Would you buy a Lenovo notebook again?

Hi all,

I have been lurking a while here, and so this is my first post.

I own a 2.5y.o. ThinkPad X61 running Windows Vista. I really liked the notebook at the beginning, especially the form factor and the build quality. However, I had two major annoyances with it: the battery capacity was diminished significantly after just a few months and the WiFi started making trouble. Of course I replaced the battery, but the second one was even more short-lived. My WiFi problems only started after a while. I am unable to connect to certain networks in particular when they're public hotspots. Connecting to private networks (where just a few or no other computers are connected) is usually no problem. Often connections drop no matter where I connect to. The troubles seemed to stem from driver updates, but rolling back the drivers did not solve the problem completely.

My point is that I paid a significant amount of money for this notebook (I customized it and later added more RAM) and use it for business. The two most important features I need (besides the light weight) are WiFi and the battery life time.

I've used Acer notebooks before and never had any of these troubles.

Bearing all this in mind, would you buy Lenovo again?

Thanks for your opinion!

Ben

 

It's always hard to draw general conclusions from individual experiences, and I can definitely understand and support changing brands after a bad experience, but personally I'd choose a Lenovo Thinkpad over an Acer any day for a business notebook. If I was looking at an alternative to a Lenovo, budget permitting, I'd look at the HP or Dell business lines, like an Elitebook or a Latitude.

 

In a heartbeat. Only the "real" ThinkPads.

 

I would agree wholeheartedly on that point. Every ThinkPad I've owned has been rock solid. I wouldn't stick with them blindly either, but until someone makes something more compelling for my usage, I'd stick with them.

That's the reason I also almost never update unless there's a problem. There's any number of cause for your WiFi ills, some of which are probably beyond Lenovo's control.

 

I would buy Lenovo again, based on my positive experiences. I would not buy an Acer again, based on negative experience - so I would guess the "individual experiences thing" does apply to me too

I currently own two ThinkPads. I am very satisfied with both. They are excellent machines, rock solid and the provided support has been great so far (which would mostly mean drivers and software, because I had no problems with them ... *knock on wood*).

I have also used other Lenovo notebooks - including consumer notebooks. I have been always satisfied with every one of them, and recommend the brand to others. But, given my own experience with Acer, I do understand that a negative experience can be a big reason to move away from a given brand of products

 

If I had to buy "business class" notebook then I would look at price-performance-features-battery life ratio and get best bang for the buck that I would like the most, at the moment it could be ThinkPad, Elitebook or Latitude/Precision.
Its just that ThinkPad filled the bill in price, performance, battery life, noise and visual design, thats why I bought it. That and also I was eyeing ThinkPads for some while.

If I had to choose budget laptop then at the moment it could be either Lenovo B/G series or HP G series.

 

I have no hesitation buying another Lenovo ThinkPad. The brand have been good to me over the years, the fact i'm still using a 4 year old T61 today is a testament to that.

I used other brands in between such as HP-Compaq, Fujitsu, Sony, Acer, Toshiba, Dell and I always comeback to Lenovo ThinkPads in the end. For sure, visually they may not be the most exciting machines on the block but it does what I need them to do. Beyond the black retro appearance is what really counts, the balance of usability, robustness and ergonomics is spot on with the ThinkPad, it's such a shame that some people overlook this because of the appearance alone.

On other brands I seem to find the odd flaws that hinder my enjoyment on using those machines (HP-Compaq/Dell = Trackpoint don't feel comfortable to use, Acer = Questionable build quality, Toshiba = Poor Ergonomics, Sony = Poor long term driver support etc). So overall until the competition clicks, my next notebook is still indeed a Lenovo ThinkPad.

 

A brand might imply a certain reputation, or it might deteriorate over time. ThinkPad quality level has not been maintained consistently. There are not many things that set ThinkPads completely apart from the competition, especially when the upgrade cycle is around 3 years. There used to be a saying "You can't be fired buying IBM." This was true: you bought "IBM" and not a product. With laptop purchases for individual use, you're on your own, whether you purchase a Lenovo or an Acer.

