Recommend me a Lenovo..

Guys, I had the X200 and sold it to a buddy of mine, I thought the keyboard was a little cramped or something (my memory's kinda shot).

However, he's had a few issues and I've dealt with their support and I must say, I'm pretty damn impressed compared to HP, Samsung, Asus and several others. Hell, Asus NEVER responds.

So, I'm thinking of selling my HP dv7t and I WAS gonna buy a Samsung 'cause I liked the configuration of where the ports were, BUT, I've since had experience with their support on a printer and I'm far from impressed.

So, although I have a netbook, I'm THINKING of getting a more powerful laptop as a backup for when my workstation crashes, AND IT WILL.

Smallest possibly computer with FULL size keyboard AND preferably full size backspace.

BRIGHT and SHARP screen (I got the outdoor version for the X200 and boy do I love that screen. My HP screen is nice too and the Asus was subpar).

The USB ports on the RIGHT side cannot be all the way to the front as they'll get in my way when I plug stuff in since I tend to use the mouse very close to the laptop. They can be towards the screen and on the left but dammit, NOT all the way towards ME on the right side.

Anything over 12" screen is fine.

DOn't need more than 2 or 4 gigs of ram.

HD, as long as it's around 160-250 I'm ok.

I DO NOT do gaming so no need for huge video card speed.

I WILL do some Photoshop and Corel but my files are never really big.

I do NOT do VIDEO editing.

Yes, I am impatient so a reasonably fast laptop.

Something that's on sale or has a great deal?

Webcam, fingerprint reader NOT important.

Anyway, that's all I can think of for now and by the way, I'd like to put in a good word for Firefox 5...my puter took a dump with the above text still in the window and it recovered EVERYTHING when I booted back up. KUDOS firefox!

Thanks

George

 

I think the X220 would be great for you since it's usually on sale. I believe the keyboard is full size.

Edit: The USB on the right side is very close to you unfortunately.

 

sounds like you want to join the e220s or x220 club
the x220's right usb port is very close to the front though (idk about the e220s)

 

Nah, the ports are a deal breaker for me and the MAIN reason I can't stand my HP. How many on the left side though?

So, what kinda prices are we talking for a 220 and where should I go and look? Lenovo's site or...?

Thanks

 

Is this what we're talking about and if so, that might work considering there are two ports on the left and I can use the right one for the MINI bluetooth adapter (for the mouse) which barely stick out at all.
Record Breaker: Lenovo ThinkPad X220 Lasts Over 20 Hours

 

http://reviews.cnet.com/i/tim/2011/05/18/34634395_SD_440x330.JPG
that's the e220s's ports

it only has 2 usb ports total so x220 still better lol (pricier too)

 

I recommend the T420i. Other than the full-sized keyboard the palm rest is much more comfortable to type with than the X220 as well.

If you want a slimmer laptop the T420s is a good choice too.

 

The other option if you typically use the mouse at home and not on the road is a dock: Plug the mouse into the dock, and leave it there. (This applies to any of the ThinkPads noted.)

 

The X220 and T420 have the same keyboard.

 

Yes they do, but the typing experience is drastically different because of the different sized palm rest, as I have pointed out in my original post - if you care to read it again.

 

There are two on the left side. One that is "always on", and if configured with the i7, a usb 3.0 port (backwards compatible with 2.0 of course, assuming the driver is installed).

I got mine with a 15% coupon off the barnes and noble lenovo site, which came out to $78 cheaper than with a 15% off coupon at the normal lenovo site. Came out to around $1075 with i7, 1 yr on site warranty, 320gb, fingerprint reader, IPS screen, 4gb, hd webcam, 9 cell battery. Fingerprint reader and camera i think were $30 extra each. I saw they have 30% off on their 3 year on site + accidental damage, too ($181.30). I tried chatting with support saying I mistakenly only put 1 yr to see if they could sell me the 3 yr one, but they couldn't

 

Oops, that puts me out of contention anyway. Too much money for me right now. I didn't know if there was some kind of middle of the road model for 5-600 bucks or something. It's ok though, I don't have to have one but I would LIKE to have one just in case. May have to get till I get some more money.

