The ThinkPad line was first developed at the IBM Yamato Facility in Japan; they have a distinct black, boxy design, which originated in 1990 and is still used in some models.

[9]IBM was the last of the major personal computer manufacturers to enter the notebook market, launching the PS/2 Note in 1992; its earlier laptop models did not gain significant attention.

With every minicomputer and mainframe IBM installed (almost all were leased – not sold), a plastic sign with the text "Think" printed on an aluminum plate was placed atop the operator's console.

[25][11] This 1990–1992 "pre-Internet" collaboration between Italy and Japan was facilitated by a special Sony digital communications system that transmitted high-res images over telephone lines.

We got the ThinkPad brand, IBM's more advanced PC manufacturing technology and the company's international resources, such as its global sales channels and operation teams.

While few features remain unique to the series, several laptop technologies originated on ThinkPads:[20] Earlier known as "IBM Access", later "ThinkVantage", the Lenovo Vantage is a suite of computer management applications.

By 2000 the trackpad pointer had become more popular for laptops due to innovations by Synaptics so IBM introduced UltraNav as a complementary combination of TrackPoint and TouchPad designed by Dave Sawin, Hiroaki Yasuda, Fusanobo Nakamura, and Mitsuo Horiuchi to please all users.

IBM took its first steps toward ThinkPads with an alternative operating system, when they quietly certified the 390 model for SUSE Linux in November 1998.

Following that, Lenovo then began making Ubuntu available as a preinstalled option across nearly thirty different notebook and desktop models,[63] and Fedora Linux on all of its P series lineup.

[77] Older ThinkPad models remain popular among enthusiasts and collectors, who still see them as durable, highly usable machines despite their age and technology.

[78] They are also popular with modders due to older ThinkPad models having easy access to their internals, with most part such as the RAM, SSD, and WWAN not being soldered into the computer.

[103] Slashgear summarized the ThinkPad Tablet by saying, "The stylus and the styling add up to a distinctive slate that doesn't merely attempt to ape Apple's iPad.

The X series is the main high-end ultraportable ThinkPad line, offering a lightweight, highly portable laptop with moderate performance.

Discontinued mainstream lines such as the 12" X200(s), X201(s), and X220 models could be ordered with all of the high-end ThinkPad features (like TrackPoint, ThinkLight, a 7-row keyboard, a docking port, hot-swappable HDD, solid magnesium case and optional slice battery).

The P series includes features such as dedicated magnesium roll cages, more indicator LED lights, and high-resolution displays.

"[115] The series features a new metal sleek, contemporary, thin design, which differs greatly from other recent, more traditional-looking ThinkPad models.

The ThinkPad 130 was a significant product for IBM, expanding the market for affordable laptops and being one of the first to feature a built-in modem for internet connectivity.

[citation needed] The A series was developed as an all-around productivity machine, equipped with hardware powerful enough to make it a desktop replacement.

The ThinkPad Twist has plenty going for it: a bright IPS display, a good port selection, an affordable price and an unrivaled typing experience.

Something tells us the Twist will still appeal to Lenovo loyalists, folks who trust ThinkPad's build quality and wouldn't be caught dead using any other keyboard.

If you're more brand-agnostic, though, there are other Windows 8 convertibles with comfortable keyboards – not to mention, sharper screens, faster performance and longer battery life.

As all essential processing hardware is contained in the display assembly and it has multitouch capability, the detached monitor can be used as a standalone tablet computer.

The Helix's high-end hardware and build quality, including Gorilla Glass, stylus-based input, and Intel vPro hardware-based security features, are designed to appeal to business users.

The first batch of Windows 8 ultrabooks get high marks for their inspired designs, but aren't quite flexible enough to truly be BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) solutions.

Lenovo's own IdeaPad Yoga came close, but the sensation of feeling the keyboard underneath your fingers when transformed into tablet mode was slightly jarring.

Dell's XPS 12 solved that problem with its clever rotating hinge design, but I wanted the ability to remove the tablet display entirely from both of those products.

The model is based on the T470, the difference being it having the 7-Row "Classic" keyboard with the layout found on the −20 Series, and the logo received a splash of colour reminiscent of the IBM era.

[153] This sees the revival of the A Series nameplate not seen since the early 2000s when ThinkPads were under IBM's ownership, however it is likely the "A" moniker emphasised that it uses AMD technology rather than comparative product segment (workstation class) of the previous line.

Notable models include ThinkPad Mouses come in several different varieties ranging from Bluetooth ones through wired ones, to even ones with a trackpoint built-in and labelled as a scroll point.

Its key features include compatibility with specific ThinkPad models, varying power output (typically measured in watts), and the ability to operate with different input voltages.