“ThinkPad”這個名稱的靈感來自IBM的便箋簿。每壹位IBM的雇員或到IBM訓練中心受訓的人，都會拿到壹本便箋簿(“便箋簿”英文為“pad”)，上面印著企業的座右銘“THINK”。在壹次討論便攜式電腦產產品名稱的會議上，壹名與會者隨手將壹本這樣的便箋簿甩到半空然後落在了會議桌上，另壹名與會者受此啟發提出可以用“ThinkPad”這個名稱。起初IBM高層壹度反對使用這個名稱，因為以前IBM壹直使用數字為標識產品型號。但是“ThinkPad”這個名稱受到廣大雇員和客戶的極大歡迎和喜愛，最終IBM高層妥協同意使用“ThinkPad”作為產品名稱。
ThinkPad的設計靈感來自傳統的日本飯盒
ThinkPad最初的設計工作是由IBM位於日本的大和設計中心承擔的。ThinkPad純黑色外觀的靈感來自日本傳統的壹種漆器飯盒Shōkadō bentō，它通體黑色且常用來裝午飯。
IBM在1992年開始發布ThinkPad產品，其中就包括ThinkPad 700。最初的ThinkPad並沒有鍵盤，理應屬於平板電腦（tablet computer）的範疇。它裝配有黑白液晶顯示屏（LCD）、替代硬盤驅動器的40 MB閃存（Flash Memory）、基於Go的PenPoint OS操作系統和IBM研發的筆跡識別系統。IBM隨後又發布了預裝Microsoft Windows 3.1且帶有鍵盤的ThinkPad，售價US,350，重3 千克 (6.5 l磅)，尺寸是 2.2 × 11.7 × 8.3 英寸 (56 × 297 × 210 厘米)。它還裝配了當時最大的10.4英寸(264毫米)液晶顯示屏，25 MHz 386SX中央處理器，120 MB硬盤驅動器還有壹個手感良好的帶有TrackPoint指點桿的鍵盤。明亮的紅色TrackPoint被安裝在鍵盤上，沒有了鼠標的累贅人們能夠在飛機客艙托架上使用方便地便攜式電腦。
盡管采用平版電腦設計的ThinkPad在商業上並不成功，但是它和Apple Newton***同開創了人類使用PDA（Personal Digital Assistant,個人數字助理）和移動計算的時代。
ThinkPad 系列分類
以下是ThinkPad近年來所有系列的列表
ThinkPad A系列: 取“All-in-one”的意思，重量重，體積大，總***擁有3個驅動器插槽，其中2個是可換的。部分型號以“p”結尾的機型是ThinkPad中最先使用15英寸UXGA“FlxView”液晶顯示屏技術的。該系列已於2002年停產。
ThinkPad G系列: 臺式機替代機型，使用臺式機處理器，重量重，體積大，電池續航時間短。該系列已於2005年停產。
ThinkPad i 系列: 價錢便宜的低端機型，由第三方廠商（如宏基、長城）在IBM的技術許可下代工生產。該系列已於2001年停產。
ThinkPad R系列: i系列和A系列合流形成R系列，擁有兩個內置驅動器，其中壹個可換。低端機型繼承i系列的傳統繼續走低價道路，其余機型設計成“移動工作站”來代替已停產的A系列。
ThinkPad S系列: Subnotebook，相當小且相當輕便，僅向日本市場銷售。
ThinkPad T系列: ThinkPad的旗艦機型，相當輕薄，高端商務機型。擁有兩個內置驅動器，其中壹個可換。
ThinkPad X系列: Subnotebook, 異常輕便小巧，內置硬盤，無光盤驅動器，12英寸液晶顯示屏。其中2005年7月發布的X41T屬於平版電腦。
ThinkPad Z系列: 自2005年開始生產，Lenovo收購IBMPC事業部後推出的首個系列，首個寬屏筆記本，首個專為娛樂而設計的ThinkPad。
ThinkPad 型號詳細信息
ThinkPad 235
2607型，即僅供日本的ThinkPad 235型是壹件很有意思的產品，它是IBM/Ricoh RIOS的後續產品。 Also known as Clavius or Chandra2, it contains unusual features like the presence of 3 PCMCIA slots and the use of dual Camcorder batteries as a source of power. Features an Intel Pentium MMX 233 MHz CPU, support for up to 160 MB of EDO memory, and a built-in 2.5 inch hard drive with UDMA support. Hitachi markets Chandra2 as the Prius Note 210.
