Now I need to know about LG, please

ok, after almost (85%) convincing myself the Thinkpad was the better choice for me over the Fujitsu S series, out of curiousity I decide to view this little forum. Big mistake for me. Now, I need to know more about LG. Fortunately, I'm Canadian so it will be easier for me to get than if I was US based. Their battery life amazes me and that is one of the important criteria for me.

On with the questions:

How is LGs customer/service/support/troubleshooting?

What does their warranty cover (maybe I'm blind but I didn't see them say anything about warranty on their website?)

Do they have a warranty that covers accidents (like IBMs thinkpad protection).

Are all LG notebooks/tablets built with magnesium?

What is their HD speed?

What are their LCDs like, in comparison to the Samsung Syncmaster 710N. I use that at home so it will give me some point of reference? (I'm not sure if I'm goiing to like glare or reflection). I'd like to be able to go outside and use it on a sunny day.

WHy are there very few reviews on LG notebooks? Is it because they are relatively new? Or is it because they are relatively obscure stateside?

anyone have any experience with their tablet PC? I'd like to know about it's build quality and performance?

Is their premium series considered their best model in terms of performance and build? (obviously, premuim would indicate so but that could just be for advertising).

I think I'll have more questions as I look more into LG. Hopefully I won't bother you all too much. Thanks.

edit: oh yeah, might as well say what I am looking for.

I'm looking for a combination of light weight and performance. I need a very good, strong, durable build as I will carry it everywhere (hence an accident warranty is a huge plus). Games, I don't game on my PC, but I will watch the occasional movie (DVD or .AVI). Battery life, is a huge plus. Will need it for occasional data analysis, graphs, powerpoint, internet, word processing (sometimes lots of word processing).

Looks aren't a big deal, but the fact that I haven't jumped on the Thinkpad yet, means it does matter to me, even if just a little bit. A professional look is s must though.

I would prefer it doesn't get to hot and stay relatively quiet. I'd like this to last me atleast 3 years.

thanks again.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Doleco

 

How is LGs customer/service/support/troubleshooting?
I had an experience with this where there was a slight asthetic defect with the casing... They dealt with it very quickly, 4 day turnaround (including shipping time across the country) and paid for shipping both ways. They just told me to send it in and said they would send it back the next day, fixed - and they did. I would give these guys a gold star for customer support, but I only have my own experience to go on.


What does their warranty cover / Do they have a warranty that covers accidents
I don't have the card here, but it's a pretty basic and clear warranty card, no real fine print - the disclaimers are for stuff like user-abuse they won't cover. It appears for anything else that breaks under warranty peroid, they fix. To answer your next question, I have no idea if they have user-abuse warranties

What is the screen like.,...
I can't compare to the syncmaster, since I don't have one - but I love the screen on my LM50. Very bright, and perhaps more importantly, razor sharp. I don't know what the new glossy screens are like, but they are probably better suited to outdoor use.


i believe the rest of the questions were already answered, so I won't bother re-iterating

From what I understand, LG is the primary manufacturer of the thinkpads for IBM, or at least the T series.. so while the LG branded notebooks are new, they are definitly not new to the industry, they have been making notebooks for over 8 years.

They are sure ramping up their brand name this year though, I would expect to see a lot more about LG once they start marketing in the USA


In terms of heat and noise, I found my LM50 to be pretty warm when I first got it, but I hadn't used a notebook for like 5 years, after using it for awhile (and maybe more importantly, using some other peoples notebooks for comparison) it doesn't seem that bad anymore... unless I'm blocking the vents while using it

but for noise, it's uber quiet - they make extensive use of heat piping to keep fan activity to a minimum.

If you want it to last 3 years, go with the premium and you'll get the 3 year warranty

--
LG LM50 / Dothan 745
jerrett.net

 

thanks for the answers. I'm really hoping I'll be able to find a demo as I'd like to see the keyboard and see how hot the system gets.

So are the LM60/70 going to replace the LM40/50? Other than screen size what is the difference between the 40/50 (or 60/70)

Modifried, where did you buy your LG? (as I am located in BC also.)

what's the build quality like on the premium models? Does the LCD have any flex (ie when you touch the back of the LCD you can see ripples or you can bend the LCD)? Is there any keyboard flex present?

thanks again for the help and answers. [ ]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Doleco

 

Oh, as for finding a demo..

Are you in the lower mainland? If so, NCIX sells LG notebooks. I don't think they have the Express series in yet, but you might be able to stop by one of their stores and ask to check out the LM50. They have a store in Burnaby, one in Richmond, and one in Vancouver.

http://www.ncix.com

 

cool, I'll check NCIX. That's where I buy my PC parts.

ok, LG has this battery miser program will it get annoying when watching movies? I read on their example that if the keyboard is not in use it will dim the screen. I think that could get annoying.

also, which models will get the glossy screen treatment? I'm definitely going to get a 14.1" screen if I go LG.

Thanks again.

I think I'm on my final decision making process. It will be between Fujitsu or LG. So a may need to ask a few more questions. Thanks.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Doleco

 

In addition to my other questions about build, where are the heating vents located on the LM series?

The Fujitsu has heating vents everywhere. I have some concern that I have to place my laptop a certain way, if I don't want it to get hot.


Thanks again, again [ ]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Doleco

 

Well went to compusmart as they had demos of the LM40 and LU20. I was impressed. Personally, the LM40 didn't look as good in person but the LU20 was nice. I may pick up the LT20 model in the future.

So my impressions of the LM40:

I doesn't get hot, but it does get warm. It is very quiet. Keyboard build is very good. The LCD build could have been a bit stronger. I think to shave off some weight, LG thinned it out a little. So while still backed with mg alloy, there is a little bit of flex and ripples that can occur at the edges.

Anyone who picks up the LM series won't be disappointed (but you may not be totally wowed). They are a bit on the big side (maybe a little heavy to my liking).

Thing I didn't like, it's just a personal preference, is their logo on the notebook. It's not very subtle but made me feel like I was going to buy a fridge.

I'll examine them again once the refresh happens.