A new notebook purchase requires research for a product that meets your particular needs and considerations, on a case-by-case basis. A replacement for a T60 may not automatically be a T510. Windows has indeed leveled the playing field: switching from a ThinkPad to, say, a Latitude inflicts no pain in terms of software compatibility. I recently purchased an HP because this one model offers certain features that its "equivalents" by Lenovo and Dell do not. I bought a Dell and a Mac for my two children in college for two different sets of considerations.

Disclosure: I've used various IBM ThinkPads in the past and am using a T510 and an X201 by Lenovo.

 

I would never ever buy a lenovo product again, because they stuff up my warranty entitlement and after a million calls and emails, They just don't bother fix my problem. lenovo is an organisation run by criminals.

 

Its unlikely that I would buy a Lenovo again, but yes, I would definitely buy a ThinkPad!!!

 

I'm sure I would, especially an X series...but I'd have a hard time buying any of the current T or W series. I'd have absolutely no desire to buy any of their other models.

HP's got better docking stations (a bay for my DVD drive), and the EliteBook I'm on now feels like one of the old T2x and T4x tanks. They're offering IPS screens on the 15 and 17" models. The use of aluminum gives a better feeling than the plastic, but weighs more. If only they had as good a keyboard, it'd be a clean sweep.

My W510 I bought a year ago got sent back for CPU squeal, and every T510 I've used since has been met with the same disappointment. It feels like such a step down from its predecessor, build quality wise.

I love my X201...the only change I'd have preferred to have seen is a 1400x900 resolution.

 

+1 / Are you practising law?

Yeah, that. And better contrast.

 

Why is that? Is it because the time it took to get your machine replaced?

 

I have no complaints about my current thinkpad. With that said I will be looking at alternatives when I go to buy my next laptop in a couple of years. Simply because I want the best bang for my buck and in two years thinkpads may not fit that role.

 

@kaso....

Well, in part, yes. But also, and more importantly, because I have handled a few of the Lenovo models that are available in my neck of the woods and they have not compared favorably vis-a-vis my R400 or the X20x and T4xx that I have handled. I have not found any significant differences between a Lenovo machine (like, say, the IdeaPad V460) and an equivalent machine from Dell or HP. I should also mention that I have not handled or even seen in person any of the Dell or HP equivalents of the ThinkPad (like, say, the Elitebook).

And, lastly, and this is even more subjective than what I mentioned above, I like - really like! - the looks, shape, design of the ThinkPad. I like them particularly in the 12" and 14" sizes. Lenovo's non-Thinkpad machines don't share any design features with the ThinkPad.

So, that's why ThinkPads but not Lenovos. (Btw, seems unnecessary, but I will mention it: I do know that Lenovo owns the ThinkPad brand! )

Cheers!

 

@lineS_of_flight: When you mentioned non-ThinkPad, I thought you would include the Edge models. The ThinkPad aspects that you "like - really like!" are not present in the Edge notebooks.

You made a keen observation regarding the 12" and 14" ThinkPads. The X201, especially its keyboard, has a classic feel. The T410s (slim) reminds me of what T41, T42 and T43 used to be (and what ThinkPads ought to be): slim. With all due respect to your own R400, I'd say most T models today should be labeled and sold as R.

 

Sure, I would include the Edge models. But the fact remains that aside from pictures, I have not seen it in person and have not handled it.

Agreed on the "classic feel" of the 12" and 14" ThinkPads.

Hey! my R400 is - touchwood - excellent! While I began my ownership of it with creaks, groans and a flexing keyboard, it was replaced with a new machine, which was and remains perfect. In fact, the keyboard from the new machine was also replaced - even before it was powered on - with the specific keyboard that I had requested - all this without charge. In fact, I think that my particular R400 is even better in build quality that some of the T4xx machines that I have seen and handled.

 

I hear you! (The palmrest on my "premium" T510 still creaks/squeaks. But I won't ask Lenovo to "fix" it lest something else gets damaged.)

 

NEC Thinkpad?

