With Twin Peaks, The X-Files, and Full House all being rebooted, it’s only reasonable that Lenovo would consider reviving some of the best design features that were introduced from the IBM ThinkPad 700c in 1992 to the T60, released in the early 2000s. A 7-row keyboard with traditional keys, dedicated volume buttons, a plethora of status lights, a 16:10 aspect ratio, dedicated TrackPoint/TrackPad keys, and the cute ThinkLight have seen themselves eliminated (and sometimes revived) recently. Unfortunately, they fell victim to the trend of visual simplicity over functionality (come now. Isn’t it much easier lowering the volume with one stroke instead of two?) |
I thought I was only dreaming off the possibility that Lenovo would introduce a retro ThinkPad….so imagine my excitement when, on Tuesday, June 23, David Hill, the Vice President of Lenovo Corporate Identity & Design, announced to us Lenovo Insiders (yes, I knew before you…it was hard not spilling the beans!) that Lenovo is mulling over the possibility of introducing a modern take on the original ThinkPad. In David’s latest blog, you can read up on his thoughts on the retro ThinkPad first hand. If you are interested in one—if you are dying to get your hands on one—comment on the article found here. Use the hashtag #retroThinkPad. Let him know what you think of the renderings and what could be improved upon (I’m thinking the red, green and blue logo is gonna go).
Sorry it took me so long to catch up on my blog, but I’m so happy I get to do so on a positive note!