Lenovo/IBM Satisfaction Poll

Are you happy with your Lenovo/IBM laptop?

 

Not really regrets, I just wish I went with a 15" with the flexview or that flexview came on 14".

 

I voted "no, not at all." I had a very poor experience with my T60 WS, which has since gone back to Lenovo (who, to their credit, were very helpful with the return).

I bought a 87445BU in mid-December. I ended up buying it over the phone, with a Discover Card EPP deal, because the website wasn't accepting orders. The rep was very friendly, but when I tried later to change the order (well before it shipped, just after Christmas), sending him e-mails and leaving voice mails, I was ignored. Well, I thought, OK, I will just take the machine as I ordered it.

When the machine arrived, well, I didn't love it. I was very disappointed with the screen, which was rather dark and generally unimpressive at this price point (the WSXGA+ resolution was, accordingly, hard to work with). I was unhappy with the latching mechanism, which seemed unnecessarily fussy and flimsy. The audio, at maximum volume, was still too quiet for my taste. The Thinkvantage software was also pretty kludgy and instrusive IMO.

I could have dealt with these things (though, again, at the price point they were a bummer), but I had another problem: the audio. I experienced popping and skipping whenever I tried to listen to anything - it would even happen during system sounds. Also, the wireless signal would drop, over and over (I believe based on some research online that the two things were likely connected).

I called Lenovo tech support, and in spite of the fact that, as their outgoing message proudly exclaims, they are based in Atlanta, I have never had worse service. I encountered three completely ignorant technicians who didn't sound as though they knew how to turn a computer on, much less how to fix one. The last tech repeatedly implied that I was lying, which was just bizarre. After about an hour on the phone with the Three Stooges of IT, I decided enough was enough, and returned the machine for a refund. As I said, their customer-service people were friendly and responsive in processing the return, and I was not charged a restocking fee. Interestingly, I ran the ThinkVantage utility to reset the HD to manufacturer's spec before boxing the unit up for return, and when Windows restarted for the first time with the audio driver loaded, the skipping and popping were present.

I understand that some of the design choices Lenovo makes are done with the hardcore business user in mind, and I might not agree with them. Accordingly, I will cut them some slack on the too-quiet audio and the too-dark screen (both areas in which my crappy Dell 600m, which cost less than half as much as the Lenovo when I bought it 2 1/2 years ago, was significantly better). I can also kinda-sorta understand that even a very good machine (not to mention a relatively expensive one!) may leave the factory with a defect. What I find unforgivable is the service I received both before and after the sale. I have recommended Lenovo/IBM to many people over the years, but I won't anymore. As far as I'm concerned they really let me down.

After this ordeal, I bought a MacBook, which I have completely enjoyed to this point. I paid more than $500 less than for the ThinkPad for largely similar specs (2.0 Ghz C2D, 1 GB RAM, DVD-RW, N wireless, but with a 40GB-smaller HD and integrated video versus the ATI on the TP), and if anything it seems to be of better quality from a hardware standpoint. Score one (new customer) for Apple, I guess.

 

'yes... but have regrets'

i have access to an old communal t40. side by side comparison and feel, the t40 was REALLY REALLY well built. Still no squeaks. Also, the battery is not loose. Everytime I pick up my t60 from the back, I feel like the battery is going to fall out, and the batter hook is going to break.

I hate hate HATE the squeaks and the loose battery hook on my t60.

 

I do believe this thread is going to scare lots of people away, if the only explanations are asked for and come from those with negative feelings. Though perhaps the number of positive votes will offset it. I am still waiting on my "worse laptop in the world" T60 WS

 

You make a good point. I think to some extent it's human nature to be more expressive when you're dissatisfied with your expensive new toy - for the most part the satisfied users aren't even here in the first place, much less writing detailed accounts of their customer satisfaction.

