Alright, so we didn't really expect the made-partially-of-post-consumer-content (PCC)
Lenovo L Series laptops to feel any different than past ThinkPads, but we did get a chance to play around with the recently announced 14- and 15-inch machines yesterday. The solid-feeling chassis is on the heavier end, though that's to be expected from this mainstream line which has built-in optical drives and discrete graphics options. While you may not be getting the svelteness of the
T Series, you do get that always-reliable ThinkPad quality -- the classic spill-resistant keys felt solid under our fingertips and the touchpad with its raised dots was equally satisfying. We're actually big fans of the smooth surface treatment they're using on the palmrest as well as the shortcut keys that flank both sides of the keyboard. Obviously, we didn't get a chance to test the battery life or performance in our short time with it, but our guess is those Core i3 and i5 processors won't disappoint spreadsheet and PowerPoint multitaskers. Shouldn't be long before these systems hit Lenovo.com in May, but in the meantime you have the pictures below to help you make a decision on this greener than grass business lappie.
posted April 22nd 2010 5:57PM
I own a Lenovo x200, and I can honestly say, best laptop I've ever owned in my life. (yes, better than my old Macbook White)
Keep up the good job
@kingofwale I owned two Thinkpad before, T30 and T60. Until recently, I bought a Macbook pro, which may be my worst investment ever~~
@kingofwale Use the x200t myself and would buy it again without question. Having had 2 Dell Latitudes, a consumer HP, 2 Thinkpads, and a MBP prior to this computer, I have to say that I will continue buying Thinkpads for the foreseeable future.
I only wish the x200t was available in a higher screen resolution. Would make it easier to run side-by-side windows while writing/coding.
Any sign of Optimus-like tech anytime soon?
@kingofwale
I would LOVE to try a thinkpad, but I use a MacBook because it's the cheapest. I'm not kidding, look:
$100 off a MacBook Pro for my educational discount
$200 from selling free iPod Touch during annual summer promotion
And because the depreciation is lower compared to other laptops, I just sell the old MacBook and end up with:
A new MacBook with another 1 year warranty for spending about $50 dollars out of my own pocket.
Great being a student!
@kingofwale Still the best, although users could use a little skinning of that thick bezel. Impressions-- http://j.mp/lenovo-thinkpad-l-impressions
I have always loved the "ALL BUSINESS, NO GAMES" look of the ThinkPads.
@SPENone
Me too. What would get stolen first, a colorful Dell or aluminum Macbook Pro, or this laptop, which looks like it was made in the late 90's? Probably the first two. Theft protection by way of blandness.
Are the plastic water bottle and stack of paper cups included with this green laptop?
Matte screen ftw!
@daniel80 +1
Thinkpads have THE BEST feel, performance, and reliability.
'nuff said
@abedinthehouse
I just wish the touchpad was bigger and wider.
@abedinthehouse
Use the nub man! You won't have to lift your hand.
i love thinkpads, although the placement of the LEDs/power button on this one is a bit perplexing. i much prefer the classic in-front style of my t60
I've always loved how Thinkpads have no-nonsense functionality and the performance to boot. It's stealthy and powerful. Like a stealth bomber! I'm having a hard decision to make for my next notebook. Sony Vaio Z or Lenovo Thinkpad T410...
Whyd they go backwards on the keyboard? They got it perfect for the T400s.
Do I see a magnetic latch? Can you get test if it works just as well the tried and tested slider?
*guys test if...
I wonder if it runs like garbage.
Love my 2007 T61, but it's getting a bit long in the tooth performance wise. I'll have to buy a new laptop soonish...and the only thing that will tempt me away from Thinkpad is the battery life MB Pros offer. Lenovo needs to get on that.
I wonder how this thing compares to the R400 that I'm typing on right now...
This makes me regret buying my Dell.
I'd love this if they didn't screw up the keyboard layout. The ones that've been in use for years and that are currently still on the main-line T series is awesome, but having the F keys way up there and the power button on the right is kind of a bad idea. Otherwise this is really nice for a budget laptop even given its thickness.
Good to see that they fixed the bevelled USB port issue on the SL series.
It's great to know that corporations are stepping up to the plate in terms of environmental responsibility.
Man, it seems really nice but it sure knows how to be ugly... just my personal taste.
Too bad these things look like the were designed in 1995.
@ArcticWolf There are certain people that are a mystery to me. Those that buy a sports car with automatic transmission, the Kardashians, and those that think Thinkpads are ugly.
Does the bios support switching the CTRL and FN keys?