IBM today unveiled what it claims is its fastest performing thin-and-light notebook computer, the ThinkPad T43, which boasts newly developed layered virus protection technology.

The high-end business notebook ships with Big Blue's Rescue and Recovery 2.0 application suite contained in an embedded pre-boot emergency system. This is designed to restore the PC even if the main operating system has already been corrupted by a worm or virus.

It features IBM's Antidote Delivery Manager, which is designed to help IT departments protect notebooks against viruses and worms by simplifying the deployment of critical updates. It sets policies so that the PC retrieves and installs updates quickly.

The T43 also contains IBM's ThinkPad Power Manager utility which gives users control over the thermal management of their notebook, specifically the processor speed and the speed of the fan that cools the processor.

Power Manager includes additional options that let users create battery schemes tailored for their specific computing needs.

Based on Intel's latest Centrino architecture, codenamed Sonoma, the T43 also incorporates Intel's 915 Express chipset together with Pro/Wireless 2195ABG or 2200BG network connections.

The notebook supports up to 2GB DDR2 533MHz system memory, up to 80GB hard drive capacity and has one Express Card slot and one PC Card slot.

The ThinkPad T43 notebook will be available in March for an estimated price starting at £1,600.