ThinkPad TransNote

The ThinkPad TransNote is a notebook computer by IBM^[3] that was launched in February 2001.^[4]

IBM ThinkPad TransNote

IBM ThinkPad TransNote
Manufacturer	IBM
Product family	ThinkPad
Type	2-in-1 PC, Graphics tablet
Release date	February 28, 2001; 24 years ago (2001-02-28)[1]
Discontinued	October 28, 2003; 21 years ago (2003-10-28)[2]
Operating system	Windows 98 SE Windows 2000
CPU	Mobile Intel Pentium III (Coppermine) @ 600 MHz
Memory	64-320 MB PC100 SDRAM
Storage	10 or 20 GB HDD
Removable storage	CompactFlash
Display	10.4" SVGA TFT Touchscreen
Graphics	ATI Rage Mobility M

Features

The TransNote consists of a leather-like folio case which contains a computer on one side and a paper notebook on the other side.^[5]

The technology is comparable to the CrossPad, which used a similar design as the TransNote.^[6]

Specifications

The TransNote comes equipped with:

• 10.4" TFT FlipTouch display (800x600 resolution)
• 600 MHz Intel Mobile Pentium III
• ATi Rage Mobility M 4MB^[7]
• 10GB or 20GB HDD
• 64MB PC-100 memory standard, 320 MB max
• CompactFlash dock
• CardBus slot (type 2)
• PC Card slot.^[8]
• Two audio controllers:
  • Intel AC'97 Audio with a CS4297A codec
  • Crystal Semiconductor CS4281
• MiniPCI slot with one of the following:
  • 3Com 10/100 Ethernet Mini-PCI Adapter with 56K Modem
  • Xircom 10/100 EtherJet Mini PCI Adapter with 56K Modem
• ThinkScribe digital notepad

Folded TransNote with opened cover

The battery pack uses flat Samsung 103450 cells.^[9]

Reception

Computerworld called it a "failed design" because it tried to blend a large 3M digitized pad with a tiny underpowered laptop in the same product.^[10] PCQuest viewed it as an attractive choice for people who travel a lot.^[11] TechRepublic called it one of the 25 "unique and bizarre breakthroughs" in laptop innovation.^[12]

Awards

The TransNote won a Gold iF Product Design Award in 2002 in the product discipline.^[13] The TransNote was the winner in the PC category of the PC Magazine Awards for Technical Excellence in 2001.^[14]

Further developments

IBM announced the discontinuation of the TransNote in February 2002, intending to discontinue it at the end of the year.^[15]