IBM is making security and wireless communications key design elements in its PC fall fashions.
On Tuesday, Big Blue will officially announce three new lines in the Netvista family, A, M and X models, offering faster processors, but IBM is putting greater emphasis on new security and management features. For the ThinkPads, IBM will tout wireless capabilities.
The Netvista PCs will include a new embedded security subsystem, with the aim of better protecting data. The subsystem includes IBM"s latest security chip as well as encryption and identification software.
At the low end of the scale, the Netvista A series offers Intel"s 1.5GHz Pentium 4 chip, 128MB of SDRAM and a CD-ROM for $879. The three model lines have been quietly available since late September.
The ThinkPads will incorporate Intel"s newest Pentium III-M processors and the ThinkPad X incorporate 802.11b wireless LAN support.