Thinkpad Edge 420s

Finalized my decision on the Lenovo Edge E420S. Will have to check it out in person and do a last walkthrough when all the models are out.

Looking for a Matte option like last year if possible and AMD 6630M GPU.

Lenovo has been constantly rated better than all the other players in support. I have a Dell desktop now and wanted a step up in support and the best Windows 7 class support there is and it looks like Lenovo fits the bill with product at a good price to boot with the Edge E420S which looks to be an excellent mainstream notebook pc.

Was concerned over the TPM module issue however can workaround this using other methods.

 

I will be waiting for your review or initial impression, I am torn between couple of Lenovo 14" laptop, so just get your E420s already.

 

So the pdf on lenovo's page says the E420s has the QM67, so there will be no switchable graphics between the intel HD 3000 and whatever AMD GPU they throw in? If that's the case that blows because we will likely only see 4 hours ish battery life running light wifi use on the dedicated card (if that).

Battery life is going to make or break this laptop for me - i need 6 hours or so which doesn't seem like its going to happen.

T420p might be a better option...

 

Are you saying that any laptop with the qm67 chipset does not have switchable graphic, if that is the case that would suck.

 

The Thinkpad Edge has switchable video.

It does say:

Optional AMD Radeon HD6630M "Switchable" (2GB VRAM, 128bit Performance GPU)

It does NOT have the enterprise features on the other series chipset nor RAID and the like.

The chipset is related to the featureset.

If the notebook has everything you want featurewise, then the rest is meaningless. Chipset just correlates to things like slightly different ports, RAID, and enterprise or ability to use cpus like performance quad cores, etc...

The Edge E420s is the perfect fit for me with AMD 6630M. I would not say the 2GB vram is meaningless.

It helps a lot in applications and especially in multi monitor setups.

The specs on the Lenovo along with Technical support are the best Ive seen and I look forward to trying out the Edge E420s.

Lenovo Thinkpad Edge's last year model was rated quite well and this one is even better.

 

indeed we have a lot of different sources with contradictory information. regarding the chipset, I do hope the QM67 is wrong, since it dont support switchable graphics at all, its a mobile version of the P chipset from desktop, which also dont support the change on the go.

Im currently setting for less battery life, since I would run VMs and compile programs on the go, and for this I would need all the power that the pc have

 

ThinkPad BGN (Realtek) 1x1 GN
ThinkPad ABGN (Broadcom) 2x2 AGN
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 (2x2 AGN)

Wireless options according to the site as well. Nothing is selectable yet according to the website I believe. Will see how this plays out in the coming weeks.

Deciding which wireless to get assuming it comes user selectable. Also are Lenovo Edge E420s picky on which ram modules are used?

Out of Realtek, Broadcom and Intel Wireless Im not sure which one performs best.

Thats on custom configs though.

Not much selection out right now and its End of Life on the 14" Edge.

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/ has last been updated March 23rd. SLBook.pdf shows the E420s as having HM65.

Just waiting for the models coming out with AMD 6630M and better cpus and the like.

Initial model has come in stock and there was 9 left of the highest of the models now out. Not the one I want, but it is just starting to make its way through and my local merchant doesn't have it in stock yet for viewing.

So roll up to the video tape when the new models hit the slbook and when they will be orderable by Lenovo Direct if they aren't available in the stores since its questionable if the AMD 6630M will show up in stores and have the options I want with it.

Getting closer every day.

 

I would grab the intel 6250, mainly because its better than the other options.

Having experienced myself with broadcom, atheros and intel, I always vouch for the latter, I have less problem with sudden lost of connectivity, better range (mostly due to the antenas of course, but when you can connect with a better signal strength a 14'' from 2006 to a 16'' from 2009, you know that there is something not that right)

Waiting myself when they are going to release the AMD 6630, if they dont do it soon, I will buy myself an MBP, and get throughly laughed at in classes and at work

 

It does seem as though with Lenovo you need to custom order to get what you want. I wonder when some reviews and the like will appear.

Seems like you can't get the Intel Advanced with Wimax option unless its a custom config, and they are just giving a scant small few choices now. Also as you pointed out, AMD 6630M is not available yet nor is the i7 2620M nor Microdrive and other HD options and I presume also the Matte screen option possibly.

