ThinkPad 350
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | IBM ThinkPad 300 |
| Founded | June 1993 |
| Successor | IBM ThinkPad 360 |
| Products | Notebook computers |
| Owner | IBM |
The IBM ThinkPad 350 series represented a line of notebook computers launched by IBM in June 1993, as part of the broader ThinkPad family. This series succeeded the IBM ThinkPad 300 and consisted of just two models before being superseded by the IBM ThinkPad 360 lineup in 1994.
Similar to its forerunners—the IBM PS/2 Note and PS/note N45 and the ThinkPad 300—this series marked the final budget notebook range that IBM outsourced to Zenith Data Systems for manufacturing.
History
The first model, equipped with a 125MB hard disk, was released in June 1993, followed by an upgraded 250MB variant in July. IBM targeted the ThinkPad 350 series to challenge Compaq’s dominance in the affordable notebook market segment.
Features
Operating on IBM PC DOS version 5.02, the ThinkPad 350 series incorporated an Intel 486SL processor clocked at 25 MHz alongside a CT-65530 graphics controller featuring 1 MB of video RAM. Both models came standard with 4 MB of RAM installed on a proprietary IC DRAM Card, allowing expansions up to 20 MB.
For storage, users could choose between a 125 MB or a 250 MB internal hard drive, complemented by a built-in, non-removable 1.44 MB floppy disk drive. The battery life was rated at up to nine hours under typical usage.
In March 1994, IBM implemented a price reduction of roughly 12%.
The design and specifications of the ThinkPad 350 were closely aligned with the IBM PS/Note 425, while the ThinkPad 350C corresponded to the PS/Note 425C model.
Models
IBM ThinkPad 350 — This initial configuration featured a monochrome 9.5-inch STN display (640x480 resolution), powered by an Intel 486SL processor at 25 MHz. It included 4 MB of RAM on an IC DRAM Card, a fixed 3.5-inch floppy drive supporting 1.44 MB disks, and a 250 MB hard drive. The unit weighed approximately 5.2 pounds and had a starting price of $2,099. Notable features included TrackPoint II technology and a Type II PCMCIA expansion slot.
IBM ThinkPad 350C — Sharing many specifications with the original model, this version upgraded the screen to a 9.2-inch STL LCD color display capable of showing 256 colors at VGA resolution (640x480). Hard drive options included either 125 MB or 250 MB capacities. The device weighed around 5.7 pounds and was priced from $1,999 up to $2,399.
Comparison
| Model | 350 | 350C |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction / Discontinuation Date | June 1993 / September 1994 | |
| Display | VGA / 9.5" DSTN monochrome (640x480), 64 shades of gray | VGA / 9.2" STL color LCD (640x480), supporting 256 colors |
| Video Controller | Chips & Technologies CT-65530 | |
| Audio Controller | None | |
| Processor | Intel 80486SL at 25 MHz with an 8 KB cache | |
| Memory | Non-parity RAM from 4 MB up to 20 MB | |
| Hard Drive | 125 MB with a 15 ms seek time | 250 MB with a faster, 12 ms seek time |
| Additional Features | 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, TrackPoint II pointing device, NiMH battery offering approximately 2.7 hours of use | 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, TrackPoint II pointing device, NiMH battery providing around 2 hours of operation |
Reception
The Los Angeles Times expressed criticism towards the ThinkPad 350 for including IBM DOS rather than MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows as its operating system. Conversely, InfoWorld commended the color screen on the ThinkPad 350C but highlighted concerns over its relatively short battery endurance.