A rubber bumper around the top cover absorbs the force of side bumps. The corners are 50 percent stronger, to reduce damage when dropped at an angle. The bezel is thicker, to protect the LCD panel, and a stronger rear cover reduces accidental LCD damage. The hinges and brackets have been strengthened, to last 50,000 cycles and to withstand more force to the cover. Reinforced ports and a reduced gap between anchored keys help prevent accidental damage from a bored child's exploring fingers. This is one tough machine.

Military-specification testing validates the ruggedness, durability, and quality of ThinkPad products by testing against eight parameters: high pressure, humidity, vibration, high temperature, temperature shock, low pressure (15,000 ft), low temperature, and dust.

For models with traditional hard drives, an accelerometer detects movement and stops the drive when a fall or similar event is detected. Rubber mounts are used for the hard disk drive (rather than rails) and the HDD connector is not rigidly attached to the board, so the connector absorbs shock and impact and protects against system damage.

Move data between the 11e and other devices quickly with USB 3.0 - it's up to 10 times faster than previous USB technologies and backward-compatible with USB 2.0.

The low-light-sensitive, 720p HD webcam with face-tracking, plus dual digital-array microphones, will help you enjoy web conferences or online video chats like you're really there.

This suite of audio technologies enables your ThinkPad to deliver a crisp, clear surround sound experience over its built-in stereo speakers. The technology increases audio clarity for VoIP applications, maximizes volume output without distortion, and improves dialogue clarity when watching videos. Enjoy an immersive surround sound experience whether listening to a lecture or kicking back with a movie.

Enjoy the benefits of an always-on port, charging your USB devices without having to turn on your laptop.

For easy connection to a television or other display.