Lenovo VS IBM for quality

By Kreuger
in Hardware Hangout

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

Kreuger

Posted
Posted

So most people who know a thing or two about computers, know that IBM was well known for high quality hardware, specifically in their laptops. I've been so disappointed over the years with my own issues and those of people I know that I long to have a new IBM laptop. The one I have right now is a P3 (I think) running at 1.7ghz. Hardly a powerhouse but it's no slouch either. I bought it used at least 5 years ago and when I got it there were already cracks above the hinges however they never worsened. From me stepping on it, to my kid walking and jumping on the screen and keyboard to dropping it over 5 feet onto the floor (hardwood and concrete) this thing has been a tank. I really wish I could take new parts and put them into the case but alas it also has only a 12" screen and I want something bigger. Nobody I've seen, including HP/Compaq, Toshiba, Acer, Gateway, Dell have even come close to the kind of durability I had with this machine. In fact, I still play with it from time to time. I've loaded it up with LUbuntu which boosted it's speed a little but I need something more.

Anyways, the point of this post is to ask if anyone who has experience with Lenovo's products could share some insight. Are they still the same high quality that IBM used to make or have they gone the cheap route to make you upgrade every year or two like most manufacturers of just about every type of electronics these days? Please share with me your thoughts and opinions because I am looking for a replacement soon. I've already decided which one I can afford and would best suit my needs, I just want to know if it's worth it.

I originally posted this on my blog but I decided a thread would probably get more views.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1072105-lenovo-vs-ibm-for-quality/
Share on other sites
Grand Master

+jamesyfx Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

Well, Lenovo products are definitely a lot more varied these days, so you're naturally going to get a varied build quality and performance. I would put Lenovo in the same basket as HP/Compaq when it comes to build quality.

Grand Master

djdanster

Posted
Posted

The cheap consumer orientated Lenovo's are alright build quality but they have nothing on the beast Lenovo Thinkpads. They have awesome build quality!

https://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/gbweb/LenovoPortal/en_GB/catalog.workflow:expandcategory?issBase=ProductsCategory&issCategory=/Notebooks/ThinkPad%20notebooks

Veteran

Stetson

Posted
Posted

I think that the Thinkpad Edge series are pretty good. Not quite as heavy duty or solid feeling as the higher end Thinkpads but they don't cost as much. If I'm remembering right the 520 is pretty thick and heavy for its specs. I think they also have 1366x768 screens, the same as a lot of 13" laptops.

Grand Master

Kreuger

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I think that the Thinkpad Edge series are pretty good. Not quite as heavy duty or solid feeling as the higher end Thinkpads but they don't cost as much. If I'm remembering right the 520 is pretty thick and heavy for its specs. I think they also have 1366x768 screens, the same as a lot of 13" laptops.

Thats the resolution my current 15" has. Not concerned much with that.
Grand Master

farmeunit

Posted
Posted

We've got 2 SL510s at our school and have had them for 2 years. No issues. And my daughter dropped one running through our kitchen from about 3 feet. Not scratch.

I prefer the T series, but these have held up very well. There labeled as Thinkpads and I would readily buy more like them.

We've got some N series laptop from about 4 years ago. Those were a joke. All of the had keyboard issues after a year, batteries, etc..

Veteran

Stetson

Posted
Posted

Thats the resolution my current 15" has. Not concerned much with that.

It looks like Lenovo is in the middle of refreshing their Edge line at the moment with the 420 and 520 being on the way out.

The new S430 in particular looks pretty interesting: http://www.laptoprev...nounced-2012-01 although it isn't on Lenovo's site yet (probably waiting for Ivy Bridge to be officially released).

It might be a good idea to hold on a week or two until the new models are finished rolling out with the Ivy Bridge launch. Even if the new ones don't offer anything you want over the old ones, you might be able to get the older version at a discount from the Lenovo outlet site or elsewhere.

Grand Master

TEX4S

Posted
Posted

Lenovos build quality...is a joke. Took mine to the repair shop 3 times in 4 months because the plastic henges just gave up all the time.

