024x768) or 14.1" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD	M(6) [d]	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator
A22m [26] (14")	Apr 2001	317 x 267 x 45.7mm (12.5 x 10.5 x 1.8")	3.1 kg (6.8 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium III (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s	Intel 440BX	512MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility M (4MB SDRAM, AGP 2X) or M1 (8MB SDRAM, AGP 2X)	One UltraBay 2000, One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56K modem [28] or 3Com 10/100 Ethernet with 3Com or Lucent 56K modem [29] in Communications Bay Optional 802.11b Wireless LAN in PC-Card slot	Crystal Semiconductor CS4624 with CS4297A Intel AC'97 codec 0.5W Stereo speakers Internal microphone	12.1" SVGA(800x600), or 14.1" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD	M(9) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock One 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy drive (Unremovable)
A22m [26] (15")		330 x 267 x 45.7mm (13.0 x 10.5 x 1.8")	3.1 kg (6.8 lb)								15.0" XGA(1024x768) TN TFT LCD
A22p [26]		335.8 x 271.8 x 45.7mm (13.2 x 10.7 x 1.8")	3.5 kg (7.7 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium III (Coppermine) FSB: 100MT/s		512MB (2x PC-100 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (16MB SGRAM, AGP 2X)	One UltraBay 2000, One 2.5" IDE	Lucent 56K modem [27] or Intel 10/100 Ethernet with Xircom1 56K modem [28] in Communications Bay		15.0" UXGA(1600x1200) TN TFT LCD	M(9) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock One 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy drive (Unremovable) One UltraPort

A3x Specifications

Model	Release (US)	Dimensions (w, d, h)	Weight (min)	CPU	Chipset	Memory (max)	Graphics	Storage	Networking	Audio	Screen	Battery	Other	Operating System
A30 [32]	Oct 2001	330 x 272 x 45.8 mm (13 x 10.7 x 1.8")	3.27 kg (7.2 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium III-M (Tutalin) FSB: 133MT/s	Intel 830MP	1GB (2x PC-133 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Mobility Radeon 7000 (16MB DDR-SDRAM, AGP 4X)	One UltraBay Plus, One UltraBay 2000, One 2.5" IDE	Optional Intel 82562ET 10/100 Ethernet in CDC 1 slot Optional 802.11b Wireless LAN with Lucent 56K modem in mini PCI slot or Lucent 56K modem in CDC 2 slot (Exclusive)	Intel 440MX Audio with CS4299 Intel AC'97 codec 1W Stereo speakers Internal microphone	14.1" XGA(1024x768) or 15.0" XGA(1024x768) or 15.0" SXGA+(1400x1050) TN TFT LCD	M(6) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock	Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP Professional
A30p [32]			3.45 kg (7.6 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium III-M (Tutalin) FSB: 133MT/s		1GB (2x PC-133 SDR SO-DIMM)	ATI Mobility Radeon 7000 (32MB DDR-SDRAM, AGP 4X)		Optional Intel 82562ET 10/100 Ethernet in CDC 1 slot Optional 802.11b Wireless LAN with Lucent 56K modem or Lucent Modem in mini PCI slot (Exclusive) Optional Bluetooth 1.1 CDC 2 slot		15.0" UXGA(1600x1200) IPS TFT LCD	M(6) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Dock One UltraPort	Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP Professional
A31 [32]	Mar 2002	330 x 272.5 x 45.8 mm (13 x 10.7 x 1.8")	3.27 kg (7.2 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium 4-M (Northwood) FSB: 400MT/s	Intel 845MP	1GB (2x DDR-266 SO-DIMM)	ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 (16 or 32MB DDR-SDRAM, AGP 4X)		Intel 82562ET 10/100 Ethernet in CDC 1 slot Optional 802.11b Wireless LAN with Lucent 56K modem in mini PCI slot or Lucent or Agere 56K modem in CDC 2 slot (Exclusive)	Analog Devices AD1881A with AD1881A AC'97 codec [33] 1W Stereo speakers Internal microphone	14.1" XGA(1024x768) or 15.0" XGA(1024x768) or 15.0" SXGA+(1400x1050) TN TFT LCD	M(6) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Port Replicator II ThinkPad Dock I ThinkPad Dock II ThinkPad Mini Dock	Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP Professional Windows XP Home Edition
A31p [32]			3.49 kg (7.7 lb)	Intel Mobile Pentium 4-M (Northwood) FSB: 400MT/s		1GB (2x DDR-266 SO-DIMM)	ATI Mobility FireGL 7800 (64MB DDR-SDRAM, AGP 4X)		Intel 82562ET 10/100 Ethernet in CDC 1 slot Optional 802.11b Wireless LAN with Lucent 56K modem in mini PCI slot and Bluetooth 1.1 CDC 2 slot or Lucent 56K modem in CDC 2 slot (Exclusive)		15.0" UXGA(1600x1200) IPS TFT LCD	M(6) U	One White ThinkLight Supports ThinkPad Port Replicator ThinkPad Port Replicator II ThinkPad Dock I ThinkPad Dock II ThinkPad Mini Dock One UltraPort	Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP Professional