I didn't mean my post, in particular, to be a wholesale slam on Lenovo - I was just disappointed with my experience. They are clearly very solid, reliable machines for the most part. I do find it odd that other companies' Dehli call centers are superior to Lenovo's Atlanta one, however.

 

I have a 14" T60 and I hear no squeaks and no loose feel on the battery. Hopefully, it will stay that way forever. *crosses fingers*

I never had a previous Thinkpad model so saying the T60 is the best of the best wouldn't be right. Though, comparing it to those of Dell Latitude's and HP Compaq's, I really like the design- build quality, really good keyboard, i love the blue enter key and red track point. It's really attractive. I love the magnesium case even though a lot of dust sticks on it.

 

I know you didn't. And I was point out the same thing are you. I'm very much a photographer. And if you head over to dpreview, the most popular threads are always the ones about flaws in cameras, or fan boy praise. People have a hard time being objective, about something "they picked". I thought your thread was honest and balanced. There is nothing wrong with having posts like your's it good to know the worst case scenario, I just thought it would be good if it wasn't all bad things in the text part. I for one have nothing to contribute for now.

 

i like my thinkpad and no problems since Sept.2006

oh i forgot... the innards of my laptop a month ago was viciously attacked by ANTS... i mean freaking hundreds of ANTS. they crawled out in every hole: keyboard, mic, hinges, speakers, multi-bay... i don't know what's sweet or something inside. anyway, i killed them all and hear i am my laptop is working fine.

i want their prices go lower like 200bucks...

 

Been very happy with all my ThinkPad. My R60 is very solid. I wish it had a card reader, but that's minor.

 

Words can't describe how much I love my x60.

Best purchase ever.

 

I LOVE my T60. The 14" Screen really isn't as bad as people say, and the keyboard is brilliant.. After having to work on my dad's (my ex) Averatec, I realize just how good the keyboard and build quality of the Thinkpad is.. I do miss the TV out occasionally, but I'll be getting a projector to handle my movie needs sometime soon.. I also have an X21 that convinced me to buy a new IBM, and I'm rather glad that I did. Having used it for the last 2 months, I would definitively have no problems buying another one or recommending one to a friend..

 

I LOVE my T60p. 14.1" non-FlexView (not as bad as it sounds ), T7200, etc. The best thing is the quality of this rig. It feels like a slab of marble in your hands. Words can't describe the feeling.

 

My main pet peeve with my R60 is the Ctrl key isn't on the far left and the Fn key isn't on the right of the Ctrl key.

Observing other notebooks in the store, I noticed only the Thinkpad had this configuration. Is there a utility to change this? I haven't seen anything in the keyboard custimizer that would allow it.

 

I know of some programs to change the key mapping; however, the one I use can't access the Fn key. I think it's not a normal (remappable) key. I think you'll get used to it.

 

Oh I'm sure I will but after 3 years on a Toshiba it might take some time.....

 

same here

 

My only complaint about T60 is that there is no on/off button for the touchpad but it's not really a big problem.

 

I hate the screen on thinkpads

 

I just voted a solid "Yes, completely." I ordered on Feb. 6th and it arrived Feb. 26th. They gave me back $130 for price adjustment when I called because a new sale came up after I ordered but before it shipped.

The laptop itself is solid. Mine is a T60 15.4" WSXGA+ with a T7200, 1.5GB ram, x1400 graphics. The screen, as some people have said, is a bit dim, but it's completely usable. I have the LG-Philips screen and while it isn't very bright, the colors are good and it is very crisp. The ALPS keyboard I received is also very good and the TrackPoint is a step and a half above the trackpad, IMO. So far, everything has worked flawlessly; while I was apprehensive while I was waiting for the laptop, I am very satisfied with my experience with Lenovo.

 

I love my Z60m. It's far superior to every laptop I've come into contact with here at college. It's a little bit underpowered for gaming, but Lenovo doesn't make laptops for gaming. It's great on batteries, has a solid feel, and the keyboard is wonderful compared to the ones in the HP's and Gateway's. It has a few quirks (like CSS being sucky), the piece of plastic around the power button is rather flimsy, and the battery jarring loose if I drop my book bag like 4 times in a row (long story).

