One of the world's smallest notebook computers from IBM will be hitting the Indian market next week.
ThinkPad 240, also known as the Little Genie, is being introduced in the Indian market to capitalise on the boom that the note bookmarket in India has witnessed during the last 12 months. The launch is also strategic in terms of IBM trying to retain and grow on its leadership position in the notebook computer segment.
IBM will also be introducing its latest ThinkPad _ A & T series, launched globally on May 2, of machines in the next quarter thus underlining the growth that the Indian market has been witnessing.
With the Indian notebook market estimated to be around 28,000 pieces annually and growing at about 22 per cent annually, the 240 is expected to help IBM retain and build on its 32 per cent market share of notebook computers.
Weighing just 1.3 kg the new ultra portable IBM 240 is targeted primarily at individuals who rank mobility and weight as a priority. This will be the 5th in the range of IBMs ThinkPad series available in India and will be sourced from its global plants in Mexico and Japan.
Lingraju Sawkar, brand manager, IBM, said that initially only one version of the 240, with a Celeron processor, was being introduced and was being marketed as the ideal computer for the mobile professional who wants the power of a personal computer with the portability of a notebook.
Sales for IBM as far as the ThinkPad series are concerned have been growing at a rate which have been far higher than the average 22 per cent growth rate the notebook industry as a whole has witnessed in India.
According to Sawkar, while the western market was the biggest as far as IBMs Indian operations were concerned, emerging southern markets like Chennai, and Hyderabad were being accorded special focus, while Pune and Chandigarh were also markets that were witnessing tremendous growth.
