2년 전, 씽크패드 팬들을 두근거리게 하는 게시물이 하나 올라왔었습니다. 레노버의 디자인 수장 David Hill이 "레노버가 레트로 씽크패드 프로젝트를 진행하며, 팬들의 피드백을 기반으로 만들어질 것이다"는 글과 함께 예상 렌더링을 직접 올렸기 때문입니다.
그러나 이 글이 올라온 이후, 오랜 시간동안 아무런 소식이 없어 기다리는 이들은 점차 지쳐갔습니다. 프로젝트가 엎어진게 아닌가 하는 추측들도 나왔습니다. 하지만 이 제품은 실제로 나올 것으로 보입니다.
David Hill은 레노버 블로그에 드디어 레트로 씽크패드에 대한 새로운 소식을 업데이트 했습니다. 그는 "회사가 아직 출시가 확정되지 않은 제품에 대해 이야기하는 것을 좋아하지 않아 정보가 많이 없었다"고 하면서, 스크린 비율이나 디자인 등 많은 부분에서 팬들의 피드백을 받은 레트로 씽크패드가 여전히 제작되고 있음을 밝혔습니다. 레트로 씽크패드는 씽크패드 25주년(2017년!)을 기념하는 스페셜 에디션으로써 출시가 될 것이며, 가격은 (최근 루머로 돌았던) $5,000보다는 확실히 저렴할 것이라고 말했습니다.
그는 이미 개발단계의 제품을 직접 만져보고 심지어 전원을 켜 타이핑도 해보았다고 말해, 제품이 어느정도 제작된 단계에 있음을 암시했습니다.
Retro ThinkPad: It’s Alive.
- 21 June 2017
- David Hill
I’m sure many people have seen the recent leaks related to the Retro ThinkPad initiative I started nearly 2 years ago. There’s talk about display aspect ratio, resolution, keyboard, pricing and much more. Adding fuel to the rumor fire, the Lenovo commercial segment executive leader, Christian Teismann, even gave it a brief mention at the recent Lenovo Transform event in New York City. (Read the original blog that got the ball rolling here.) The social media response to the concept was staggering.
I know it’s been a long time since I’ve talked about the concept, but Lenovo has intentionally chosen to remain quiet on the topic. It took a lot of critical investigation to evaluate technical feasibility alternatives, display availability and the overall business case. Lenovo has never been keen on broadly sharing details concerning unannounced products. Retro ThinkPad has not been granted an exception to the corporate policy.
At this point, it seems like the cat's out of the bag. There are certain things I can now confirm. Yes, Lenovo will be making a special edition ThinkPad as part of the 25th anniversary celebration. It’s aimed at enthusiasts and superfans that were kind enough to share their thoughts about what the laptop might be. As with any new product we develop, there are always technical and cost limitations but I think where we landed is quite impressive. The product will embody many of the things people asked for.
It has a wonderful black rubberized coating, three TrackPoint caps, and a keyboard to die for. I will proudly carry one. Exact pricing and availability are not finalized but I can assure you it will not cost $5000! I have no idea how that rumor got started. I wish I could say more about this special product but for now I can’t.
I’ve held early development hardware in my hand, powered it on, looked at the screen and even typed on it. Those who have seen it can’t help but smile. Please be patient, there’s more to come. It’s alive.
David Hill