Lenovo talks up ruggedised ThinkPads

The new ThinkPads are designed to be used in extreme conditions

Lenovo is getting ready to release new ThinkPad laptops that offer strong performance within a tough outer casing.

The firm said today that it has readied eight new units that are designed to be used in extreme conditions and include features such as an airbag for the hard drive and the ability to withstand spilt cups of tea.

The ThinkPad X200, X301, X200s, X200 Tablet, T400, T500, R400 and SL300 laptops have been subjected to a range of hellish sounding tests, including being blasted with dust for long periods of time, being used in extremely low-pressure - up to 15,000ft - and being baked at 240 degrees.

Each model features a rollcage that can protect the system when dropped, an airbag device that adds extra protection when the laptop recieves a shock or jog, and a spillproof keyboard.

"ThinkPad is well known for quality, reliability and innovative security technologies for business computing," said Tom Ribble, executive director of worldwide ThinkPad product marketing at Lenovo. "The truth is we've always built tough laptops that can weather extreme conditions from hiking the rainforests of the Amazon to flying in space. You don't need a PC that looks like a tank to excel in harsh environments, and unlike many of our competitors, we don't put an extra charge on toughness."

Lenovo has yet to confirm UK release dates.