For employees, family, and friends, unless they request a different model, I buy them Thinkpads. I have had "less problems" with this brand then any other. We were using Dells awhile back, and the problems with drivers, cracked top covers, and failed hinges drove me CRAZY. Our current fleet of lappys has a few that are toshiba, acer, and sony. With my daughter uses a Dell at the moment. Very often these come back and I get to tell them "SEE WHY" or "THIS I DID NOT RECOMMEND" when they have a problem.

So, unless another company makes a more sturdy, problem free lappy that is priced competitively as the Thinkpad. No change for us.

FYI: Our servers and desktops are not Lenovo. Not a fan of the product.

 

I won't be waiting that long. I will be getting a nicely spec'ed x201 in a couple of months. As of now, personally, I think the x201 still represents the "best bang for my buck".

 

I would buy another Thinkpad although probably not for another 4-5 years. That's what I'm hoping to get out of my T410 I purchased last April. As for alternate brands, I would highly consider HP's Elitebook series.

 

I love my y460 and my old T61. But my x100e has given me nothing but problems. I would, just not any "cheap" Lenovos. BTW that Edge 220s looks so sexy.

 

I do not look for "bang for the buck", instead I look for a worthwhile machine.
I'd definitely buy a T series machine BUT I'm not ruling out other machines Like HP or Dell, Not "business" machines (as I and others have noted, "business" is marketing hype) but solid, reliable performers.

Renee

 

I believe "bang for the buck" includes being well built and long lasting as well, at least to me, I dont buy things to replace them as soon as it starts to show signs of use and wear off its "new" status.

 

I see what you are saying, Veer. But I see way too many people including dollars in their equations. I will not be influenced by dollars. The buck is not to be considered, computing is.

Renee

 

But not everyone can afford to buy machine they want when they need it, so some are left with buying best offer they can find and upgrade later on.
Thats why I bought R400, I just knew that I might as well wait for the next big thing every following refresh+wasnt sure I have the money for X series and neither I wanted to wait for months to save up so I simply pulled the trigger on best deal on ThinkPads I could find and for 520$ it was great laptop, except for me getting a lemon.
I do hope my replacement T410 to last 5+ years (got it as replacement machine due to R400 issues).

 

Would you buy a Lenovo notebook again?
So far I've used/owned three thinkpads, x40, x61s, T60. I would definitely buy another Thinkpad. But I always keep an eye on what the other brands are doing, and if If I saw another notebook that had the quality and features at a good price I'd consider it. But I am very partial to Thinkpads now, I still use my x40 after 5 years, I can't think of any other brand that could compete with that.

My major gripe with thinkpads though is the screen quality. It's a mystery to me why thinkpads can't get screens with high contrast, high resolution, and wide viewing angles. Now it looks like Apple's iPad2 will have a screen resolution of 2048 x 1536 on a 10" screen. Makes it all the more difficult to accept Thinpad's poor screens.

iPad 2 Retina Display evidence mounts, this time a .png of wood is to blame -- Engadget

The other features I'd like to see on my next thinkpad are USB3.0, display port (with audio), UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, replacement for the bios, it decreases startup time by 5-10 seconds), thin and light design. Intel's 310 SSD would be nice too.
Intel's mSATA SSD 310 reviewed: a pint-size performer through and through -- Engadget

But now that Microsoft announced that Windows8 is coming to Arm in 2012, I might just have to wait till then and see what develops. A notebook with no fan is very appealing.

 

I've used my T61p for 3 years now and it hasn't caused any serious problems. It runs a little warm to my standards and I guess I'm paranoid cause of the nVidia chip defect. I would NOT buy a Lenovo again b/c of Lenovo's denial to the whole problem.

 

WiFi
Take a look at the readme.txt files for the following software/drivers. Updating might help your wifi. Make sure to install any other required software listed in the readme.txt.
- wireless card driver
- access connections - do you use this?
- power manager driver
- power manager

Maybe udpate the BIOS. There is some risk with doing a BIOS update though. I've only done it once so do so at your own risk. If you do ensure that your BIOS password and harddrive password are turned off, read the readme.txt for the bios udpate.