Thanks all

George

 

The cheapest model for the x220 is the x220i which comes with an i3 processor, and starts out at around $850..just so you know.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide !

 

THanks

George

 

The e220s has three (the eSATA is a combo port).

 

Guys, what about this one?


Lenovo G560 Intel Pentium Dual Core P6200 2.13GHz Notebook - 4GB RAM, 320GB SATA HDD, 15.6" HD TFT LED Backlight Display with VibrantView, DVD±RW, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n wireless

How is the screen and what kind of money should I pay for a new one?

Never tried a USB/esata combo port. Do you just cram the usb cable in there or does it have to be a special cable?

Thanks

 

By the way, I'm reading up on it and read comments like "blueish tint on the screen that I can't seem to get rid of"
"can't disable the trackpad when using mouse"

They were also complaining about the trackpad itself but I don't care about that as the only times I'll use it is when I forget the mouse. I can't stand trackpads and sticks so this is not an issue for me but my HP dv7t was easy to disable the trackpad on. I'm still trying to figure out how to do it in my Asus 1000HE netbook. Super irritating to type and have the cursor go flying off somewhere

 

you can use normal USB plug in the combo port. Wouldn't get the G560 if you can help it.

 

Thanks (pretty pup by the way) and could you clarify on the reason for not getting the 560? I guess I should have known from the low price...?

George

 

well the quality is only so so. I like to persuade people to buy quality products that can last a while, and not things that may break down the line.

I would look around for a T510 or T520, they represent a better purchase if you are used to the Thinkpad quality.

 

Thanks. I'm not experienced with thinkpad really but I did buy an X200 that I sold to a friend of mine and having had to call support several times (on his behalf), I'm just impressed with their service as opposed to HP and friggen ASUS!

 

Guys, providing I can find this at the same price again, would you recommend this Lenovo for what I need to do?
Newegg.com - lenovo G570 (43347UU) Notebook Intel Pentium B950(2.10GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1333 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD±R/RW Intel HD Graphics

The port configuration is about perfect for me and the price is right. How is the screen on this one? I'm used to sharp, contrasty and bright screens.

Thanks

George

 

No, it's not a good screen. Lenovo G570 Keyboard, Touchpad, Screen and Speakers

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnline...15_1_440892_1_459970_1_22349_1_906014_&Flag=1

1600x900 matte panels are decent. I think T420 would be a bit pricier for the most part.

 

Thanks, that sucks.

I don't want to buy anything from Dell because they RIPPED me off many years ago and cost me around $500 that I had to pay for something THEY screwed up.
Never again. Also, I think their support is SUPER POOR!

I DID like the Lenovo though and would like a nice one but at a decent price. Problem is, I don't want the usb ports on the right and close to the front. Useless for me and the reason I sold my high end HP.

Thanks

 

Well I'm far from a Dell fanboy, but from what I hear they have 2 different support teams for consumer and business grade laptops. The latter being infinitely better than the former. Your best bet would be to hunt down the Lenovo Outlet for a while and be patient while looking for a good deal. Right now they are in between coupons I think and their prices increased significantly. T420/520 and W models have good screens at 900/1080p.

 

Yeah, that's how I got my X200 tablet but my problem is, I don't know WHICH models to look at and what's good so to speak.

 

Which ThinkPad is Right For You? - Laptop Magazine

Perhaps see if docking station options could solve your usb port placement problem (assuming you mainly use your mouse at home vs travelling with it)

You could also start a "what should i buy" thread for non-thinkpad suggestions to throw into the mix (Hp Probook 4530s, Thinkpad edge e420/e520 etc)

 

Well, I just found a whole bunch at a good price at the outlet. Mind you, I don't have the cash yet but prolly will in a couple of weeks.

I saw the B570 which is ok on the port layout but as before, I have to ask, how is the screen? I can't stand a screen with washed out colors. I'm really picky about that.

