Why Thinkpads?

nice.... i want all those whom listen, to give me all their money and thinkpads...

So what is your spec of your T60?

 

The thread title suggests a strange way of thinking for me. In computers, I have little brand loyalty. I leave loyalty to the shareholders. I judge Lenovo on its products. I say some of their stuff is excellent, some of it is fair, and some of it is crap.

For instance, I consider:
The W520 because it's fast, and a physically robust machine, and it can take 16GB RAM. I would rather one than any other 15" Seems to be a good machine.

The x220, which has a processor fast enough for CAD, but not enough GPU. It's screen choice seems questionable, and some people seem to think that it runs too warm. I don't think anyone has said anything nice about the trackpad. From the feedback, it seems to be a pretty-good machine, with some reservations.

The X120, a nice light word processing and general computing machine. People seem quite pleased with them.

These are the only Lenovo machines, I would consider buying. I would not buy an R, S, or any of the others, and especially nothing with a glossy screen.

 

hum, R series has already disappeared for quite a while now, and there is no S series, there is however a SL series, which is replaced by the L series.

Also, R series is a really good machine, so not sure why you had a grudge against it.

 

But what about HDMI? Other than the Edge series (not really true Thinkpads) and I believe the X1, you cannot get HDMI out in a Thinkpad, not even as an option...

Been looking around the last week or so educating myself for my next purchase and very much want many of the positive attributes mentioned in this thread. Indeed, but for the HDMI issue I'd pretty much settle on one of the T machines or maybe the x220. While I understand HDMI isn't a key feature of a "business" machine, IMO any HD quality machine should have it ... at least as an option.

 

HDMI is a consumer interface, many corporations do not utilize HDMI. Also many ThinkPads and business oriented notebooks have DisplayPort which can easily be changed to HDMI via an adapter.

R series...the only difference I see between that on the T was how thick it was and configuration, otherwise R was a cheaper T series. I was assuming Lenovo killed R and reshuffled it into L series as it was eating into mainstream T series sales.

 

T series is now pretty much the same thickness as the R series of the old. So T series cannablised R series in many ways.

 

o_o wut? I've used R61 and R400 and they were much much thicker than T61 and T400..

Oh ya my T60 is type 1953-E4U, Core Duo T2400, 3 GB RAM, GMA 950, 14" XGA. I got no backlight on it, maybe have to replace the panel.

 

You probably have not seen the new T510/T520 or the new T520 they are quite a bit thicker than the old T400 and T500.

 

You just get that different feel, almost like an aura of importance. Heck even surfing the web I feel like Im splitting an atom or something.

As for the documentation I cannot agree more. They put documentation online for you to take your laptop apart and replace parts. I dont know of another company that offers such documentation. I have been able to have both my t400 and x200s in pieces properly due to their documentation.

Hey meow! My t400 still has some pep! Its not old!.....ok ok its old. But I need to stretch it out more and I dont know how I am going to do so.

 

True. In comparison, I can't find anything documenting how to completely take apart/reassemble my old Toshiba Satellite L505. It's only dead because the DC connector in the laptop won't work, and fixing it either requires a resolder to the mainboard, or to buy a new connector which is like $5 on eBay...

 

I believe there was some documentation on my vostro on what dell considered FRUs, but nothing to the extent of taking the whole machine apart like I have done to my t400 and x200s so many times. I have had my x200s since February or March and its been in pieces several times. I cant even guess how many times my t400 has been apart over the past couple of years. I LOVE to tinker as well as I disassemble every so often to do a true dusting. So Im VERY glad lenovo still carries on the tradition of catering to the hackers/modders out there.

 

Option would be nice for those that want it. I don't want to use a sucky consumer laptop when I'm not working -- I want one laptop to meet all of my needs, business and pleasure.

I'll look in to DisplayPort > HDMI.

 

Here is one for starters....




Have a Magical Day!

 

Dear Dirtnap, OP.
Please explain why you started this tread.