What you have to understand is computers are alot like cars. You have to pay if you want the good stuff. And some companies make good stuff and junk.

The ThinkPad T-series are just as insanely reliable as they ever were. The X-series falls into this same category. Anything that is not a T-series ThinkPad - is just another laptop/desktop & you might get something that last for several years - or it might be a nightmare -

In this thread, what you are seeing are people commenting on the crappiness of Lenovo, and people mentioning the company they work for has ThinkPads.

To illustrate if the T-series are reliable and worthy of the legendary status - watch any video of NASA, Microsoft, or google -- all T-series ThinkPads. I just saw a 1 hour documentary on Google - all ThinkPad's for the non-programmers (dont know about them). When I had my interview with Microsoft - everyone in there had a T420 just like mine. NASA documentary ? you guessed it, T-series.

I am on my 3rd T-series & 4th ThinkPad and I see no reason to change.

Now for the caveat: If you want a laptop to play games & watch movies & listen to music -- look elsewhere - these are business laptops. rugged, ugly, and dependable (built like a tank) -

I sold my friend my old T-60. It has a Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM, and he put a WD Scorpio Black in there and it is a great laptop. - Look around - you can get a T-60 for about $200 - max out the RAM and slap an SSD in there and youve got a great laptop.

Grand Master

Kreuger

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The ThinkPad T-series are just as insanely reliable as they ever were. The X-series falls into this same category. Anything that is not a T-series ThinkPad - is just another laptop/desktop & you might get something that last for several years - or it might be a nightmare -

The one I mentioned in the original post is an X30 so I can attest to that.
I sold my friend my old T-60. It has a Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM, and he put a WD Scorpio Black in there and it is a great laptop. - Look around - you can get a T-60 for about $200 - max out the RAM and slap an SSD in there and youve got a great laptop.
I would prefer something with a bit more power and a little more future proof.

Could someone maybe recomend me another brand then that will be around the same price and specs as the E520?

Veteran

Stetson

Posted
Posted

Could someone maybe recomend me another brand then that will be around the same price and specs as the E520?

I don't think you'll find anything more durable for the same price, unless you look for a used model on Ebay.

The Edge line is plastic body and doesn't have the super strong internal reinforcements of the older thinkpads, but I think that they're probaby still a bit more durable than a Dell or HP you would get in the same price range. We have three (two Edge 13s and one E520) that we use for field work and they've held up pretty well.

Grand Master

TEX4S

Posted
Posted

The older Acers are actually quite good. I had my Aspire last me about 6 years until the Nvidia chip finally burned down. Not too sure how they are holding up right now.

So you are saying because your one little computer lasted a long time - that all Acers are like that ?

Seriously ?

Well, no. They were never good, Acer is not in the business of making quality stuff. They became a large supplier from making inexpensive junk, they have always made inexpensive junk - and will always make inexpensive junk. You simply had junk that last for 6 years...

Before you ask where I get my info, as the norm when someone tells someone else they are wrong, its from experience of dealing with thousands of computers, and being an Acer warranty repair depot for a couple of years.

Veteran

Alwaysonacoffebreak

Posted
Posted

You simply had junk that last for 6 years...

You can't be serious. The Lenovo I had, now that was junk, the acer on the other hand had only scratches on it.

Try to hold down your fanboism first and then we'll talk again.

I know lots of people who had/have Acers, theres nothing wrong with them except minor cosmetical flaws.

and being an Acer warranty repair depot for a couple of years.

And that couple of years makes you Mr. Know it all? Grow up.

EVERYTHING that is in mass-production will have flaws, the same goes for Acer, I'm not saying they are all good but calling something that last for 6 years junk and calling something that didn't last a month (which most lenovo series don't) not junk, yeah, fanboism in the highest crade.

Damn this forum is full of people that think they know everything about everything.

Grand Master

AJerman

Posted
Posted

Are you looking for something brand new? Or would something a little older do? I ask because if you were still using a P3, anything would be a huge upgrade to you. I can get you some really good deals on Lenovo's. PM me if you're interested.

