From: gavin@mtl.mit.edu (Gavin C. H. Zau)
Subject: My experience with IBM 700C so far
Organization: MIT Microsystems Technology Laboratories
Distribution: na
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1992 23:00:14 GMT

I have just bought a IBM 700C thinkpad 3days ago and people have
requested for my opinion so far.  Here are some of my thoughts:

Configuration: 4MB RAM, 120 MB HD, 1 serial, 1 parallel port, 1 PS2 mouse port,
               VGA TFT LCD 10.4in diag and external CRT (can be simultaneous)
               486SLC (16 bit datapath/ 32 internal (386SX like), but has
               16KB cache and runs 486 instructions.)  Expansion port with
               large connector to docking station?  Adjustable speaker on/off
               volume.  Full (or nearly full) size keyboard, function key 
               smaller and inverted T cursor keys.  Indicators for speaker, 
               battery - full, used, low, and shut down in 1 min.  HD, FD,
               screen expansion, suspend mode, operation mode, charging.
               Loaded with DOS 5.0 and Prodigy.  Has internal rechargable
               battery to allow exchange Ni-H battery without losing data.

Weight - a little heavy but not too bad (note I am 6ft3in 200lb man)
TFT screen - great nice colours view angles, but is a little dim on
             battery operation.  Better and brighter with AC adpater.
Battery - Charges very quickly (1.4hr) and last about 3 hours of intense
          use (I do CAD and spreadsheet).  
Power management - can set autoidle for HD, LCD, processor, serial ports etc
                   Has DOS, OS2 and MS Windows support
Power Stick? - A good pointing device works well.  The mouse buttons are located
               under the space bar and is easy to use.  I can even play
               Castle Wolfenstein 3D with no problem.  
               I have also attached a mouse and used it with no problem.
Construction - Rubberized exterior, pretty solid and no warping of LCD screen
               possible.
               Ports are all covered except side mouse port.
               A toggle ON/OFF switch on right side - works well
Expansion - Modem space on right side near front
            2 slots for IC DRAM card from IBM (Documentation do not say
            whether they are PCMIA (sp?) compatiable.
            Latched door on bottom for installing co-processor 386-SL
            Lockable HD (can be exchanged)
Speed - Fast, but I am going to install a coprocessor since my jobs are very
        calculations intensive
Security - has a lock hole on hard drive locking latch.
Software - good support for power saving options.
Support - 24 hours 1-800 hotline, 3 YEARS INTERNATIONAL warrenty.

Overall - I am happy with the construction and display.  Wish it was faster...
          I definitely recommend the 700C.

PS: My biggest buying criteria was the TFT screen since I cannot stand any of
    the non active one (grey scale or color).  


Hope this helps,  Please e-mail me if you have any question.  I'll update
my experience with the 700C if it is required.

GAVIN
-- 

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Gavin Zau	Dept of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA
		gavin@mtl.mit.edu  gavinb@athena.mit.edu