I agree though, Intel is more of a standard plus likely has more antennas to pick up the signal better and the cost isn't much.

Bluetooth 3.0 is also available as an option and I wonder if I'll even use it tho since its only minimal cost to add Im surprised it isn't standard.

Will check the Lenovo Slbook in the next few weeks to see if status has changed.

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/

396 is current version so 397 I am presuming will have changes or additions for the Edge 420S. If not 397, then perhaps 398. But hoping for 397 with more configurations.

 

For some reason the CTO E420s disappear from their website, it is replace with a coming soon message like the rest of the new edge laptops.

 

Didn't check.

Was not relevant for me though because they had such limited options, that they were selling them with an 8 to 11 day shipping delay time to boot.

Next time CTO is available on the main page, hopefully will have a wide array of configuration choices.

FYI the CTO is still there on a different page. And units are available for purchase right now from resellers. In fact there are limited quantities in stock. The highest end of the 3 models they have in SLBook is in stock and they had 7 left at last check. 2 sold this evening Eastern Standard Time.

 

it gave me hope that provantage would have one equipped with the 6630m soon

 

Vendors only can sell the applicable models offered from SLBook. There is no AMD 6630M on there and we don't know if those will be sold in the stores or be an exclusive CTO only model.

I am assuming Provantage is a vendor.

Last years Edge models were extremely nice but they only had the 14" Edge, not the S. And the S model along with the AMD GPU will make this the ideal notebook.

 

Since I am probably going to used it as a desktop replacement, I was hoping that the e420 will have 6630 or 6550. I think I am more likely going to get the E420s.

 

the e420 has been pulled out of the shop site

 

I just saw that. Wonder if it is due to a component shortage?

 

I hope that is due to then inserting the new products

 

e420s is available in stock in 2 configurations and ready to order so apparently they were able to ship some units out.

Provantage was mentioned and it appears to be an internet vendor with a online inventory check like others.

http://www.provantage.com/lenovo-440128u~ALENO2NU.htm

6 units left as of last check. This unit has the best configuration of those offered right now.

Sony VAIO SA/SB/SC were previously high on my radar screen. But Lenovo Thinkpad is just better in every direction I look.

E220S doesn't have discrete video option and is just too small. Thinkpad E420s is larger than the Sony VAIO but just a tad heavier so you get a bigger screen. Plus it has the fast boot technology and excellent tech support.

Im tempted to order one of those 6 units left but its not the configuration I really want.

Whether I need discrete GPU or not is questionable but I'd like to have it. And the CPU thats included doesn't support Hardware Virtualization which would only provide enhancement with a supported VM.

 

There are no higher resolution options than 1366x768 on the E420s, right?

If so, it boggles my mind that they would make the effort to put in a dedicated graphics chip, but not a display to take advantage of it. It also boggles my mind that they do the exact opposite with the T420s. They offer a 1440x900 display, but no option for any dedicated graphics. *sigh*

 

T420S has the NV4200M option.

Both e420s and t420s will have discrete video options available and serve two different segments apparently.

Won't be long before the new psref comes out I hope which has the new models. But if one doesn't want to wait, some e420s are in stock right now for purchase and immediate delivery.

http://www.lenovo.com/psref will have all the specs and some specs are in flux right now so we need to wait for the next updates.

Hopefully April will have another significant update for the e420s models and perhaps others as well. We will see.

 

E420s (also E220s) offers one thing that no other Thinkpads offer, the premium sound. The speakers on E420s (E220s) are certified for Dolby Home Theater (Version 4), a first for any Thinkpad. It will be interesting to know how this Dolby certification will be translated into real world audio experience.

 

ThinkPad T420s is also Dolby certified.

 

HP is doing the "SRS Premier Sound" for their 2011 Elitebook business models including 8560p and 8460p. I hope this "Premium Sound" thing will be offered for other Thinkpads.

 

Never liked HP. Units for 14" weigh a lot more than T420S and E420S

 

any guesses on the pricing for the new e420s?

 

My Acer 3820TG has "Dolby Home Theater" speakers and they're nothing special, so I wouldn't anticipate much.

 

Without discrete video and with the best config option offered it is going for approx $830 with 5 left in stock at last check.