Battery
- Take a look at your power manager settings. On my I use lowest power setting on things like CPU. Keeps the system running cooler.
- On BIOS version 2.19 I see "Added PCI Express Power Management disabling capability in BIOS setup." I wonder if turned that power off would help your battery.
- You mentioned you bought a new battery. Did you buy it from Lenovo? If you have the old battery you could send it to We refill recell re-cell your laptop battery . They carge $80 to refill your battery. I've never used them though so I can't speak first hand.

A clean install of windows7 might help. Can't say for sure though.

 

Veer:"But not everyone can afford to buy machine they want when they need it, so some are left with buying best offer they can find and upgrade later on."

Well there's several problems there. 1.) Thinkpads are not suuposed to be for people who have budgetary cosiderations. 2.) Because of "the market", I cannot be assured of having a 'good' machine. It seems that people are settling for "it'll do".

All I want is a good machine. It seems as if they are no longer available. People who can't afford Thinkpads are not my problem. Finding a good machine is.

Renee

 

That's a very interesting statement. It suggests, among other things, that "bang for the buck" does not include the expectation and experience of "worthwhileness".

I would have thought that the phrase "bang for the buck" meant a price/ performance (including quality of build) equilibrium (such as is possible in "real life"), which could be expressed in terms of worthwhileness and other quantitative and qualitative measures. Naturally, individual buyers will determine where this point of equilibrium lies for themselves. In other words, your "bang for the buck" may not (and most likely will not) be the same as my "bang for the buck". It could be similar though.

All meant in jest!

In this connection, you know what is so weird and sometimes disorienting to me? If I did not chance upon the R400 at a serious discount (I simply got lucky), I would have bought a T400. We are talking of matters as they stood about a year back. The then cost of the T400 - at my location - was more than the average price of a similarly spec'ed T400 from the Lenovo website (not the Outlet) in the US. The story is the same today. A x201 at my end costs considerably more than an exactly spec'ed x201 in the US. And, if you throw in the coupons available, then the difference in costs are even more stark. One of the reasons, I avoid looking at the US Lenovo site and reading posts about discount coupons here on NBR!

 

Lenovo has best support and repair rate in NA
I'd buy other one, if I need a business class notebook for work

 

Been lurking for awhile but thought I'd chime again after a 2+ year hiatus.

The Ideapad U330 that I've reviewed below has treated me very well. Even though I dropped from a height of 5 ft onto a cement floor, resulting in cosmetic damage in the form of a hinge crack, it still has been working strong. Other than an upgrade to Windows 7, it is still in the stock configuration with no hardware upgrades. The only thing I'd want to replace is the battery, which has Sanyo cells at 84.2% wear right now (8.6Whr/56Whr).

Ideapad software and driver support has been a hit and miss for Lenovo. Only three issues were resolved over the life of this notebook - 1) Muting the boot-up jingle 2) New BIOS to support hybrid graphics under Windows 7 3) And more recently a resolution just last December to address the issue where both integrated and discrete graphics would remain on after booting up from hibernation.

With all that said, would I buy a Lenovo again? Yes. But I'll make it a Thinkpad this time for the supposedly more robust build quality and continuous driver/software support.

 

this is getting a little OT, but the rumors of the the ipad2 retina display have been basically squashed. The cost of a 10" display with a resolution better than most 22" monitors would be astronomical.

I totally agree with what you're saying about notebook displays though. In general, they suck. It seems like every manufacturer goes for the cheapest solution and doesn't even bother trying to offer better options.

 

"I would have thought that the phrase "bang for the buck" meant a price/ performance"

It's not because I am rich. It must have to do with the fact that I refuse to include dollars in the equation for good computing. I believe in choosing the computer that you want and then finding how much you have to pay for it. Definately the computer comes before dollars.

Once again "price\performance" has "price" in it.

