IBM Thinkpad T43P is a perfect corporate workhorse

IBM, now Lenovo, has once again raised the bar with secure business computing, unveiling its fastest performing thin-and-light laptop computer to date. The ThinkPad T43p even comes with an optional built-in fingerprint reader, offering a new layered approached to data protection. Partnered with the industry's most advanced mobility, security, data recovery and power management features - along with an excellent keyboard and high-resolution display - the ThinkPad T43p is perfect for high-end business users who want solid performance, robust security, and new levels of control.

Pros: High-res display; biometric security; excellent support features
Cons: Expensive; screen isn't very bright; no FireWire port

Big brother to IBM's ThinkPad T42p, the ThinkPad T43p (329x268x31mm, 2.5kg) is the most complete corporate workhorse we've reviewed. However, while it is far from being the fastest laptop in terms of graphics performance, its market-leading build quality, outstanding support and excellent battery life help distance the system from its competitors.

IBM has again raised the bar by adding an optional built-in biometric security device to the ThinkPad T43p. The 'custom' model carries a slight price premium of some £100, but combines a fingerprint reader with an Embedded Security Subsystem that adds a layer of security that is built-in, not bolted on - further adding to the system's corporate appeal.

To use the reader, which is located on the wrist rest below the arrow keys, you swipe your finger across a small, horizontally-oriented sensor to log onto the system, software applications, Web sites, or databases. The scanning process takes only seconds, but you may need to repeat the process a few times in order to get a correct scan. This type of fingerprint reader captures more data than a traditional 'picture' capture window because it scans more of the fingertip's surface area, helping to prevent misidentification.

The ThinkPad T43p is physically indistinguishable from the ThinkPad T42 with biometric security, which we reviewed at the beginning of the year, but leverages performance and mobility for business users. The model we've reviewed is the basic configuration, which perfectly suites a highly mobile user who works in the office, on the road and everywhere in between.

The system is equipped with the new generation of Intel Centrino mobile technology (codenamed Sonoma), which includes new Intel Pentium M Processors with 533MHz front side bus, the new Intel 915 Express chipset family, and Intel PRO/Wireless 2195ABG or 2200BG network connection. Additionally, the ThinkPad T43 supports up to 2GB of DDR2 533MHz system memory, up to 80GB of hard disk capacity and has an Express Card slot.

It ships as standard with an Intel Pentium M Processor 760 (2.00GHz, 533MHz FSB), 1GB of PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM (upgradeable to 2GB), 60GB hard disk drive (5400rpm), ATI Mobility FireGL V3200 graphics card with 128MB of memory (maximum output resolution of 2048x1536 pixels), and a 15in. (1600x1200) TFT display. The high-resolution display is ideal for viewing spreadsheets, presentations and Web pages, but there are brighter screens from the likes of Dell and Sony if high-quality DVD-Movie playback is a priority. A 4X DVD±RW drive (single layer) and moderate SoundMAX audio chipset round the package off, along with Windows XP Professional operating system.

Similar to all IBM laptops the ThinkPad T43p is built for business, so IBM has catered well in terms of connectivity options. High-performance wireless networking comes in the way of built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, V.92 modem, and an infrared port (4Mbit/s). You also get an S-Video port for hooking up to a larger display, headphone and microphone jacks, Type II PC Card slot (as well as one Express Card), two USB 2.0 ports and a parallel port.

Unfortunately, there's no FireWire port (useful for connecting external audio and storage peripherals), serial port, memory card slots, or dedicated buttons to turn Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and Bluetooth on or off. There are, thankfully, dedicated volume controls and a mute button.

The great thing about the ThinkPad T43p is that it integrates lots of hardware technology and software solutions that aren't instantly obvious, but make computing on the move a lot more accessible and safer compared to competitor offerings. For instance, the laptop's enclosure is made of titanium composite carbon fibre reinforced plastic that is around three times the strength of ABS plastic.