As for HP, I'm sick and tired of their service. I used to love them but not any longer and I've had good experience with the X200 I sold to a buddy (when calling Lenovo) so I want to give Lenovo a shot.

This seems like a good deal to me but again, I have no idea about Lenovo's stuff.

Essential B570 - Scratch & dent

Processor: Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core B950 (2.10GHz, 2MB cache)
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
Hard Drive: 500GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive
Total Memory: 4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory

Around 300 bucks with warranty
Display: 15.6” HD WXGA (1366 X 768) LED, W/ Camera
Graphics: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Optical Device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer
Keyboard/Pointing Device: Industry Standard Touchpad

 

Then there's this for $340

Essential B570 - Scratch & dent

Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-2330M processor (2.20GHz, 3MB cache)
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
Hard Drive: 320GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive
Total Memory: 4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
Display: 15.6” HD Wide (1366 X 768) LED, W/ 0.3 MP Camera
Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics 3000
Optical Device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer
Keyboard/Pointing Device: Industry Standard Touchpad

By the way, is the screen on the G575 the same as the 570?

 

IMHO there's really no reason to get a Lenovo laptop that's not a ThinkPad or (a few specific models of) IdeaPad. There's simply nothing special about them. They're just generic ODM boxes with a different Logo.

 

The only reason is because I was happy with their tech support and service. I can't say the same about HP.

I can't afford anything more expensive regardless of brand.

Thanks

 

Im a novice- but I think what the others are trying to convey is that lenovo thinkpad support and lenovo ideapad support are completely separate entities. You previously dealt with thinkpad support, which is geared toward business users, who demand and receive better service overall.

In addition, thinkpad computers have superior build quality to ideapad computers. Thinkpads = business grade build while ideapads = consumer grade build.

Lenovo recently introduced a small business line of computers named "thinkpad edge"- that are supposed to be better built than the consumer grade computers, while still being inexpensive. I would investigate these models to see if they will work for your purposes- thinkpad edge e420 (14in), e520 (15in w. number pad), e420s (slim 14in with built in battery), or e220s (slim 12in with built in battery).

 

Ah, now I understand. Yeah, my was a thinkpad x200. How are the screens on the Edge models?

Thanks

 

I like the specs on this one and definitely the port layout. ANyone know how the screen is?

ThinkPad Edge E425

Processor: AMD® A-Series A4-3300M Dual Core (2.5GHz, 2MB L2)
Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
Hard Drive: 500GB, 7200RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive
Total Memory: 4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
Display: 14.0” HD WXGA (1366 X 768) LED, W/ 720p HD Camera
Graphics: ATI™ Mobility Radeon™ HD 6470M
Optical Device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer
Keyboard/Pointing Device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)

 

They're average, standard consumer-grade 14" 1366x768 panels. You can usually find Thinkpad Edge machines in brick and mortar stores, so go and take a look. If you can't find any, other 14" 1366x768 screens will give you a general feel for how the screen is.

 

Looks to me like the bottom line here is going to be that I have to spend more money to get what I want.

Good support from Lenovo=Thinkpad
Good screen=More money

Is that about right?

 

Ok, I've looked at the Thinkpad Edge E520 and the specs, ports and price suit me but now the question is, how's the screen?

Someone said the G570 screen wasn't so good and that IS going to bother me. I like something sharp/crisp, vivid and with good contrast.

Thanks

George

 

The E520 screen isn't too great when it comes to contrast or vivid colors; judging from what I saw at Fry's I'd say it's about average for a 15" 1366x768 panel. Take a look at some comparable machines in-store and you'll get a feel for how it is. It's definitely going to be worse than your X220's screen, no doubt.

In terms of money and support, I believe the Thinkpad Edge line is handled by the same people that handle the T- and X-series Thinkpads, so there shouldn't be a difference there. Screen-wise, though, the T520's HD+ and FHD screens are far better than the E520's HD screen, though.

 

Hell, I didn't expect it to be like the x200 screen I had, that damn thing was incredible.

