IBM has introduced two ThinkPad laptops aimed at engineers and other professionals running demanding applications. As well as offering integrated wireless LAN (WLAN) capabilities, the new ThinkPads feature technology to protect their hard drives against damage due to shocks such as a fall.

The ThinkPad T41p and ThinkPad R50p are based on Intel Pentium M mobile chips. Both are available in two versions - as Centrino-branded models with Intel's Pro/Wireless 2100 WLAN adapter, or with Atheros tri-band WLAN adapters offering 802.11a/b/g support.

IBM's new ThinkPads offer portability without sacrificing the features and graphics power required by workstation users, the firm said. "They're aimed at computer-aided design [CAD], digital content creation [DCC], and other power-hungry applications," said Adrian Horne, ThinkVantage specialist for IBM in Europe.

The new models feature IBM's Active Protection System (APS) to protect against data loss when operating. If a sensor on the main board detects any excessive acceleration, it parks the drive read/write heads to prevent disk damage.

"It operates in less than 300 milliseconds, which means that if you knock it off a desk, the heads will be parked by the time it hits the ground," said Horne. The technology, which is similar to that used to deploy airbags in cars, will be extended to other models in the ThinkPad range in future.

Both of the new ThinkPads are based on a 1.7GHz Pentium M chip from Intel and have 512MB to 2GB of RAM. Differences between the two are solely in the weight and the size of the screen, said Horne. The T41p is the thinnest and lightest of IBM's mobile workstations, at 2.2kg with a 14in display, while the R50p weighs 3kg and has a 15in display. Both feature ATI's Mobility FireGL T2 graphics chip with 128MB video memory for demanding 3D applications.

IBM said it is working with many high-end software vendors, including AutoCAD, EDS and Dassault Systems, to certify their applications to run with the T41p and R50p.

Pricing for the IBM ThinkPad T41p starts at £2,870 + VAT, while the ThinkPad R50p costs £2,680 + VAT.