 

What I like:
- they are rugged enough (I can squeeze it in the backpack without worrying it'll snap)
- dock station support (simply a must have for work for me)
- trackpoint
- keyboard
- very simple to change parts / do upgrades on your own
- easy to get cheap replacement parts on ebay
- useful ThinkVantage utilities like battery meter
- good support online, videos how to open the laptop, all drivers nicely listed
- my screen
- quiet (fan goes on extremely rarely)
- screen is held closed with a latch, so doesn't "hang"

What I dislike:
- speakers
- there's room for improvement in handwriting recognition (even though I don't use it as much and works good enough for me)
- keyboard can get greasy after some time of use

What I miss:
- better gfx card

 

Oh, it's "Why Thinkpads?" now? Haha... I can't wait until this degrades to "Why Classic Thinkpads?"

 

Hmmm... asking "Why ThinkPads?" in the Lenovo/IBM section of a notebook discussion forum.

Yes, this should produce some nice, un-biased responses.

 

^^^ This does compute.

Yeah, un-biased un-emotional objective

 

Wanted to know why/what made the posters in this IBM/Lenovo forum get a Lenovo Thinkpad.

 

To add to my comment here, I also got it because it wasn't a flashy Alienware M14x. For gaming, it would obviously have been a better laptop, but I would like to take my laptops to co-ops and internships without being laughed at. (Also, the W520 is more than enough power for me anyway...)

 

To add to the other things I like Thinkpads, another important reason is the various discounts and the 21 day price match.

 

That's apparent, but why?

 

I picked ThinkPad over other brands due to:
-visual looks, like the neutral black sci-fi lab looks
-somewhat higher build quality, screen protection after service on my R400 was excellent with its mg roll cage, newer Thinkpads lack this feature, unfortunately
-optional features that are not as common on mainstream laptops(ports, ultrabay)
-ability to replace everything without risking to void warranty for the most part
-availability of parts even when model is EOL and not sold anymore
-online support with drivers and related software
-trackpoint
-image, yes, it feels good knowing that youve chosen what experts been picking up for their labs, you know its not a toy, its a tool that should last

At first I was disappointed by build issues my initial R400 had+I expected it to be solid as rock, literally, it wasnt and IBM's service at first was poor. Ive learned my ways around laptops now(it was my first laptop besides EEE PC701) and know exactly what to look for and expect in laptop.

 

Where should he ask it then? In Acer forum, where noone owns a Thinkpad?

 

I dont get it.

This isnt a should I choose a thinkpad thread, it's why did you pick thinkpad. If someone didnt pick a thinkpad, they would not be in this section. Would it be more applicable to post this question in the Dell or Apple etc sections, where people obviously did not get a thinkpad?

 

I wasn't being too serious.

In my experience asking "Why did you pick X" is not a terribly productive way to get a fair comparison of any given set of products. True, it may expose some common themes (i.e. "owners of brand X like Foo more, while owners of brand Y enjoy the Bar"), but it doesn't tend to offer a very fair comparison, as few people in threads such as this tend to say something like "I picked X, because I thought (insert reason here), but boy did I screw that up!"

But, hey, what the hell, let's do this:

My reasons for choosing ThinkPads:

1) Standard, user-accessible hardware. I can order pretty much any part and replace it myself. That keeps the cost of maintenance lower than brands that have more user-hostile designs.

2) Excellent Linux compatibility. I don't run any proprietary software on my computers, so Linux and/or BSD support is important. ThinkPads are typically quite close to "reference" platforms, and usually have stellar Linux support (and sometimes have good BSD support.)

3) Business-friendly design. If I walk in to a meeting with something made of shiny plastic and glossy fake chrome, it doesn't leave a good impression.

4) Designed with business users in mind. It's the little things: no glossy screens, good keyboards, a sensible port layout, a VGA port, etc.

5) Function over form. Optical drives, extra ports and user-replaceable batteries sure don't play well with the "single piece of shiny metal" look. On the other hand, they help make the user experience not suck.

