Lenovo releases the ThinkPad Reserve

We first heard about the mythical leather-clad ThinkPad earlier this year through a viral marketing segment that Lenovo unleashed.  We received word from Lenovo that in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the ThinkPad notebook line the ThinkPad Reserve is launching today.  The $5,000 ThinkPad is aimed at the business executive who likes bright shiny objects and is willing to pay for it.  The ThinkPad Reserve Edition is a notebook that is covered in fine leather and comes with special executive technical support.

Clad in hand-stitched, saddle-grade premium French leather, each Lenovo ThinkPad Reserve Edition notebook is individually numbered and comes with live, round-the-clock executive-class service and support. Each ThinkPad Reserve user is provided a dedicated, specially-trained PC support specialist that is available at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that users are fully supported in every aspect of their ThinkPad computing experience.

Full press release after the jump.

LENOVO Commemorates 15th Anniversary of ThinkPad by Uncorking
New “Reserve” Edition

Limited-edition ThinkPad Combines Unparalleled PC Design and Craftsmanship with
Executive-class Service and Support

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – September 5, 2007 – Lenovo today set the bar for superior customer service even higher with the unveiling of the ThinkPad Reserve Edition notebook. The much-anticipated, leather-encased ThinkPad Reserve Edition includes ThinkPad’s best-engineered features and functionality at its core, amplified by a personalized service and support program, for an executive-level PC experience that is unlike any other.

Clad in hand-stitched, saddle-grade premium French leather, each Lenovo ThinkPad Reserve Edition notebook is individually numbered and comes with live, round-the-clock executive-class service and support. Each ThinkPad Reserve user is provided a dedicated, specially-trained PC support specialist that is available at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that users are fully supported in every aspect of their ThinkPad computing experience.

“My ThinkPad Reserve Edition provides exceptional functionality, style and service to support my personal and professional agenda at any time and in any location,” said Rich Fennessy, President and CEO of Insight Enterprises, a leading IT solutions company with locations in 22 countries across the world. “If my system freezes while waiting for my flight in Heathrow or a document becomes corrupted in a Beijing conference room, Lenovo will provide me immediate assistance and a solution no matter what it takes.”

ThinkPad Reserve Edition customers are provided a local toll-free and an international phone number to reach their support person no matter where they are calling from. Not only are incoming calls answered before the fourth ring, a technician directed by support staff will be at a customer’s location within four hours if needed. Replacement machines will be shipped overnight if required.

“The ThinkPad Reserve Edition combines the best of all worlds through its ‘black glove treatment’ and superior hardware to surpass any other computing experience available today,” said Fran O’Sullivan, senior vice president of product, Lenovo. “While only 5,000 systems will offer ‘Reserve’ status, Lenovo’s PCs continue to lead the industry in delivering innovative system design and services that enable productive, efficient and secure customer operations.”

The Lenovo ThinkPad Reserve Edition was created in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the iconic ThinkPad notebook. Since its original iteration in 1992, ThinkPad has built a tradition of excellence, and is trusted by the world’s most demanding professionals for its advanced capability, rugged durability and thoughtful design. Developed in close collaboration with world-renown Richard Sapper, co-designer of the original ThinkPad notebook, the ThinkPad Reserve Edition represents another milestone of the ThinkPad user experience and a celebration of Lenovo customers’ professional success.

Outstanding Performance on the Road
The new ThinkPad Reserve Edition notebook provides the highest levels of wireless performance, data security and Intel® Centrino® Pro mobile technology for enhanced mobility. Users remain plugged-in while on the road, thanks to Lenovo’s acclaimed wireless design, Ultra Connect II, integrated pop-up antenna and optimized WAN performance for broadband connectivity outside the office. When the going gets tough, the ThinkPad Reserve Edition lasts up to seven hours with an eight-cell standard battery.

Unmatched Concierge Service Package
The ThinkPad Reserve Edition includes a 36-month “Executive Class Features” service umbrella to provide today’s most demanding users with the highest level of individual, customized support. The “Reserve” experience begins with an initial one-on-one setup call between the customer and his or her dedicated service representative. This support specialist accompanies the customer throughout the lifecycle of his or her ThinkPad Reserve Edition notebook and handles everything needed to get the customer up and running, including customized applications, email, networking and other devices. From there, a concierge service offers customers 24X7 on-call access to specially trained PC service specialists located throughout the world that can assist them immediately.
Pricing and Availability
The ThinkPad Reserve Edition is priced at $5,000. Additional information can be found at www.ThinkPadReserve.com <http://www.thinkpadreserve.com/> .