 

but wasn't that the old discrete gpu? not the new one that's coming out?

 

Brand new e420S with non discrete video is approx $830 with 5 left. You asked for approximate pricing and its the best pricing I can give you cause its the best one out at this time.

Don't know about last years but you can get last years too, prices are dropping on those as they blow them out making way for new models.

 

One without the discrete graphic does not interest me one bit. The only reason I am even considering an Edge is because I can't get a decent discrete graphic on the classic.

 

Yeah well its still coming soon.

Im sure one of you will say on the forums its here when its ready. I'll check back in a few months or so. In no rush right now.

When its ready its ready. I may as well hold out till Ivy Bridge for 2012 since it is taking so long.

 

New Tabook on April 7th with updates for T420 + T420s models amongst others. No updates in slbook or for E420s models.

Just happened to check the psref. So I'll check back in a full month.

 

Mr MM and Adamj023, I've been following your comments closely here. What are you guys going with? If you didn't go with the E420s what's your strongest competitor?

What about a Sony Z?

Will the T420p ever have a better graphics card? Should we hold out for it?

Will the E420s ever have a higher resolution screen? Should we hold out for it?


I would like a machine that can handle a movie nicely and perhaps a game of starcraft 2? I'll probably dock it a lot up to a bigger monitor as well.

What are your thoughts? I hate HP and dell. My competitors are sony and perhaps even apple.

 

You can hold out forever. I personally don't like Sony's as much as Lenovo.

Lenovo can work with every os you can put at it and has superior support second to no one else in the PC world sans Apple. Try getting Linux drivers on a Sony and more.

Lenovo has been extremely open with their documentation, drivers and everything else. And the Thinkpad designs, even the edge are extremely well built with excellent user interfaces.

Lenovo to me is the only answer in the PC world. If you want windows 7 go with Lenovo. If you want Mac Os X go with Mac.

Edge 14 last year had a matte and glossy screen option and I don't see any reason why they should eliminate this for the new models.

My config will look like this:

Edge E420 i7 2620M, 4GB ram 1 chip, matte screen (assuming its offered again), AMD 6630M 2GB GPU, 80GB Micro/320GB 7200 rpm combo (SSD/HD), 6250 Wireless Intel, Bluetooth, Fingerprint, Windows 7 Professional, web cam, DVDRW

That should cover it. Don't think there are any other addons that I missed as far as I am aware right now.

 

I would go for the vaio SB that is in my sig.

I would go for the acer 3830tg

The AW m14x

Im gearing towards a x220, due to my restrictions for pre built models, and I saw one that fits the bill quite nicely.

I have also been considering the mbp 13'', since I dont game that much anymore, and I mostly use it for programming and vms

I dont like that model at all.

the cooling is sub par, the carbon fiber is basically a thin layer of carbon fiber on top of a plastic shell.

The gpu is a lower binned model, it has the speed of the gt 325m, which is basically what the mbp 13'' 2010 model had.

The screen is superb!

I dont think so, if it would have it would cannibalize the sales of the w series.

I dont think so, also I do find it pointless to have higher res screens in such tiny laptops, if it was bigger, yeah I would have wanted. For me brightness and color gamut is more important than the res.

Sincerely, I dont dislike any OEM, they have each their strengths and their weaknesses.

Apparently the new DV series is considered to be a good one, the cooling improved, the quality construction is still better than the average acer and msi.

If you are going to hook it up, go for a x220, a t420 or a mbp 13'', better build quality and all that, then hook it up to a vidock and be happy.

btw if they do a thunderbolt port vidock the mbp 13'' is going to be a great gaming machine, since the boards would have twice the bandwidth than what is provided by the express card slot.

 

Enjoy the X220 and change your signature if that is the model you are getting.

 

Edge E420 i7 2620M, 4GB ram 1 chip, matte screen (assuming its offered again), AMD 6630M 2GB GPU, 80GB Micro/320GB 7200 rpm combo (SSD/HD), 6250 Wireless Intel, Bluetooth, Fingerprint, Windows 7 Professional, web cam, DVDRW, and if they did offer a higher resolution screen offering, I would also consider that as well.

