Will there ever be another A31p-like machine?

[tbessie]

I've been watching IBM's Thinkpad line develop since I got my A31 (not the 'p' model), and have been wishing they came out with another like it. The higher-end "R" series machines are closest to it, but they come with a single "Ultrabay Slim" bay, unlike the 2 Ultrabay bays on my A31 that can accomodate 7200rpm drives (I'm not sure if the Slim style can do that now).

Having 2 swappable bays is great for me, because I can carry a whole slew of add-on devices without having to carry around their full-sized counterparts. It would be great to be able to upgrade my A31 to something even better and faster without having to toss out all my old Ultrabay devices and buy new Slim style ones.

Anyone know if IBM has any plans for something like what I'm looking for?

- Tim

[K. Eng]

The 15" T42p (replacing the R50p) is probably closest to the A31p by virtue of its high end components & sturdy build quality.

Unfortunately, I doubt IBM will build another ThinkPad with two swapable bays to replace the A series. The original rationale for having two bays was probably to accomodate a Floppy drive as well as an Optical drive. With floppy disks being replaced by USB Flashdrives it is pretty difficult to justify to most people the extra space & weight for an additional bay.

I don't know for certain. That's just my best guess.

[dclee012]

i agree with k.eng.. wouldn't hold my breath for it.

[hausman]

Having 2 swappable bays is great for me, because I can carry a whole slew of add-on devices without having to carry around their full-sized counterparts.

These days USB2.x has become the de facto standard that supplants IBM's proprietary bays. You can get USB2 floppies, HDs and optical drives for way less than their IBM counterparts. Moreover you can use them not only with your A31 but also with future ThinkPads and other PCs. That seems like a much better alternative to me.

[tbessie]

The reason I like the Ultrabay devices is, they are small and can stow away easily, and when they're in the Ultrabay, I don't need to cart them around separately like I would USB-2 devices, since they're in the computer already. That's why I like them.

- Tim