Known Issues

These are issues that can cause premature failure of the laptop due to faulty hardware design. These issues are also a direct pull from the Thinkwiki article "Known Problems" and therefore will reference that ThinkWiki article ^[34]

A2x and T2x

The entire A2x line and the T2x line (excluding the T23) was plagued by the infamous BOD (Blink of Death) where voltage regulators would fail and cause the laptop to not boot and there will only be a short flash of the hard drive indicator. More information about how this issue can be fixed found on the ThinkPads forum. ^[35]

A3x

All A3x ThinkPads have faulty VRAM chips which will fail ^[36] and GPUs with bad solder material which would fracture and cause garbled graphics. ^[37] The solder cracking was caused by a combination of new RoHS regulations ^[38] at the time banning leaded solder by July 1, 2006 and the lack GPU cooling. Due to lead-free solder being harder than leaded solder, ^[39] lead-free solder was more brittle, and when combined with thermal cycling, exascerbated by the lack of GPU cooling, lead to the cracked solder.

The sound cards on the A31 and A31p model ThinkPads are also known to fail. ^[40] A fix is to purchase a PCMCIA sound card.

Notes

1. This was only present in Axxp models
2. Only for A2xm and A2xp models, not for A2xe
3. Only the i series 1800 based on this model was available in 14.1"
4. This Ultrabay does not have battery terminals
5. Does not support hot or warm swapping
6. Certain models ending in Exx or Dxx do not have upgradeable CPUs
7. Models ending in 45x, 46x, 47x, 48x, 4Ax, 55x, 56x, 57x, 58x, 5Ax, 65x, 66x, 67x, 95x, 96x, 97x, 98x, 9Ax, A5x, A6x, A7x, A8x, AAx, B5x, B6x, B7x, E7x, F7x, M7x, P7J, PAJ have upgradeable CPUs

References

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2. "Personal Systems Reference IBM ThinkPad Notebooks A, T, X, and G Series 2000 to 2005 - withdrawn" (PDF). psref.lenovo.com. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
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4. "IBM revamps notebook lineup". CNET. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
5. Jacobi, Jon. "ThinkPad A series review: ThinkPad A series". cnet.com. Retrieved 25 January 2025.
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9. Zipern, Andrew. "NEWS WATCH; More Storage in Your Pocket For the Computer on Your Lap". New York Times. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
10. "Thinkpad Dock". ThinkWiki. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
11. "ThinkPad i 1800 2628-ITJ 2628-ITJ". Inversenet. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
12. "ThinkPad A21e 2632-I1J". tp.krelay. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
13. "ThinkPad i 1800 2632-I1J 2632-I1J". Inversenet. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
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16. Thornton, Carla. "Top 15 notebook PCs". Proquest-PCWorld. ProQuest   231440135 . Retrieved 27 January 2025.
17. Thornton, Carla. "IBM ThinkPad A21p". ProQuest-PCWorld. ProQuest   200750975 . Retrieved 27 January 2025.
18. "ThinkPad i Series 1800(2655-PAJ)の発表" (in Japanese). ibm.com. 2008-11-19. Archived from the original on 27 November 2018. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
19. "ThinkPad A22e 2655-PS1". tp.krelay. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
20. "ThinkPad A22m". ZDNet. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
21. "IBM ThinkPad A22P". Bloomberg. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
22. "IBM ThinkPad A31". PCMag. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
23. "IBM ThinkPad A31p". PCMag. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
24. "IBM Thinkpad A31p". PCMag. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
25. "Photos: From the IBM ThinkPad to the Apple iPad – the tech used on the ISS". TechRepublic. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
26. "IBM Mobile Systems ThinkPad Computer Hardware Maintenance Manual" (PDF). ThinkPads. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
27. "Mini-PCI Modem card". ThinkWiki. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
28. "Intel 10/100 Ethernet Mini-PCI Adapter with 56K Modem". ThinkWiki. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
29. "3Com 10/100 Ethernet Mini-PCI Adapter with 56K Modem". ThinkWiki. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
30. "IBM Mobile Systems ThinkPad Computer Hardware Maintenance Manual" (PDF). ThinkPads. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
31. "IBM Mobile Systems ThinkPad Computer Hardware Maintenance Manual" (PDF). Thinkpads. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
32. "IBM Mobile Systems ThinkPad Computer Hardware Maintenance Manual" (PDF). ThinkPads. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
33. "AD1881A" (PDF). Analog Devices. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
34. "Known Problems". ThinkWiki. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
35. "A true fix for blink of death circuit for T21 (caution image". ThinkPads Forum. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
36. "All my A series ThinkPads have finally died!". ThinkPads Forum. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
37. "Problem with Garbled Screen". ThinkWiki. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
38. "Lead-free joining for micro electronics and micro system technology devices". CORDIS. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
39. "Lead Solder vs. Lead-Free Solder". Millennium Circuits Limited. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
40. "A31p no sound". ThinkPads Forum. Retrieved 9 August 2025.

External links

• Inversenet IBM ThinkPad lookups
• IBM American ThinkPad lookup
• ThinkPad lookup