That big a difference between T and E models in the screen? They're 150 bucks more at the outlet and a little over my budget although I can wait.
I DID ask over the chat what the return policy is and she said 21 days but 15% restocking fee which really isn't bad but needless to say, if I can weed this out before buying it would be cool and the screen IS important to me. Returned a $1200 Asus because of it...

 

If the T520 has the 1600x900 or 1920x1080 screen options, yes, there is that big of a difference. With the 1366x768 screens, they're likely more or less equal. The problem is that there isn't a single "good" 1366x768 15.6" panel: any laptop with such a screen probably won't wow you.

 

If that's a top requirement of yours, Lenovo may not be the right place to visit. ThinkPads, and Lenovo laptops in general, are not known for their outstanding screens. At least, one may configure-to-order a ThinkPad with higher-resolution screens.

The T520 or W520 with FHD (1920x1080) is recommended for its best screen in the ThinkPad family.

 

Ok, this is what you're talking about then?
Lenovo Outlet - ThinkPad T520 Refurbished - Discounted Laptops, Cheap Laptops, Refurbished Laptops, Discounted Desktops, Cheap Desktops, Refurbished Desktops

Man, is this thing ancient or what? What's with the lack of keypad on such a big laptop? How old is this model?

 

I think applying blanket statements isn't very appropriate, after all, the only computer maker that has good screens across the board is Apple.

As Kaso noted, though, the T520 and W520 have great FHD wide-color-gamut panels and pretty good HD+ panels. And obviously, the X220 has a fantastic HD IPS panel.

Yep, that would be a T520 with the HD+ screen. It is current-generation, so it's not old at all. And personally, I prefer having no numpad since it uncomfortably offsets the QWERTY keyboard and touchpad. Personal preference, I suppose.

 

The problem Kaso is that I don't like Dell, HP, Asus or Samsung support but I did like the Thinkpad support when I had to use it. So, what are my choices for something low price (under 500) with good screen and good support?

I love the HP screens but can't stand their support and this from a longtime, VERY loyal hp customer

 

Hell, I dont' even remember why I sold my X200 tablet but I really miss that wonderful screen. Maybe I'll wait and get the new one, one day.
What was their outdoor display called, the super bright one? That's what I had.

I tried to look it up and I can't...the model is 7448CTR if someone else knows how to look it up.

 

The last thing I wanted to do was to push you away from Lenovo. It may be difficult, though, to find a ThinkPad with good screen for under US$500.

You may want to check out the refurbished/used T510 and T520 models with FHD, either at Lenovo Outlet or at various online venues.

 

If the X200's palmrest is too small, consider getting a T420s which of course comes with a full-sized keyboard.

 

Nah, it's ok, if I'm going to buy something, I'll do it when I can get what I want and if not, I won't. Till then, my netbook will do the job as I never really go anywhere. This is more of a want than need.

Again, the laptops I want are from companies I dont want to deal with including Dell that SCREWED me out of $500 many years ago. That's right Dell, take me to court!

 

You started this thread on August 25, 2011, writing...

Now, you concluded...

You've received all sorts of wonderful advice for many months now. Maybe it's time to lock and close this thread.

 

I have and as you can see, it's not so easy as either my budget is wrong or there's something else. Just lenovo has so many models, I get confused and half the time, it's not very clear where the ports are located and it takes a good bit of research to find out.
Take a look at the pics on the outlet site and tell me where the hell the ports are...well doo doo, the site is down for maintenance but I'll post it later.

Also, you can see that I posted again because I talked to the outlet and they said that the screens looked fine and looked like the others which I guess is true if all they compare to are the other 1300 something screens like Midnight Sun said.

I can of course buy one, maybe NOT like it and send it back and I have to mess with the shipping and take the restocking fee or I can keep asking or waiting till I find something. Not sure why it would be time to close the thread. It's very simple, if you don't want to reply, don't. Others do and I am ALWAYS thankful for all advice. Sometimes I act on it and sometimes I don't.
That's why I ask questions.