6) Consistent quality. There have been a few missteps throughout the brand's history, but since the early 90s ThinkPads have proven to be well-designed, well-engineered, and well-built machines. Lenovo's done a fantastic job of living up to that reputation. My expectations based on brand isn't one of my biggest considerations when purchasing a laptop, but it does play a role in my decision.

 

On the top of all these, being a visual minority was a factor for me.
I am surrounded by dozens of silver MBP.
I am not even sure whose is whose.
During meetings, they look at my black Thinkpad with terror.

 

Thinkpad is like the Batman of laptops!

 

While I agree for the most part, I had an m11x that wasnt bad in meetings. I certainly got looks the first time I brought it with the glowing green keyboard and blinking alien eyes. Once the effects are turned off its not bad, but definitely not proper in a business environment. They sorta understood as Im the IT/Geek for money, but I realized it was time to go back to the thinkpad...

LoL the best is when the starbucks is full of macbooks and I sit down next to one and some chuckle at my square black laptop. The laughs stop when Im not reaching for an outlet when they are, or when I accidentally drop my laptop and pick it up and get back to work as if nothing happened. Priceless.

 

Love the visual that comes with that observation.

One of the first things I do with a new PC is disable many of the sounds associated with various Windows functions; my least favorite, and the first to be blitzed, has always been the Start Up wav. That one though I do occasionally replace with another one, which you might not find appropriate in a corporate setting but I think fits in well with your observation; the breathing sound of Darth Vader....... 1x or 2x......

 

Drool. Can't wait to see what the successor to the W520 is and how it handles Battlefield 3.

 

I haven't tied it in high settings yet, though NotebookCheck says it'll still be very playable.

 

Because "apparently" this is a lenovo thinkpad forum. lol I seriously don't have deep reason, nor hidden agenda for making this thread.

 

I CAME. I SAW. I BOUGHT.

LENOVO ThinkPad, a computer like no other.


Regards,
-30-

 

So far, I've dropped my W520 five times, in ways that would have killed any consumer laptop (or seriously dented and/or killed a MBP). Still works, and absolutely no damage whatsoever.

...Except I'm missing the left-side hook from the top of my screen, so my lid only partly locks when I close it. No big deal, however.

 

After using my ThinkPad for about 2 months, it's hard to imagine going to anything else. I'm very happy with my T520.

 

Also, I love how my computer is more original than the MBPs and Dell business laptops that the super-majority of students buy at my university. Over here, the only other Thinkpads I've seen as some T60 and T61 models that some offices use as public computers (for example, the IT department uses them along with card readers to allow students to make an appointment).

 

Good to hear the W520 will still take it like a ThinkPad. I'm pampering this one after what I did to my T400 though.

There are indeed swaths of MBPs and MBAs here at my university too. Everything else pretty much has about the same number (SONYs, Dells, HPs, Toshibas, etc.). I've seen a few more ThinkPads than the rest, but maybe I'm just looking for them.

 

I recently went on a business trip, and all I saw were ThinkPads and Dell Latitudes in the airport. Serious business.

 

Last time I flew (summer '09), I saw a few Macbooks/MBPs (especially concentrated near the airport Starbucks, go figure) and a few Dell Insprions and Acer models near the gate at the Charlotte airport. I wasn't any better though since I was using my Toshiba Satellite L505 at the time, however.

 

My college has a program that sells Thinkpads to students in most degrees since 1998. (Most are the 14 inch T-series.) The awful things people do these laptops is enough to make you sick. An Ideapad wouldn't last a day in their hands....

 

I've seen some Lenovo 3000 series take quite a beating (not that I would own one) but they seem relatively better built than the bottom of the barrel stuff (though more expensive).

 

I bought Lenovo because it's a fast machine and well put together. I'm on my second. The first was a t61p and the second was a W520.
Performance and build which is synanmous with speed and quality were tantamount to me.
Renee

 

1. the trackpoint = it is easier on the hand to use when you can't use a normal wireless mouse (when your using it laying down or on your lap)
2. the keyboard and dedicated buttons.
3. the business level 3yr warranty for peace of mind.
4. the constant driver updates and lenovo thinkvantage tools.
5. may be thick and bulky; most business class laptops are so doesn't really matter.
6. the body is not glossy and fingerprint magnet.