ThinkPad 300 series
The 300 series (300, 310, 350, 360, 365, 380, 385, 390 (all with various sub-series)) was a long running value series starting at the 486SX-25 all the way to the Pentium III 450. They were a bit large and slower than the more full featured models but offered a less expensive ThinkPad.
ThinkPad 500 series
The 500 series (500, 510, 560(E, X, Z), 570(E)) were the main line of the ultraportable ThinkPads. Starting with the 486SX2-50 Blue lightening to the Pentium III 500, these machines had only a hard disk onboard. Any other drives were external (or in the 570's case in the ultrabase).
ThinkPad 600 series
The 600 series (600, 600E and 600X) are the direct predecessors of the T series, and are legendary for their portability and sturdy construction. The 600 series packed a 12.1" SVGA or a 13.3" XGA TFT LCD, Pentium MMX, Pentium II or III processor, full sized keyboard, and optical bay into a package weighing roughly 2.3 kg (5 lb). IBM was able to create this light, fully featured machine by using lightweight but strong carbon fibre composite plastics.
ThinkPad 700 series
The 700 series (700, 701, 730 (tablet), 750, 755, 760, 765, 770 (many with sub-models)) were the cutting edge Intel-based ThinkPads. They featured the best screens, largest hard drives and fastest processors available at the time.
701外號“Butterfly”(蝴蝶)，因為它的鍵盤為了能夠塞進較細小的空間而分成兩部份。當它收藏時，會上、下移開塞進電腦內，到打開時又會左、右展開，就像蝴蝶展翅壹樣。
ThinkPad 800 series
The Power PC ThinkPad series, (800/820/821/822/823/850/851/860) were unique in that they ran on the PowerPC architecture, and not the x86 architecture. They all used the PowerPC 603e CPU, at speeds of 100MHz, or 166MHz in the 860 model. The 800 may have used a 603, and it is unclear if the 800 was experimental or not. All units used SCSI 2 instead of IDE. The units are believed to have all been extremely expensive, as the 850 cost upwards of ,000 USD. The 800 series can run Windows NT 3.5 (probably 4.0 as well), OS/2, AIX 4.14, Solaris Desktop 2.5.1 PowerPC Edition and possibly Linux.
ThinkPad Transnote
The IBM Transnote was a pen based PC in a notebook. Data could be entered through the keyboard, TrackPoint, paper notepad (with writing sensor below), or the screen via stylus. This ThinkPad expanded on IBM's previous pen based notebooks (360P(E), 730T(E), and 755(P)).
ThinkPad T2x series (T20, T21, T22, T23)
Pentium III Mobile, sub-5 lb (2.3 kg) class machines. Contained processors ranging from 0.18 micrometre PIIIM 700 MHz to 0.13 micrometre PIIIM 1+ GHz. Typically had 14.1 inch XGA screens, Ultrabay 2000 optical drives, S3 Savage/IX-MV graphics chip and Cirrus Logic CS 4614/22/24 sound chips; although variations along the line existed. Introduced the Thinklight, a LED mounted inside the upper screen lip and illuminating the keyboard (activated with Fn-PgUp, the extreme diagonal keys); and titanium-reinforced screen lids. Used miniPCI form factor cards, which could be modem and/or ethernet. With the T23, an internal wi-fi antenna became available, so wi-fi miniPCI cards could be used. Did not contain the active hard drive protection, or touchpad & trackpoint combination pointing devices which appeared in later models. T series ThinkPads were clad in black non-slip rubber with embedded glitter. The case lid had tabs along the edge that interlocked with depressions in the lower case when closed, to reduce case flexing. Comparatively more stylish, functional, and rugged machines; and easy to disassemble for repair or upgrades.
