lenovo v100, some concerns

I was in the stores today and found the lenovo 3000 v100, I was wondering what do you guys think of it? Anyone had experience with it?
I've read NBR's review and other ones online, but I would like some input from you guys.

The salesman at the store said it was C2D 1.6ghz , but from the review turns out to be just Core Duo. So there's a big difference I guess, and kinda weak, therefore not worth it?

Also, Fast Ethernet and not the usual Gigabit?? Any difference?

And yes, crappy battery, again review says 3-cell and the salesman said 4-cell . (...***..)


I already have a desktop for everything, I need a laptop for Office 2007, presentations, normal use, and maybe some photoshop.

 

I owned one.

If it is cheap, then it would be worth considering. It definitely falls short of the regular thinkpad quality and IMO is only on par with other mainstream notebook manufacturer's consumer lines like the Dell Inspirons. It's only saving graces are a descent keyboard and some thinkvantage software (if you like that). Battery life is only mediocre, support is poor (there is not a v-series community to speak of), and my experience with updated drivers from Lenovo was poor.

That sounds like a bad review maybe, but the key question is: how much does it cost? If you can get it for cheap, then it is worth considering.

 

Well, I needed something small, I was considering the Vaio SZ75, which was expensive but almost had no choice until I ran into this lenovo. (huge difference bt the two laptops, I know).
For the price, it's like I'll be paying 60% less of the price of the mentioned vaio.

But now I won't be able to get new drivers for the laptop?
It's almost 3 yrs old (2006), would it handle 3-4 yrs of use?

The battery sucks, 3 or 4 cell, thus I'll have to buy a 6-cell battery.

You said you owned one, what happened to it and why you changed it?

 

wow, these people hated that thing!!



...worries..

 

Well the v-series notebooks are discontinued so I wouldn't count on stellar support. Of course the regular drivers (video etc) should be no problem to update. The problems I had were with the bluetooth and webcam. Neither worked right and it seemed that Lenovo didn't care about releasing proper drivers for them.

You are right - the notebook is coming on 3 years old now - I personally wouldn't want it if I needed to use it for the next 3-4 years.

Note: the v100 isn't especially small even though it is a 12.1" screen. It is rather large in every dimension despite the small screen size. It is also rather heavy for a 12.1" notebook. It is definitely not an "ultraportable" like the x-series thinkpad.

I would recommend getting a more recently released ultraportable like the X61 or X61s. They are easily available for around $800 now. A much better option.

How much is the v100?

 

Well, I'm not in NA so online purchase won't be possible. The v100 with the regular 3-cell battery costs around $808.5.

I was thinking lately to disregard the v100 since it's 3 yrs and I need one for 3-4 years. A 13.3" is what I'm originally looking for...

The x61 don't have a DVDRW integrated, so I can't have that.

Any other Thinkpad alternatives that are 13.3", light weight, and NOT expensive??

I really want to try a Thinkpad, I digg the rugged look, however, if I can't find any I'll have to cash out and get a Vaio SZ. (paying too much just for the name and "style"....stupid)

 

I might end up get the lenovo v100.
Any further comments?

Appreciated.

 

oh god really don't do it i have a V100 and it has nothing but trouble for me.
the bluetooth gave up it's ghost for no reason.
and the wi-fi doesn't work with only AC Power
horrible driver support causes tons of crashes.