Edge E420s is the model. The better 14" 4lbs notebooks or less with the DVD is pretty much narrowed to Lenovo right now for me in every direction I can think of.

Sony changes specs without notice, has issues with their construction, has bloatware preinstalled and drivers and support aren't the best compared to Lenovo.

Apple's 13.3" macbook is heavier than this 14" Lenovo and doesn't even include a GPU for that matter. Way overpriced.

The only competitor in the marketplace for me is this Lenovo E420s. e420s is more appropriate for me than the t420s.

As far as t420p, i never heard of such a model before. I think you meant T420s.

No, T420s will not put in another video card. It is a business class machine and they don't have to. The NVS 4200M is appropriate for business and the market where Lenovo is aiming.

T420s won't see any other video card options. E420s could see a Matte display which is likely based on last years specifications. Is it possible for a high resolution offering as well, that could be possible but uncertain right now.

Edge E420 i7 2620M, 4GB ram 1 chip, matte screen (assuming its offered again), AMD 6630M 2GB GPU, 80GB Micro/320GB 7200 rpm combo (SSD/HD), 6250 Wireless Intel, Bluetooth, Fingerprint, Windows 7 Professional, web cam, DVDRW

Is the config Im aiming for but if they did add a higher res screen option or an IPS screen or whatnot it would definitely make this a more attractive offering.

They say it will likely be out in another 2 weeks. So I'll see what happens.

 

Talked to a Lenovo guy on chat the other day and he said April 22nd.

 

I spoke with Lenovo who quoted me earlier than that but we shall see. The date I got was April 18th.

Obviously they don't know exactly when but its coming soon as per the website.

 

Can you confirm that the E420 will have the 6630?

 

The AMD 6630 will be on the e420s. Not sure about the regular E420. Ask Lenovo or check their spec sheets.

Sorry, can't answer that.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/ww/pdf/e420s_datasheet.pdf

AMD 6630M is in the specifications.

E420 (non S) specs give an error on the website so you would have to ask Lenovo for clarification on this.

edge 420s will most likely come with the AMD 6630M since last year also had a discrete option and should hopefully again come in glossy vs matte like last year.

 

this is probably due to that Im tired of lugging a 16'' around and Im getting impatient with all these delays. if this keeps going, I will buy a pc next year for what it seems, the AMD 7000 series is going to be a lot better than the 6000 series, not an incremental change, but rather a jump like what we saw when the HD 3000 jumped to the HD 4000

 

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When its ready, its ready. AMD 7000 is going to be a long wait especially since AMD 6630M is a new GPU.

 

I can but I wont. Since I changed the psu of this notebook, it has been working great, after that I bought a SSD, the problem is still the lack of cpu power to run multiple VMs.

The problem is that its, bulkier and heavier than what i intend to buy, and we are almost at the end of Q2 and I havent even bought anything yet, most models havent even being really released... and with the added bonus of the HD 7000 being a leap in performance....

 

You mean Apr 22nd with new screen or only upgraded cpu and discrete gpu?

 

While AMD 7000 may be released this year, its unlikely for it to be implemented by the vendors this year especially with 6630M not even being released yet.

So then you can wait a full year because that is how long the wait will likely be.

Next year will have Ivy Bridge, AMD 7000 and perhaps USB 3.0 as native or thunderbolt or whatnot is possible. Also design will be likely even lighter as well with more battery life on the unit.

But the truth is the wait for this unit right now should only be a few weeks ago. Then after the model is out, it will take a full year for the new model to appear.

 

the 7000 for notebook is probably going to be released at the same time of the new laptops next year, around feb to march, this is the release schedule for AMD

 

But notebooks weren't even shipped this year yet. I would say feb to march is unlikely. Should be more like April to May 2012.

But that will still be approximately a full year away. If you want to wait longer, you can wait as long as you like. But then if you kept thinking like that, a year after you buy the notebook, Haswell will be out along with AMD 8000.

 

and we would reach the peak of informational theory! Then we would need to develop pcs using probability since the noise would be so great that it would be impossible to shrink even further.

Joke aside the problem with upgrading right now is that I wont get 3 years out of my current notebook only 2. And this for me is a problem, well I guess the issue is that I got the money to upgrade and I want to spend it, and since I will benefit from doing this Im in this state of impatience