ThinkPad T3x series
Solely includes the T30 model. Features include an Intel Mobile Pentium 4 processor ranging from 1.6 GHz to 2.4 GHz. Graphics were provided by a Radeon 7500 driver running on 16 MB of discrete video memory. The T30 was available with a 14.1 inch screen, with resolutions of 1024 x 768 and 1400 x 1050. Features available include the imbedded security subsystem, UltraNav touchpad, 256MB standard memory, a 20, 40 or 60GB hard disk, Ultrabay Plus drive, wireless, and Bluetooth. The shell is titanium reinforced composite. The whole package was a bit heavier and thicker than the T4x series.
ThinkPad T4x series
包括T40，T41，T42，T43以及其包含的“p”系列（高性能 "Performance" 例如T43p）。 壹臺典型的T4X機器重約2.2kg （4.9磅），略比600系列小巧，而其特點是應用了Intel Pentium M（英特爾 奔騰M）處理器（從Intel Pentium M 1.3 Ghz 到 Intel Pentium M 770 @ 2.13 Ghz），14.1或15英寸LCD（液晶顯示器）（XGA，SXGA+標準），型使用了集成顯卡Intel GMA 900（Intel Graphics Media Adapter 900）或獨立的顯卡（ATI Radeon 7500，9000，X300，Fire GL 9000，9600，Fire GL T2及Fire GLV 32000，其硬盤有從30GB到100GB不等的容量，並應用了Active Protection System（活動保護系統，官方稱為安全氣囊技術）以保護硬盤（T41及以後的型號）。 "p" (mobile workstation) models are also available with a 14" SXGA+ or a 15 inch UXGA FlexView display with wide viewing angle and high density IPS technology with resolutions up to 1600x1200. These 15 inch display models weigh slightly more than their lesser brethren, with optical drive and battery, at 2.7 kg (5.9 lb). Some T42 and T43 models feature a biometric security system with built-in fingerprint reader.
ThinkPad T6x series
Includes, as of 2006, the T60; intended as the next generation of the T4x Series Thinkpads; this is the first T Series Thinkpad to include the Intel Dual Core "Yonah" Technology.
ThinkPad X2x series (X20, X21, X22, X23, X24)
Pentium III Mobile, sub-4 lb machines. Contained processors ranging from PIIIM 500 MHz to PIIIM 1+ GHz. 12.1 inch XGA screens, and ATi Rage Mobility M1 (X20, X21) or Radeon Mobility M6 (X22, X23, X24) graphics chips. Used miniPCI form factor cards, which supports modem and/or ethernet. With the X22 and later machines, provisions for wireless networking support are built into the chassis. Ultrabay 2000 optical drive support can be fitted via the Ultrabase portable docking station option, and extended batteries can give the series a 5 hour running time.
ThinkPad X3x series (X30, X31, X32)
Pentium III Mobile (X30) or Pentium M (X31, X32), 12.1 inch XGA screens, FireWire, Compact Flash card slot. No built-in optical drive.
ThinkPad X4x Series
An example of the lightweight X series, weighing in at 1.2 kg (2.7 lb), 25% lighter than its predecessor, the X31. [1]
ThinkPad X6x Series
Includes, as of 2006, the X60; intended as the next generation of the X6x Series Thinkpads; this is the first X Series ThinkPad to feature Intel "Yonah" Dual Core Technology.
Lenovo UltraBay
UltraBay is Lenovo's name for the swappable drive slot. Introduced on the 750 series ThinkPads, this technology has gone through redesigns with almost every new generation of ThinkPad, possibly leading to some confusion that is hopefully cleared up here. The following table gives an overview of the different UltraBay types, in which models they occurred and what drives are available for them. Note that the optical drive bay in G series ThinkPads is not an UltraBay in that the drives are fixed and not removable.
On the media side different UltraBays relate to the form factor of the drives they accept; for example, early A, T and X series models can accept UltraBay devices up to 12.5 mm thick, whereas current T and X series machines are limited to devices no more than 9.5 mm thick.
其他
The Touchpad, a virtually unchanging part of every generation of Thinkpad.The Thinkpad is the most popular laptop of developers of the open source operating system OpenBSD, and the T40 is one of the best supported laptop for the system.