Paul Allen uses a Lenovo ThinkPad — while watching Seahawks games, at least.
During the second quarter of the nationally-televised Carolina vs. Seattle game on Sunday Night Football, NBC aired a live clip of the Microsoft co-founder sitting in his suite at CenturyLink Field.
NBC play-by-play veteran Al Michaels introduced Allen as the owner of both the Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers, noting that he “made his fortune at Microsoft with Bill Gates.”
“Shockingly, with a computer in front of him,” quipped color commentator Cris Collinsworth.
That “computer” looks to be like a Lenovo ThinkPad. I noticed Allen using a ThinkPad two weeks ago while watching the Seahawks vs. Patriots game in New England.
Some folks on Twitter wondered why Allen wasn’t using a Microsoft Surface, which is used by NFL players and coaches on the sidelines thanks to Microsoft’s sponsorship deal with the league.
Do you think Paul Allen could get a Microsoft Surface instead of an IBM Thinkpad?
— Jesse Larkin (@JesseLarkin) December 5, 2016
Shot of Paul Allen in a suite at the #Seahawks game. Not using a Surface?
— John Browne (@j_p_browne) December 5, 2016
I notice Paul Allen prefers the Lenovo ThinkPad to the Microsoft Surface… Saw him on the football game tonight. We agree. #Seahawks #NFL
— Richard M. Landau (@Richard54) December 5, 2016
Others commented on his attire.
You'd think Paul Allen could afford to heat his owners box. #CARvsSEA
— Corey Stewart (@CoreyAStewart) December 5, 2016
Allen was drinking what appears to be some type of soda. Perhaps he and Gates share a love for Diet Coke?
Collinsworth also called Allen an “incredibly humble guy” and Michaels said that he “always enjoys speaking” with him.
Allen bought the Seahawks in 1996, helping keep the team in Seattle. In addition to owning the Blazers, he’s also a co-owner of the Seattle Sounders FC, which is playing in its first MLS Cup this Saturday in Toronto.
While Allen seems to be more involved with the day-to-day operations of the Blazers, which he bought in 1988, the 63-year-old is still passionate about the Seahawks, attending games and requesting weekly reports. After the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in 2013, Allen jammed out on his guitar at the team’s after party in New York City.
