It aims to provide electronic engineers engaged in integrated circuit and board level design with the necessary support solution for numeric-intensive applications in any mobile environment.

At just an inch thick and 4,7 pounds, the Linux-supported ThinkPad T60p aims to strike the balance between productivity and portability, and to give electronic design engineers the processor speeds and memory requirements necessary for industrial-strength applications such as computer-aided design (CAD).

Whether working with a wired or wireless connection, users now have a secure platform for this traditionally desk-locked advanced design engineering, the companies say. In addition, engineers will be able to perform routine office tasks without having to switch workstations between the office and the lab, the companies add.

With this offering, Lenovo aims to bring help centre assistance to Linux customers who purchase select models of the ThinkPad T60p. The help centre is expected to offer support for select Lenovo ThinkVantage Technologies, drivers, basic Linux configuration and hardware issues. Novell says that it will continue to support core operating system questions and issues.

The ThinkPad T60p is a milestone for our collaboration and shared commitment with Novell to develop innovative and powerful workstation solutions, says Marc Godin, vice-president of marketing for Lenovos Worldwide Business Unit.

The ability to use a ThinkPad with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop will open new doors for corporate desktop users, says Jeff Jaffe, executive vice-president and chief technology officer for Novell. These demanding PC users now have the most advanced workstation infrastructure at their fingertips to maximise productivity at their desk, in the lab, at a site and on the road.