Thinkpad Edge 14 vs. T1410

I am needing to replace my 2007 Asus V2S (I think)....more will be revealed after Asus goes to the computer doctor....but I'm looking anyway just to be safe. Looked at Thinkpads a long time ago and love the keyboard. I've loved this Asus too, especially the 14 inch size. Can anyone comment about why the Edge 14 is so much cheapter than the T410? And what about Thinkpads that would be in between those? I've been using my Asus for both personal and business use. I'm self-employed and use it with billing databases and accounting software as well as the standard email, internet and word processing. I also like Skyping with my granddaughter. I'm not a gamer at all.

Thanks in advance for your sage advice.

 

Because they use less expensive parts in order to append the ThinkPad name to a lower quality in machine. People like yourself see "ThinkPad" and assume they're good, when they're getting quite what they thought. In Lenovo's defense, if they raise prices $5 over their competitors, they lose business.

I guess I'd wait to see what happens with your Asus. If it's an affordable repair, I don't see a new machine offering you a performance boost over the Asus given the usage.

If you're looking for a less expensive ThinkPad that offers good quality, you might want to look for the R400. It's pretty similar to the T400, but at a lower price. The line has been discontinued. There's still some machines in the Outlet. Prices and supply in the outlet sort of yin and yang. The more patient you can be, the better you'll do. eBay is another option, but can be tricky to navigate. Good Luck.

 

it is cheaper because the materials used for construction costs less, and it is a more pro-consumer orientated product, as compared to the T410 which is a business and professional orientated product.

Why not consider the T400 from the outlet, refurb and scratch/dent stock represents exceptional value.

so have a look around outlet.lenovo.com

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@Zaz.... outlet.lenovo.com is currently running out of R400, and the remaining one costs as much a T400 which has a better spec than the R400.

 

Like I said the prices and selection vary over time. There was some R400 in the outlet last week that were in the $400-500 range, but it's not a given they'll be back.

 

Thank you for your quick replies. I guess I should have guessed that the materials cost would be less. I'm wondering about whether the kind of use I am talking about would be reasonable for the Edge not to crap out on me in less than 3-4 years vs going to a regular Thinkpad model. Is that reasonable? What is "standard" for notebook life anyway?

Thanks also for the outlet idea. I will check that out.

 

What's better--refurb or scratch and dent? Just the sound of those kind of worries me.

 

Refurbished systems are usually grade A condition, meaning visually and mechanically they are as new. Sometimes cancelled orders come under "refurbished" certification so you may actually become a 1st owner for some of these machines.

Scratch and dent is basically as the name applies, there may be some scuffs or minor dents on the chassis but mechanically is sound. Personally I choose Refurbished systems but if you really don't mind the scuffs and just want a solid working system then you can save a lot of money by opting for the scratch & dent systems.

 

Reburbed are in new condition. My own X200 was refurbed from the outlet and it looked new to me. Scratch and dent have obvious cosmetic flaws, but you'd still be getting the one year warranty.

You should note all machines from the outlet come with a one year warranty, which cannot be upgraded via normal means. You'd need to purchase an out of warranty extension, which is more expensive. I also believe they're not eligible accidental coverage.

You could probably get a Edge with three years of on-site and accidental coverage, which would probably cover everything for the next three years, for less than the cost of a new T410. That would have only a one year warranty. I think I saw an Edge at Best Buy if you want to check one out.

 

Seems reasonable to get the better quality build if the price is close. So I have been looking at the outlet. There seem to be a number of choices...even with the R400. But honestly, I would like a Vista upgrade. I have had enough issues with it and if Windows 7 is better, then that would be nice.

I saw an Edge 14 at Office Depot this weekend. The promo brought the price yesterday to just under $600 but today the price is up to $750. So if it's not a "real" Thinkpad then I am going to look around.

The sales folks at Office Depot hung around like hungry dogs and asked if they could help. When I had completed my scoop of what was there, and wanted to know more about the Edge, he said, "um...well...I don't know really anything about Thinkpads." Talk about a turnoff! Good grief. Like that will make me come back to buy anything more than ink and crayons.......

 

another thing I meant to ask--the UltraNav thing....I don't understand what all the buttons are for. I understand the "eraserhead" in the keyboard--I like that...but I don't get what the three buttons above the touchpad are for (the ones with red trim) since there are also buttons below the touchpad. Did I mention that the guy at Office Depot didn't know anything about Thinkpads?

 

The three buttons above the trackpad are intended to be used with the pointing stick, while the bottom buttons are used with the trackpad. You certainly could do vice versa if you like. The center button is for scrolling, though it can have other uses like screen magnifier. You press down on the center button then move the stick in the desired direction and it will scroll that way.

 

those are the left click, right click and middle scroll buttons associated with the trackpoint (the eraser head).