Edit: Okay, so based on the E520 comment earlier, these may be a little lower specs than you're looking for. They look like they are all C2Ds, but the price is VERY good. Just lemme know.

Damn this forum is full of people that think they know everything about everything.

Welcome to the Internet. You must be new here. :laugh:

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Waymo recalls self-driving software after cars enter closed freeway work zones

      By MrElectrifyer · Posted

      Likely nothing will be done in corporate America, there have been countless Tesla self-driving incidents. Then again, there have also been countless human operated incidents. It's literally daily news here in Canada, to the extent that it's now odd if we get a day where a collision doesn't get announced on the radio throughout the day...
    • SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 hands on

      By Steven P. · Posted

      SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 hands on by Steven Parker I was offered the chance to test out the SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. Anyway, I jumped at the chance due to my long hours sitting at my desk, mousing around. Apologies for the knife cut across the top of the box; that was my doing, being a bit too heavy-handed with opening up the outer packaging. First up, what's in the box: SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 1x Type-C charging cable User Manual 1-Year Warranty (card) In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official Amazon listing, here are the key features: Full-Hand Air Compression: OS500 wraps your fingers, palm, and wrist with multi-chamber air compression for a complete hand relaxation experience. The extended massage chamber helps cover more of the hand and wrist area than standard palm-only hand massagers Palm Kneading with 6 Modes & 6 Intensities: Built-in palm kneading rollers add a hands-on massage feel, while 6 preset modes and 6 pressure levels let you choose the comfort level that fits your day—from gentle relaxation to a firmer full-hand massage 3 Heat Levels with Cooling Fan: Choose from 104°F, 113°F or 122°F warmth to suit different seasons and comfort preferences. The built-in cooling fan helps reduce stuffiness during heated sessions, keeping your hand feeling fresh and comfortable Easy Visual Display & Smart Timer: The digital image display clearly shows massage area, mode, intensity, heat level, and remaining time at a glance. Select 10, 15, or 20-minute sessions for quick office breaks, evening relaxation, or everyday hand care Rechargeable, Cordless & Comfortable: A 3000mAh battery supports over 90 minutes of full-function use on a full charge, with convenient USB-C charging. The soft inner lining, smooth ABS/PU finish, and premium black-gold design make OS500 ideal for home, office, or gifting With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. I gave it a try on both left and right hands, and as you can maybe see from the above YouTube Short, (sorry for the shaky video), my whole hand fits in, but my wrist barely enters the Hand Massager. I was able to push through a bit more with my fingertips extending out the other end to get a bit of massaging on the start of my wrist. Usage For some reason, there is a strap that is very difficult to fasten to my wrist with one hand. I am not sure what function it has, and it isn't mentioned in the user manual. The only thing I could find was in the product images that claimed "wrist precision". Unlike the Bob and Brad Hand Massager, this device does not massage the wrist anyway, even though a "wrist mode" is mentioned, which must be for smaller hands than I have, as it is mainly intended for the hand and fingers. In addition, for its steeper price, there are no disposable gloves provided in the box, which is a bit of an issue considering the internal cover (which appears to be elasticated nylon) cannot be removed for washing; so you are left with only one choice: always thoroughly wash your hands before using it. I can imagine this thing getting a bit grimy after a period of use, and that is a bit of a shame. With that said, the buttons on the device, from left to right, do the following: Heat button: 3-level heat control at 104°F, 113°F, or 122°F Mode button: Auto mode Circular mode Soothing mode Relax mode Palm and fingers mode Palm and wrist mode Intensity button: from (First-time users) 15Ka, 25Ka, 35Ka, 45Ka, 55Ka, 60Ka (Intensive relief) Knead button: on or off (6 pressure levels) Power button: Long-press to turn on or off Cooling button: turn on or off the cooling fan Also, in the product imagery, it states there are 36 "custom modes," but nowhere is it listed what these modes are. I can only imagine that they mean a combination of all of the above settings in different intensity levels. The device itself seems to rely on a single "kneading" mechanism located at the palm area of the hand, which spins when in use, and the other massage features are mainly utilized through the air sacs, increasing and decreasing at various levels on the hand and fingers. I am not sure it offered too much relief for someone who is typing and operating a mouse for hours at a time; further testing may be required. It does feel nice, though. Finally, you may be wondering how this fits into the scope of a tech website? Well, let me tell you something: sometimes I sit for up to 15 hours working on Neowin, and although I take breaks in between, it takes a toll on my body. I think in the immediate absence of a partner to apply relief, a good massager like this Hand Massager can shed the strains of the day in just a couple of 15-minute bursts. On the official website, this has an MSRP of $99.99, but luckily for our readers, it is selling at $10 off for just $89.99 right now on Amazon. SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 for $89.99 (with $10 off coupon), $99.99 MSRP For me, this gets a thumbs hands(?) down. However, it could be improved by making it so that the protective covering could be removed and thrown into the washing machine, or get yourself some disposable gloves to use with it. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Creative Sound Blaster AE-X PCIe review: your headphones will love it