This makes the second Thinkpad in my family (the first is something 5 years old or so which I can't remember the model name of) and the older one is in better condition than my mom's 3 year old Dell. I'll save up extra money to buy a Thinkpad from now on....

 

I don't expect the flashiest screen from a business machine, but my T60 15.4" (Samsung) was unusable... I really wish Lenovo could have managed some QC before shipping this model with two drastically different screens, because I saw the LG (in a Z61t), and if my T60 had come with that screen I would have been quite satisfied.

 

Love the machines and technology.

 

I'm quite happy with the out of box and quality of my T60p. My only gripe is the additional software that is installed by default. Why preload Picasa (I know that they have financial incentives) when Vista photo gallery works competently.

 

Voted, "Yes, but I have regrets".

Pros:
+ Feels solid, every notebook I've ever hade has broken down, this one seems well built, main reason for buying

+ Fantastic keyboard

+ Excellent screen

+ Security features seems well thought out, should be excellent when it's all in working order

Cons:

- I liked the touchpad on my old cheap Acer better, this one is too small, too far down on the computer, the trackpoint stick is usable, but not as quick and precise as a good touchpad

- Placing of "Ctrl"-key, PgUp and PgDn seems wrong for me

- It's noisy! The fan is working constantly, not as bad as having a hairdryer running on your desk, but not too far from it either. Perhaps it's possible to solve, but I'm not too optimistic about it.

I guess it's best to at least try a computer out IRL in a store, and not buying it online hoping for the best.

 

My My...

Me and My R40.... Bought back in 2003, have still been going strong!

I have seen colleague with dells, toshiba's etc...These lazy butts, at times do drop their notebook, or do something stupid to them... And the laptop is broken...

I have also seen colleague's with laptops that have fans going on constantly, thankfully my R40 is amazingly quiet.

I am not proud of this but I have too done very stupid things to my R40 but The Keyboard is still perfect to type on, the LCD hasn't broken yet and still looks very nice(but compared to the LCDs on some of my colleague's laptops do make me jealous), my dog has walked over it, It fell off my bed... And STILL this laptop feels just like the day I bought it, it still is strong (no creaking etc).

The problem I am facing right now is... The screws are randomly coming out of my R40... If anyone has a solution please tell me

I seriously recommend a thinkpad, unless Lenovo have made the Thinkpad quality go down... I haven't seen many new thinkpads... So I don't know =)

Steve

 

Voted Yes... but I have regrets My T60 has some design flaws and inferior quality compared to my previous T42 which was perfect with excellent built quality.

 

Voted yes, completely satisfied. However, that may change. I had a T43 that I used for my old job. While I didn't abuse it, I didn't treat it with kid-gloves either. I can put some wear and tear on a computer rather quickly. I never had any mechanical issues whatsoever. Though I used to hate the look of ThinkPads, I have grown accustomed to their simplicity and feel.

With the above said, I just order a T60 and should be receiving it tomorrow (unless the truck driver gets in a wreck). Once I get it up and running I may revise my comments, but right now I'm like a kid at Christmas.

While some of the above comments are a bit worrisome, I do understand the subjectivity that someone alluded to earlier. When we make large purchases we either love them or hate them. If a problem results, we wonder why we just dropped a couple grand on a machine that nobody seems to be able to fix. If the transaction goes off without a hitch, its the best deal in the world and we have bragging rights for the next year or two.

I hope I don't have to eat all of the words I have been throwing out to family and friends over the past 3 weeks in anticipation of my T60. Thus far, I don't believe I will.

 

I am very happy with my T60. It feels solid (my 9 cell battery does NOT move around as some people complain), and has performed great so far. I would definitely recommend it as well as buy another one when the time comes. I too, wish it had a card reader, but that is a minor complaint.