Renee

 

I would defiantly buy another Thinkpad again ! (Regardless of who makes them). I've been nothing but 100% satisfied with my T61 for the past 3 years I've had it. So much so, I bought it a brand new smaller brother, the X301 last November to keep it company

My next Thinkpad will be in another 2-3 years, but if my T61 craps out (which, I'm hoping she'll keep going knock on wood) I'd go for a W7XX. Being I use my T61 for a desktop replacement, I'd rather just get the "mother of all Thinkpads", the 17 incher

 

To answer the question on the subject line of this thread, absolutely. I am very happy with the reliability of the ThinkPads I've used for work, and recommended or purchased for family members. No reservations at all buying another one.

I cannot say that for Dell or HP. Never had an ASUS, Acer, Sony or Samsung but I'm interested in the new Sammy 9 Series.

 

In response to the central question, yes. I'm watching the new Thinkpad X120e closely, as well as the Thinkpad X-series tablet. The dilemma is whether to get a nice, portable supplement to my T500, or a new portable primary machine (which I would definitely wait a bit longer before getting, as my T500 is doing just fine).

 

If you're going to spend $500-600 for a new X120e, why not spend the same for a used or refurbed X20x machine then do the AFFS mod. It's faster and more durable with a better screen. I'm guessing the new tablets are going to be expensive when they're released. Plus they'll be 16:9 if you care. The flip side on your T500 is longer you wait, the less you get for it if you want to sell it.

 

MidnightSun,

I went with the portable supplement, and got myself an X201i last year to go with the T500 (which is doing just fine, also). I am very happy with my decision, except I found myself using the T500 less and less

In the future I will most definitely have to re-evalute the situation if I need two machines. Your idea of a portable primary machine might be the way to go.

 

X20x for on-the-go/around the house and docking station + external monitor as a desktop solution. The best of both worlds in one machine.

 

the answer is yes. Next one most likely the X120e depending how it is.

 

I think without a doubt I would but an x or t series. that is it... I really like the way my x301 has held up.

 

I bought a Lenovo n100 years ago, it broke a few times, had a good warranty on it so it was never a big deal. Ever since then I have wished that I would have bought another. I am going to pick up a x120e when they drop, finally!

 

What is the AFFS mod ?

 

True, if I were to spend $500-600 on the X120e

If I were to get one, I would be waiting for them to appear in the Lenovo Outlet in the upper $200 range, as the dual-core X100e did at one point. Also, I probably will not be reselling my T500 - it's a great laptop, and I have plenty of other uses for it.

That is my thought exactly. I cannot imagine fully utilizing two computers, so my reasoning is, why not just get an X-series tablet as my primary machine? Only downside is, I do occasionally do some things that require a discrete graphics card, and I'm kind of reluctant to set up an ExpressCard external GPU system.

Plenty of threads on this--Zephir and ZaZ have two very comprehensive threads on this screen mod.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/472991-its-alive-its-alive-muahahaha.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/len...s-x200affs-x200-equipped-flexview-screen.html

 

"What is the AFFS mod ?"

I think it's the high resolution screen for Thinkpads.

Renee

 

no, it's the same resolution.   please read the two links in midnightsun's answer to this question immediately above your post.

AFFS = advanced fringe field switching.   it's a higher-quality version of IPS (in-plane switching) and provides better viewing angles and color quality.   resolution is completely independent of a display's construction technology (TN, PVA, IPS, S-IPS, H-IPS, AFFS, AFFS+, etc.).

 

I find the ViDock system might just be the solution for the discrete card requirement, there just seems to be some issues with it. If it gets stabilized, it might be something I consider. But it is not there yet.

Other than that, the Sandy Bridge Intel integrated graphics should provide nice performance - we will have to wait for some benchmarks to see exactly how good. Somewhere I read it might be even close to what the ATI 3650 provides in the T500 - although I am a bit skeptical about it.

AMD XGP - formerly ATI XGP - was something I was so much looking forward to. The concept is similar to the ViDock, but the implementation seems to be better (designed for just the thing, while the ViDock or more of a hack IMHO).

Too bad not many notebooks - and certainly not ThinkPads - have the PCI Express 2.0 external connector to connect this one. Otherwise an X series ThinkPad coupled with this would be the ideal solution - at least for me.

 

Most likely another ThinkPad. But not for another 4-5 years.