The system's thick metal hinges that connect the core of the base to the top cover might add a little weight, but it keeps it extremely durable. A ThinkLight keyboard light located on the top edge of the display even illuminates the keyboard to let you work in low-light conditions - this sounds pathetic but is actually a godsend when working on an aeroplane or in bed.

The ThinkPad T43p features a new version of a ThinkVantage Technology, the enhanced Rescue and Recovery 2.0 with Antidote Delivery Manager. Rescue and Recovery is a set of tools contained in an embedded, pre-boot emergency system, providing one-button relief from a broad range of common PC problems, even if the main operating system already has been corrupted by a worm or virus.

Antidote Delivery Manager helps IT departments protect ThinkPad notebooks against viruses and worms by enabling companies to deploy critical updates throughout their enterprise. It also sets policies so that the PCs retrieve and install those updates quickly, or the PCs can be removed from the network. Rescue and Recovery 2.0 is now available and pre-loaded on all ThinkPad laptops and ThinkCentre desktops.

Rapid Restore Ultra is a one-button disaster recovery solution, providing you with the ability to restore the system to a previously saved state after a software crash. Before Windows opens, you can press a button that takes you into a menu that offers tools for recovering lost data. There's also options for making scheduled backups of operating systems, applications and data on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Access Connections lets you switch between networking environments and Access IBM 4.0 software provides access to on-system and online service and support information.

IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0 consists of an integrated security chip and downloadable Client Security Software, Version 5.4, with a secure Password Manager. The new version allows fingerprint identification and complex pass phrases to be used interchangeably or in combination.

The new software and the embedded security chip are seamlessly integrated with the fingerprint reader, helping you to protect important security information, such as encryption keys, electronic credentials and pass phrases, and guarding against unauthorised user access. In other words, you can brush your finger over the reader and log on to Windows or Web sites without having to bother with typing in your username and password combination. You can also use it to protect the laptop at power-up.

In response to the role that power management plays when working in wireless environments, the ThinkPad T43p is equipped with the ThinkPad Power Manager. This utility gives you control over the thermal management of the laptop, specifically the processor speed and the speed of the fan that cools the processor, two devices that significantly impact battery life.

The Power Manager also includes additional power management features that let you create battery schemes tailored for your specific computing needs. Additionally, the Power Manager includes a Battery Information tab that serves as a control centre for the battery, providing charge capacity and time remaining, as well as information about the battery specification that users may need to know for support reasons.

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. These help to protect information in the face of external hacker threats, costly viruses and worms, e-mail spam, new wireless technologies, and the demands of government compliance.

Finally, IBM's Active Protection System (APS) acts like an airbag for laptops. The motherboard-mounted chip is designed to sense when a laptop is dropped and stop the hard disk from spinning, thus reducing damage resistance by up to four times compared to the average laptop.

One of the ThinkPad T43p's most impressive features is its ergonomic keyboard, which is still by far the best on the market. There's also one-button access to IBM's excellent HTML-based animated electronic manual. The keys depress deeply and quietly and offer a good level of response. Similar to all the latest ThinkPads, the T43p comes with three different caps for the TrackPad (soft textured version, one with a distinct rim, and the original stiff design). However, it also includes a touchpad and two additional buttons for those who don't like touchpoints, which is a very welcome touch.

General performance of the ThinkPad T43p was excellent, reflected by a MobileMark 2002 score of 160. Graphics and multimedia tasks were handled slightly less proficiently, but the system isn't designed for running the latest 3D games. Instead, the ATI Mobility FireGL V3200 graphics chipset with 128MB of video memory is designed to offer a blend of performance, high-end visual quality and extended battery life, when running professional applications including computer aid design (CAD) and digital content creation (DCC).

IBM claims a battery life of around 3.1 hours from the 6-cell Lithium-ion battery, although we managed to power the system for just 2h 45m using MobileMark2002, which is reasonable for a desktop replacement laptop. If you need more power autonomy, IBM offers an optional 9-cell extended battery which promises to power the system for up to 7.5 hours (around £70 ex. VAT). µ

* COPY kindly supplied by our editorial partner, BIOS