Which in general has better build quality? Thinkpad vs. Latitude.

Just wondering since they're aimed at the same group (moreso than the Vostro which is basically an Inspiron).

 

I would say the Thinkpad is still better built than the Latitude line.

 

At the moment, yes, ThinkPad is still better. But it's getting pretty close if you ask me.

 

Depends on the model. The D62x/D82x series is very well built. I would say its better built than T4x/T60 - these models have lid flex, and the screen damage/scrubs from touching the trackpoint nub is quite common.
The T61 has added a rollcage to the lid too, so its more stiff.
The T61 and D62x/D82x are very close in build quality. Not sure which one is built better. Other factors become more important in decision making --- price, keyboard preference.

 

and that's an issue this forum needs to narrow down.......the actual build of the laptops....its just speculation until you find the actual materials, ie keyboard base, laptop casing materials, ventillation, hinge material etc...

 

For thinkpads, the case material is plastic with a metal rollcage, the dell has a metal composite chassis, hinges are metal in both. I havent heard any problems with ventilattion in either.

 

Generally speaking, they are both quite comparable. Thinkpads are known for their durability more than the Lattitudes. If durability is super important to you, then the thinkpad has the edge.

 

Valid Point. But reputation can be deceptive I have heard Lenvo quality is not what it used to be. Maybe NBR could do head to head comparisons since I can't afford to test and tell you current info. But yes Lenvo has the better rep, people love those keyboards, and people hate those Dell keyboards!

 

Those were the older latitudes. The newer ones are better. Better look too.

 

Ok lets clear up some issues here. Thinkpads are better built than most other machines out there. I have worked on and own a Dell D620, an HP Nc6400 and my personal machine the Thinkpad T60p. Of the three the thinkpad is the best built. The HP comes in close but it feels like a thinkpad knockoff from a generation before, all magnesium, solid feel but heavy. The really good strong point with the Dells IMO is their sound volume, its the best out of the three. As it goes for they thinkpads they have a magnesium subframe supporting the internal components and the lcd screen. In the newer T61 line the shaved weight and added better wireless reception by using an internal cage surrounded by the Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite shell as opposed to the solid magnesium unit on the T60s and older models. To call its shell mere plastic is an understatement. It saves weight and maintains the same strength and rigidity as the magnesium built machines out there. My 15" T60p weighs in at 5.6lbs. For that screen size it is unbelievably light. The engineering is ingrained into the thinkpad designs although there flair tends to be spartan at best. The machines don't die they just get outdated. Needless to say if you are going for build quality, durability and performance...thinkpad is the way to go. I already have a T61 on the way for my sister.

 

I agree that Lenovo has had to battle questions about their quality but thats about it...they were only questions. Their thinkpad line is just as rock solid as before. I can't comment on their own native line of machines but the thinkpad line has only improved. The keyboards are still wonderful, perhaps the best I have ever used and short of their inability to successfully continue to supply the IPS flexview lcd option the build quality has not slipped.

 

The T60 does NOT have a mag alloy lid.
The T61s suffer from loose lcd bezel - I personally have experienced it. When you press at the edges of the lid - the plastic goes click-click.

The D830 I saw was rock solid. Weight wise, its pretty much equivalent to a 15.4" T61p. It also has the advantage that the 9cell battery does not stick out.

 

The T60 series do have a magnesium lid with a CPRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) cover. The T61's move to a honey comb magnesium as opposed to a solid magnesium framework. Better wireless reception and lighter weight etc etc... As for the loose lcd bezel, i will confirm or refute when my T61 arrives in the next couple of weeks. I do admit that Dell's build quality has been improving over the years but it is still not like the Thinkpad line.

 

T60 14" uses a composite magnesium top cover

T60 15" uses a CFRP top cover

Both have CFRP bottoms

The loose bezel issue is quite well know.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=49203

EDIT: Here is a D830 issue: I pretty much agrre with the build quality coments there.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=166930

 

Excellent D830 review, thanks for that Wearetheborg.

 

The loose bezel only happens on some machines, mostly the 14.1" widescreen versions. I believe there hasn't been any reports of 15.4" or 14.1" standard screen T61s having the flaw. Not to mention my T61 has a tight bezel with no popping.

The only thing I believe that Lenovo has skimped on from the older Thinkpads is that the skin, mostly wrist rests and other parts inside are thinner then previous gen Thinkpads.

 

Interesting.

Its because of the internal rollcage. Now the outer covering is more like a skin. I'm not sure if its a nagative

 

Probably the Thinkpad, but the Latitude is probably almost right behind it.
If your planing to buy one of those, look at price or the design.