      By Taliseian · Posted

      Thanks for the info, but I'm still not sure if I need this....
    • We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager

      By Steven P. · Posted

      We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager by Steven Parker I was offered the chance to test out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. Anyway, I jumped at the chance due to my long hours sitting at my desk; I figured it could offer some neck pain relief. What's in the box: SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager Rechargeable Battery (inside massager) Type-C USB cable User Manual Quick Start guide 1-Year Warranty In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official listing, here are the key features: Biomimetic Kneading & High Torque Motor: Designed with innovative biomimetic kneading heads that perfectly simulate the touch of human hands. Powered by a high-torque motor, this massager delivers powerful and precise deep tissue relief to effectively target stiff neck muscles and release built-up tension Soothing Heat & Integrated Sound Relaxation: Experience the ultimate Relaxationation with our dual-action approach. The soothing heat function gently warms your neck, while the built-in sound Relaxation provides calming audio tracks, helping you achieve a state of mindfulness and mental tranquility during your physical massage Cordless Convenience & Travel-Ready & Father's Day Gifts: Crafted for maximum portability and ease of use. Its lightweight, cordless design allows you to enjoy a premium massage anywhere without the hassle of tangled wires-whether you're taking a quick break at your desk or winding down at home Versatile Relief for Home & Office: An essential wellness companion for office workers, gamers, frequent travelers, or anyone looking to integrate mindfulness into their daily routine. It seamlessly fits into your lifestyle, providing instant neck relief whenever and wherever you need it Safe & Premium Materials: Manufactured with high-quality, skin-friendly materials to ensure a safe and comfortable experience without irritation. SKG backs this device with dedicated customer service, making it a thoughtful tech-health gift for family and friends App & Bluetooth Music Control: Connect via Bluetooth to control your massage settings through the dedicated app and enjoy your favorite music during your massage session for a fully customizable and immersive relaxation experience Red Light Warmth Technology: Features advanced red light warmth technology that penetrates deep into neck muscles to enhance blood circulation and provide soothing comfort while relieving muscle tension and stiffness Design With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. SKG does not say what materials are used to make the neck massager. However, on the product website, it mentions "soft-touch silicone" with what looks like PU leather cushioning, with the rest being mostly made up of plastics. On the inside of the massager, there are two "biomimetic kneading heads" that are motorized for the different styles of massage, which are not actually listed at all in the paper user manual, but the standard included modes are: De-stress mode, Mediation mode, Relax mode, Shiatsu mode. The massager looks quite premium and is actually very comfortable to wear. This massager is small and light enough to go anywhere, as it doesn't get in the way of anything, so I was able to use it in the chair while writing this review. Unlike the back massager, SKG does not warn in the user guide not to use it for more than 30 minutes a day (or two 15-minute sessions). However, there is a long laundry list of important safeguards to consider before and during the use of the device, and it is warned that the neck massager is not waterproof. It also includes a 1,400mAh battery with a rated power of 14W and input of 5V, which is the standard for up to USB 3.0 power (although the Amperage is not mentioned at all). SKG does not say how long it takes to charge, but a quick calculation at 2A (if that is what it is) would mean it would take roughly 1.5 hrs to charge from empty. In any case, the light around the button changes from orange to green on a full charge. In addition, it is not possible to use the device while it is charging. On the right of the neck massager is the On/Off and modes button, which also acts as a joystick. You can operate all the modes directly from the power button, as well as the app, which I'll get into a bit later: Push up: Short press to adjust Heat levels On/Off button: long press Mode Switching: Short press (while in operation) ➕ Push left: increase Music volume ➖ push right: decrease Music volume Push down: Short-press to turn Music on or off The massager defaults to De-stress mode, and it is not stated anywhere if the neck massager has overheat protection. This time around, regarding heat, the only detail I could find is that it has "triple action soothing heat." The temperature stages are not listed anywhere in the paper manual, Amazon listing, or official website. The heat levels can be adjusted through the app or directly on the device using the joystick button. Usage There's also the SKG Health app, which makes using the massager far easier than feeling around for the button on the side of your neck. If the app is stopped, you are required to log in with a verification code over email, which I am not too pleased with, as this means it will only work that way for however long SKG decides to support it through said app. However, I was not able to get the app to connect to the OS500, which I have reported back to my contact. Bluetooth appeared to be working on the neck massager as it became available to pair with my phone, but the SKG app failed to discover it. Before I forget, there's also a switch next to the USB charging port to deactivate and activate the Voice Prompt, which, when enabled, audibly tells the user when switching intensities, modes, or connecting to the app and informs when the massages start and are completed. That said, on to my likes and dislikes, which are listed below. What I didn't like Unable to connect the Neck Massager to the app Use through the mobile app relies on continued support from SKG What I liked Can be used without the app Cordless use Light and comfortable to wear Heat is also quite comfortable Where to buy: According to the official website, this has an MSRP of $249.99, but is currently $50 (on Amazon). To sweeten the deal a bit more, there's also an in-page coupon that knocks a further $20 off the price. SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager for $179.99 on Amazon (was $199.99) Apply the in-page $20 off coupon for the final price of $179.99 Just like the back massager, this gets a confused thumbs up (due to the cost). However, I cannot rate it through app usage as it failed to connect. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • This Samsung T7 external SSD deal lasts less than a day

