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    Why different monitors and keyboards?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ed_h, Jul 21, 2008.

  1. ed_h

    ed_h Notebook Consultant

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    Why are some T-series put together with ALPS keyboards and others have Chinco or NMB? Why don't they use the same keyboard? :confused:

    Similarly, why have LG/Phillips and Samsung monitors? Why not use the same monitor make? :confused:
     
    ed_h, Jul 21, 2008
    #1
  2. Mikelx215

    Mikelx215 Notebook Evangelist

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    Probably because they're unable to fulfill the demand for their laptops with just one screen/keyboard manufacturer.

    Makes sense to me.
     
    Mikelx215, Jul 21, 2008
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  3. TaiLzx

    TaiLzx Notebook Guru

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    are the keyboards the same in build and stuff?
     
    TaiLzx, Jul 21, 2008
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  4. ed_h

    ed_h Notebook Consultant

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    Unfortunately not. The Chicony keyboards are more clicky and noisier when typing. The other ones are softer and much quieter.
     
    ed_h, Jul 22, 2008
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  5. Han Bao Quan

    Han Bao Quan The Assassin

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    While there are differences between keyboards, they still have the same "thinkpad keyboard" quality, which is the best of the industry. I have both NMB and ALPS, not much of a different.

    As for screens, it's a different story.
     
    Han Bao Quan, Jul 22, 2008
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  6. ed_h

    ed_h Notebook Consultant

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    There is definitely a difference between the Chicony keyboard and the NMB/ALPS ones.

    How does Lenovo determine which machine gets which keyboard and monitor brand? Or is it random?
     
    ed_h, Jul 22, 2008
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  7. czhang

    czhang Notebook Consultant

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    Its just random. I suspect when they receive them they get mixed with each other.
     
    czhang, Jul 22, 2008
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  8. GoHokiesGo

    GoHokiesGo Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's most likely random. It's pretty common for manufacturers to use multiple companies for the same part. I used to work for Sony Ericsson as a design engineer, and they had multiple suppliers on a lot of their parts. Usually it's because the huge companies (Lenovo) require more parts than they have the capability to make. They're all required to pass the same standards and specs, although they may have small differences like some others noted.
     
    GoHokiesGo, Jul 22, 2008
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  9. elfroggo

    elfroggo Notebook Evangelist

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    It's just a better business to use multiple suppliers.

    If you only use only 1 supplier for a part:
    -The supplier may manipulate their prices and you can't do anything about it
    -The supplier may have production issues and unable to deliver
    -If there's a defect with a part, you're diversified so only a percentage of your products may have a problem
    -You can play different suppliers off each other for price and quality. "Hey, company A can sell me product Z at this cheaper price so unless you lower your prices, I'll just buy from them"
    -As mentioned before, oftentimes one supplier isn't able to provide the quantity that a manufacturer demands.
     
    elfroggo, Jul 22, 2008
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