54 replies to this topic

[Kreuger]

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.

[alwaysonacoffebreak]

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.

[+jamesyfx]

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.

[n_K]

We've got lenovo here in the local education places, along with acer and dell laptops... Lenovos are the newest, and most are already broken or having problems, some old dells are broken and 1 or 2 acers are broken.

[+djdanster]

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....Pad%20notebooks

[Stetson]

I think there's a pretty big difference between their consumer line and the Thinkpad line.

[Kreuger]

The one I want is the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520

[TRC]

Most companies have high end products and cheap crappy products. Thinkpads are still very good, but if you buy one of Lenovo's cheap low end products, well you know the saying. You get what you pay for.

[trek]

Kreuger, on 22 April 2012 - 22:35, said:

The one I want is the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520

Edge series aren't derived from the IBM designs. I wouldn't recommend that one. Go for the Thinkpad T series.

[Kreuger]

I cant afford those. Nor would I want to spend that much. Theyre freaking insane.

[Nerd Rage]

We use the T and X series Lenovo Thinkpads at work. The Military uses some of the Lenovo's as well due to the sturdy builds. The cheaper consumer lines might be crap parts though, I've never tried those out.

[Stetson]

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.

[Kreuger]

Quote

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.

[farmeunit]

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..

[Stetson]

Kreuger, on 23 April 2012 - 03:03, said:

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.