IBM ThinkPad UltraPort explained

IBM UltraPort was a nonstandard USB 1.1 port used by IBM on its range of ThinkPad laptop computers.

Description

Electronically the UltraPort connector is identical to the standard USB port. UltraPort uses a proprietary mechanical connection, so UltraPort devices cannot be plugged into a normal USB interface. However, the UltraPort devices shipped with an adapter which allowed them to be attached to a regular USB port.

Select ThinkPad models from 2000 to 2002 came with an UltraPort connector on the top edge of the laptop's screen, and IBM sold a variety of laptop-relevant UltraPort devices, including webcams,[1] speakers, and microphone arrays.[2]

UltraPort was designed in 1999 in response to the proliferation of many laptop computers from Sony, Fujitsu, and others that had built-in cameras, but proprietary predecessor can be found on a released in 1996 ThinkPad 850 laptop.[3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2000-09-11. Options by IBM: IBM UltraPort Camera II. 2020-12-03. www-01.ibm.com. en-US.
  2. Web site: THG.RU. 2017-07-22. IBM ThinkPad A31p - An Exclusive First Look - THG.RU. 2021-01-07. www.thg.ru.
  3. Web site: ThinkPad PowerSeries 850 (6042-G6D). 2021-01-07. www.mars.dti.ne.jp.