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The IBM Thinkpad 350 series was a notebook computer series introduced in 1993 by IBM as part of their Thinkpad laptop series. It was the successor to the IBM ThinkPad 300.[1] With only 2 models ever made in the series, it was succeeded in 1994 by the IBM Thinkpad 360 series.
 | |
 An IBM ThinkPad 350 sitting open. | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Type | Notebook Computer |
| Release date | June 1993 |
| Lifespan | 1993-1994 |
| Introductory price | Starting at US$2,099 (equivalent to $4,427 in 2023) |
| Discontinued | September 1994 |
| Media | Floppy Disk |
| Operating system | |
| CPU |
|
| Memory | 4-20 MB |
| Storage | 125 - 250 MB internal hard drive |
| Display | Types
|
| Graphics | Chips & Tech. - 65530 |
| Input |
|
| Connectivity |
|
| Mass | Up to 5.7lb |
| Predecessor | IBM ThinkPad 300 |
| Successor | IBM ThinkPad 360 |
| Website | www |
History
editThe 350 was announced in June 1993.[2] The 125MB disk version started shipping in June 1993, the 250MB version started shipping in July.[3]
The New York Times noted that IBM challenged Compaq with the development of the 350, who was the market leader in the lower priced notebook market.[4]
Features
editThe 350 series shipped with IBM PC DOS 5.02 as the included operating system.
Both models in the series came with an Intel 486SL running at 25 MHz, and a CT-65530 video controller with 1 MB of video memory. Both models also had a standard 4 MB of RAM that was on a proprietary IC DRAM Card. If a user wanted to upgrade the ram, the 350 ThinkPads supported an IC DRAM Card size up to 20 MB.
Both in the series came with a 125 or 250 MB standard hard drive, and a non-removable 1.44 MB floppy drive. Both models also had a battery life up to 9 hours.[5]
In March 1994, IBM cut the prices by 12%.
The 350 is identical to the PS/Note 425 and the 350C is identical to the PS/Note 400SL/25.
Models
editIBM ThinkPad 350 — The first model in the series, it introduced a Intel 486SL running at 25 MHz, a monochrome 9.5" STN display with 640x480 resolution, 4 MB of ram on an IC DRAM Card, a non-removable 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy drive and a 250 MB hard disk drive. The 350 weighed 5.2lb in total, and started at $2,099. Other features included: Trackpoint II, Type II PCMIA slot.[5]
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IBM ThinkPad 350C — Basically the same as the first, and also the second and last in the series, it only had 1 notable change to a 9.2" STL LCD 640x480 256 color display. It also added the additional option of a 125 MB hard drive alongside the 250 MB option. It weighed 5.7lbs, a .5lb gain from the base 350 model. The 350C started at a price of $1,999 with the highest being $2,399.[5]
Comparison
edit| Model | 350 | 350C |
|---|---|---|
| Intro/Disc Date | Jun 1993 / Sep 1994 | |
| Display | VGA / 9.5in DSTN 640x480
64 Greyscale |
VGA / 9.5in DSTN 640x480
256 Color |
| Video Controller | Chips & Tech. CT-65530 | |
| Audio Controller | None | |
| Processor | Intel 80486SL - 25 MHz, 8 KB Cache | |
| Memory | 4-20 MB, 80 ns, non-parity | |
| Hard Drive | 125 MB, 15 ms | 250 MB, 12 ms |
| Misc | 1.44 MB FDD
TrackPoint II NiMH Battery / 2.7 hours |
1.44 MB FDD
TrackPoint II NiMH Battery / 2 hours |
Reception
editA review by the Los Angeles Times considered the ThinkPad 350 not an impressive machine due the fact it was bundling IBM DOS instead of MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows.[6] A review of the 350C by InfoWorld noted the good screen and the relatively short battery life.[7]
References
edit- ^ "The IBM ThinkPad: 15 years old today • The Register". The Register. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ "IBM subnotebook to sport PCMCIA slot". InfoWorld. June 14, 1993.
- ^ Lee, Yvonne (June 21, 1993). "IBM subnotebook uses 486". InfoWorld. p. 31.
- ^ Lohr, Steve (June 23, 1993). "Notebooks May Hold Key to I.B.M.'s Revival". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ a b c PC World Volume 12 No. 7. USA: IDG. 1994. pp. 292.
- ^ J. Magid, Lawrence (September 16, 1993). "Finally, an IBM That's Worth Craving". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 2165-1736. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- ^ "Benchmark Tests: Color portables - IBM ThinkPad 350C". InfoWorld. December 21, 1993. p. 243.