IBM India has launched its first ThinkPad with an integrated fingerprint reader at prices beginning from Rs 95,000.

ThinkPad, the most secure notebook PC, now features a model that delivers simplified access to password-protected personal and financial information, Web sites, documents and e-mail, while offering an unmatched level of data protection through its new biometric capability and embedded security subsystem, said the company.

The fingerprint reader is built into select models of the ThinkPad T42. With the new reader, located on the wrist rest below the arrow keys, users swipe their finger across a small horizontally oriented sensor to log-on to their systems, software applications, web sites, or databases.

The scanning process takes only seconds, combining convenience with the strongest notebook security available as a standard feature.

Connectivity and portability

Available in a thin and light platform, the ThinkPad T42 is less than 1 inch thin and has a travel weight as little as 2.2 kg. It also offers IBM's unique battery configuration, capable of providing all day computing, up to 7.5 hours on select models with the nine-cell extended battery.

Mobile business users who take their notebooks with them everywhere will benefit from the power of the Intel Pentium M processor, long battery life and multiple options for wireless connectivity.

Select high-end configurations offer an Intel 765 Pentium M 2.1 GHZ processor.

Price and availability

The ThinkPad T42 notebook will be available from December 1, 2004 through IBM Business partners across the country and www.ibm.com

Prices for ThinkPad T42 models with a fingerprint reader ranges from Rs 95,000 to 2,00,000 for different configurations.

Some features

• Intelr CentrinoTM Mobile Technology for outstanding wireless performance (select models).
• Available with Microsoftr Windowsr XP
• 14.1" TFT display models with travel weights starting at 4.5 lbs
• 15.1" TFT display models with travel weights starting at 5.3 lbs
• Standard battery life up to 5 hours (select models)
• Airbag-like IBM Active Protection System to help protect your hard drive
• Built-in data backup and protection
• Integrated IBM 11a/b or 11a/b/g Wi-Fir wireless10  (select models)

IBM On Demand Security Architecture and ThinkVantage Technologies IBM also enhanced its hardware- and software-based embedded security subsystem by releasing a new level of client security software, version 5.4, with a secure password manager, simplified ease-of-use and installation, and available by preload for the first time.

The new version allows fingerprint identification and complex passphrases to be used interchangeably or in combination.

The embedded security subsystem is a key component of IBM ThinkVantage Technologies, a suite of tools that make ThinkPad notebooks and ThinkCentre desktops easier to deploy, connect, protect and support.

The fingerprint reader represents only one level in a concentric set of IBM security solutions. They include servers, operating systems, identity management, middleware, web-based privacy, network access, storage, systems management and consulting solutions.

Sanjeev Menon, brand manager, mobile computing, IBM India, said, "Today we have raised the bar on security for the entire PC industry. What was once considered sci-fi technology is now available to all enterprises, large and small, in the notebook of choice for everyday business. The first biometric ThinkPad combines a fingerprint reader with an embedded security subsystem, providing a layer of security that is built in, not bolted on."