ThinkPad 'Reserve': $5,000 for this?

(Credit: PClaunches)

The ThinkPad may be produced in China, but the hype surrounding the laptop's secretive "Reserve Edition" has had all the markings of a classic U.S. marketing campaign. First, word of a mysterious Web site featuring nothing but a teaser ad for the leather-bound notebook began circulating a few weeks ago. Then a few details were carefully leaked, like drops of water in a digital desert.

Now, the specs have finally come out--and, as PClaunches notes, they're decidedly underwhelming for a computer with a $5,000 price tag. Among the particulars: a 12.1-inch screen, an Inteo Core 2 Duo chip of the "Santa Rosa" variety, 2GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive.

Perhaps the most distinguishable features are its 24/7 customer service "by phone, IM or in person" and a three-year warranty that includes protection "up to total system replacement" if the machine is destroyed. We wonder if that includes stomping it out of frustration for having paid its ridiculous price.