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      This Samsung T7 external SSD deal lasts less than a day by Sayan Sen Recently we had covered some nice deals of internal NVMe SSDs which include the 4TB TeamGroup G50 for only $400, the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB for just $243, as well as the Samsung 990 PRO 1TB for $370. If however you require an external SSD for portability and quick data transfers and have a budget of less than $200 the Samsung T7 1TB model is currently on a limited time deal at just $190, it's lowest price in nearly three months. The deal ends today so you better hurry if you need one (purchase link below). The T7 weighs in at just 72 grams meaning it should be fairly easy to carry around helping in the portability department. Via its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface the T7 promises sequential read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and writes of 1000 MB/s. It is also fairly robust with a drop protection of up to 2 meters, though bear in mind that this is not waterproof. For that you will have to choose the rugged T7 Shield. The technical specifications of the Samsung T7 1TB are given in the table below: Specification Value Model Code (1TB) MU-PC1T0T / MU-PC1T0H Interface USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Dimensions (W × H × D) 85 × 57 × 8 mm Weight 72 g Sequential Read Speed Up to 1,050 MB/s Sequential Write Speed Up to 1,000 MB/s Drop Resistance Up to 2 m (6.6 ft) Encryption AES 256-bit hardware encryption Operating Temperature 0°C to 60°C Non-Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C Humidity 5% to 95% (non-condensing) Shock Resistance 1,500 G, duration 0.5 ms, 3-axis (non-operating) Vibration Resistance 20–2,000 Hz, 20 G (non-operating) Get it at the link below: Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray: $189.98 (Sold and Shipped by Amazon US) Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      184
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      85
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      78
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      76
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!