3000 series quality

I've read the 3000 series is not up to ThinkPad "quailty", but how does it compare to other notebooks that it is competing with, i.e. Dell, Toshiba, Hp etc.? I don't know that I need a ThinkPad at this time so I was considering the 3000 series as an alternative, Thanks to all.

 

The n100 from what I recall was fairly decent, but it is a consumer grade notebook which tend to be bot as well made. The frame was pretty stiff and it had a good keyboard, but the lid doesn't offer much protection and the case is very scratchable.

 

The 3000 series is still better built then most consumer notebooks and is using the same keyboard. The main difference between the 3000 series and thinkpads is that it's missing some business features.

 

Actually, the Lenovo 3000 Series has almost nothing to do with the ThinkPad Series and the keyboard is not the same but it's better that the keyboards that the other companies use in their consumer lines.

I personally tested these notebooks and I wouldn't recommend them, they have many flaws such as bad screen protection, poor speakers, scratchable case (I would say ugly design but that is subjective), rough touchpad/buttons... and so on depends on the model. Some people can live with these things though.

When it comes to budget notebooks, I would skip Toshiba due to the mediocre build quality and terrible keyboard, Dell usually offers so much for the money and the build quality is acceptable but probably the ugliest design (subjective). However, I would say that the HP consumer line would be the best choice, the Pavilions have relatively good build quality and very nice design.