Seeking your advise please! Lenove Thinkpad or Ideapad

Which computer?

Both are from Costco. I like their return policy and 2 year warranty. Plus if I use American Express card, I will get an additional year of coverage. I have an older IBM Thinkpad 2002, and have been very happy with it. Just time to update.

Any thoughts on these, THANKS!


Lenovo SL510 Thinkpad $549
Intel T6670 (2.2GHz)
Windows 7 Professional




Processor:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T6670 (2.2GHz)
800 MHz system bus
2 MB L2 cache
Memory:
3GB PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3
Non parity dual channel
Two 204 pin SO Dimm Sockets
8 GB Max memory
Drives:
500GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
DVD +/- RW, DVD burner dual layer
Non removable, tray in9.5 mm high
Graphics & Video:
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
15.6” WXGA (1366 X 768) HD
Vibrant View, LED backlight
220 Nits, 16:9 aspect ratio
500:1 contrast ratio
Communications:
Intel 1000 802.11 b/g/n wireless
Mini PCI
Audio:
2 built in stereo speakers (1.5W)
Keyboard:
Spill resistant: Protects the internal components of the ThinkPad SL by funneling spilled liquid to a drain hole in the bottom of the system. Plus, the SL 510 is equipped with the legendary ThinkPad touch and feel keyboard.
6-row Think vantage button
Multimedia Fn Keys
Trackpoint and MultiTouch TouchPad: ThinkPad has the little red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard. With the MultiTouch TouchPad, you can zoom, scroll and rotate without lifting a finger.
Expandability:
Express card/34 – one slot
Ports:
HDMI: Use your ThinkPad as a source to an external monitor with HD video
3 – 2.0 USB Ports and 1 Esata/USB combo port
7 in 1 reader (MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SD, SDHC, XD, XD Type H)
External Monitor (VGA)
Ethernet
2.0 Megapixel camera
RJ45 Mic In / Headphone
Operating System:
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
Additional Software:
Roxio Creator Business Edition
Adobe Reader
Skype
Thinkvantage Access Connections
Rescue and Recovery
Power Manager
Presentation Director
Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial)
Power Supply:
6 cell lithium Ion battery (up to 4.0 hr)
65 W AC Adapter
Additional Information:
(W X D X H) 14.9” x 9.72” x 1.26” – 1.42”
2 Year limited warranty
Weight: 5.64 lb
[Model SL510]

Or


Lenovo Z560 Laptop $599
Core i5-480M 2.66GHz
Integrated Webcam
Numeric Keypad




Processor:
IntelCore i5-480M Processor(2.66GHz)
3MB L2 cache
Memory:
4GB 1066MHz DDR3
Drives:
500GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drive
DVD +/- RW, DVD burner dual layer
Graphics & Video:
Intel HD Graphics
15.6” LED HD Display (1366x768)
16:9 aspect ratio
Communications:
802.11 b/g/n wireless
10/100 Ethernet
Audio:
2 built in stereo speakers (2 watt) with Dolby Advanced Audio
Keyboard:
Full size keyboard
Fn Keys
Numeric Keypad on right side of keyboard
Two button touch pad with scroll feature
Ports:
2– 2.0 USB Ports
1 - eSATA/USB combo
5-in-1 card reader
External Monitor (VGA)
0.3 Megapixel camera
RJ45
Mic In
Headphone
Express Card
HDMI
Operating System:
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Additional Software:
One Key Rescue
Lenovo Energy Management
Window Live Toolbar
Veriface 3.0
Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.1
Power 2 Go
Win DVD
Ready comm.
Power Supply:
6 cell lithium Ion battery (up to4 hr)
Additional Information:
(W X D X H) 14.8” X 9.8” X1.4”
1 Year limited warranty on major electronic components *including battery
90 day warranty on keyboard, hinges, plastics, power cord and AC Adapter
Weight: 5.95 lbs
[Model Z560]

 

I would not purchase a Lenovo computer that does not bear the name "ThinkPad" on it.

However, the SL model is being replaced, and does not have the latest processor technology. I'd probably go to Lenovo's website, and build a ThinkPad L-series, using coupon codes to bring the price down.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/products/professional-grade/thinkpad/l-series/index.html

 

Between those two, most definitely the IdeaPad. The Thinkpad SL510 is bulky and doesn't have all that great build quality, and plus, it's still running a last-last-generation processor--it's not worth it for the price. The IdeaPad isn't all that great of a deal either, although I suppose the warranty is increased over the basic Lenovo warranty.

 

Letting us know what you plan to use the computer for and what an average day would be for the laptop would be helpful.

 

Going from an IBM ThinkPad to an IdeaPad, you will be sourly disappointed. For 600 I would pick up a lightly used last generation ThinkPad.

 

The SL and L series "ThinkPads" *are* IdeaPads. The "Edge" series aren't much better.

Get a real ThinkPad (a T series or an X201/X220). If you can't afford one new, get a used T series or save up.