Overall build quality of Y series?

People rave about the ThinkPad line for its reputed durability. But what of the Ideapad line? Specifically the Y710? No one seems to mention anything about this machine, ever.

I've seen reviews of the smaller U line of the IdeaPads, but I figure it's not too helpful for me, given a machine built for ultraportability and one for desktop replacement wouldn't equate very well. The few reviews for the Y510 seem fine, but they don't really tell me anything aside from "it doesn't suck". I can't for the life of me find any real useful review of the Y710 that isn't by a reseller (those types of review I always find... dubious).

It seems like a fine machine, that's competitively priced (better, imo, than the 9700 series of HP), and from a reputable company, but it just doesn't seem like anyone buys them. This is probably the biggest reason I'm on the fence on this machine right now; if so few people own one, it kind of puts up a red flag in my head.

Specifically curious, if anyone knows, about the overall build quality. How it copes with heat, how loud is it, is the harddrive mounted on a good frame or does it rattle? Is the casing Magnesium or cheap plastic? That kind of thing. Comparing it right now with the Dell Vostro 1700 and intend to bite the bullet on one of them by this afternoon, but I'd like some feedback on the Y710 instead of having to guess blind if anyone has any real experience.

Also, does Lenovo offer the same kind of 21-day refund policy? IE, I don't like it, I get my money back no questions asked? Thanks.

 

I know what you mean. I havent been able find any reviews even on the Lenovo website. Youd think with so few people buying them Lenovo would at least put it on sale and make it more configurable.

 

I did find out that the chassis is supposedly all plastic, which is disappointing (imo, I suppose some prefer all plastic). Aside from that, I tried contacting several CSR through their livechat and phone service, and it leaves something to be desired. The LiveChat one told me (when I asked about the chassis) "I don't know, I can email you later when I find out with the answer". The guy on the phone was clearly reading off a sheet of paper with quickie answers (I could here him going "ummmmm" and the sound of what I imagine was him leafing through some pamphlet.

EDIT: Oh, LiveChat rep definitely asked me if I had any other questions, and when I asked: "Yes, does this machine carry DVI or VGA output?" She typed: "Let me check" and promptly ended the chat session. No idea if that was an accidental click or something, but it didn't bolster my interest in purchasing Lenovo.

 

ABS plastic and VGA according to ipbook

 

I've a Y310a(13.3), not available in the US.

I can tell you the finishing and build quality is much better than any TP R series I've seen. Keyboard solidness is also on par with TP and the Toshiba Portege I have. Overall, I'm very impressed with the build quality.

TP is targeted the business sector, the IdeaPads(Y/U series) are more for home and entertainment. In the non-TP products, the IdeaPad is probably the best quality from Lenovo. It's not the same as the N or V series.