 

1) I loved the Trackpoint since day 1. Definitely enjoy using it while on the go (and back on the desk in the dorm, I'll hook it up to the G9x).
2) I think that the most useful buttons (ignoring the left/right/middle click below the spacebar) are the back/forward buttons to the left/right of the up arrow key. It's nice to be able to press those instead of moving up tot he browser's back/forward buttons.
3) Hadn't used my 2yr TPP yet, but I might during winter break to replace one of the hooks on the top edge of the screen.
4) Thinkvantage is nice, especially the power management.
5) I never even noticed it lol. The W520 is about as thick as my old Toshiba Satellite L505, but it feels slightly lighter and surely feels much stronger and well-built, so whatever thickness is added to a business laptop is worth it imo.
6) Definitely a plus as well. Screen is still a little prone to them however (I tend to wipe off dust and particles with my fingers sometimes); screen cleaner easily takes care of this though.

 

1. Build quality - I've used every brand out there, owned Toshiba, HP, Dell and Lenovo. None compare to Lenovo.
2. Support - I've called both Toshiba and HP for support, it was crap compared to the U.S. based support in Atlanta for Lenovo.
3. Matte screens - My only glossy screen was a nightmare. An HP Win Vista tablet.
4. Ease of taking apart - Taken apart lots of laptops, none are as easy at the ThinkPad line and Lenovo makes the HMM very easy to follow.

My only problem is making up my mind on which model I want! Started with W520, then T420s and now I'm switching to the X220. If only I could afford them all

 

Definitely understand the feeling. When shopping for a new laptop, I first looked at the XPS 15, HP Envy 14, etc. Then heard about business laptops and decided between some HP Elitebooks (8440p/w, 8540p/w) and some Dell Latitudes/Vostros. Back in May, my old laptop finally died and wouldn't boot, so my search became a little more urgent. Was recommended to the Thinkpad line, so I checked out the same models (X220, T420, W520, T520) and the Elitebooks and Dell Precision M4600. HP went down the drain for me due to weight, battery life, and expense (and later, HP's troubles shot up...again), Dell had the same battery problem (with the FirePro not having Optimus), and I learned about the T420 series. I wanted to game as well as travel, so battery life/screen size/power were my priorities (and also toughness, but that's why I looked into the business line ). Finally ended up with the W520 nine days after the death of my old laptop due to the toughness, 7-8hr battery life, 1080p display quality (for a TN panel), and the keyboard. I can't stand island keyboards, nor the 'hybrid' sytle on the Elitebooks and Precision lines (where the base of the key was like the traditional style, but the tops were spaced out like an island keyboard).

Ideally, I'd have a W520 and a X220 or X120e, but seeing as I already spend nearly $2000-$2100 on my W520 with the laptop purchase + upgrades, it wouldn't have been smart financially, and with the W520's battery life, wouldn't make much practical sense either for me.

 

I have no problem with that. Buy a fully packed T61p equivalent or better.
Renee

 

I also love the fingerprint reader. While not unique to Thinkpads, my laptop is the only one that I know of in campus which can log in without revealing my password to peekers

 

I have had a few other notebooks in the past, but I really do prefer the Thinkpad line now.

I have owned Asus notebooks, HPs, Toshiba's and a couple older model Dells.

I prefer matte plastics, the trackpoint and having a lid latch.

Most other laptops now are mainstream designed and stuff. I'm not into the flashy plastics, bright colors and most of the "features" they tout as being necessary.

I first used a Thinkpad in highschool, an old pentium II model, but it was nice and did what it was supposed to. I bought an X40 about 3 or 4 years ago and have been a Thinkpad user ever since.

I now have a T400s and an X120e and they're great notebooks.