Miscellaneous laptop discussions : New laptop purchase - IBM vs. the others - Input needed
New laptop purchase - IBM vs. the others - Input needed
by tr23 - 10/30/06 1:07 AMHello everyone,
I am purchasing a new laptop for my brother and his wife. Requirements are basic: light web surfing, downloading, DVD burner, Wi-Fi, and other features which are now pretty much standard. Thin and light machine and large screen size are preferred (although I realize the two don't go hand in hand).
I am considering the major notebook manufacturers and am looking to spend no more than $1500. I have used Dell machines in the past and am currently use an IBM X40 and am quite pleased with it. I have my specifications in mind but am trying to narrow it done to a particular manufacturer. Dells seem to have quite a few attractive deals, HPs are starting to look 'entertaining' in their new ADs and I believe that IBM & Toshiba machines are at the top in terms of build quality and reliability. Is this correct and can anyone compare the majors in terms of reliability and service?
I have a mixed experience with DELL in the past but don't know how things are with them now. IBM has been quite good. One repair took quite sometime as some parts were out of stock but I like how many replacement parts can be easily replaced by the user.
Other questions:
1. Has the acquisition of IBM PC division by Lenovo sacrificed Think Pad build quality or design in anyway?
2. Does build quality, reliability differ between the ThinkPad and Lenovo 3000 series?
I may be leaning towards IBM as I always believed they were the best in terms of build quality, reliability, and customer service, but things may have changed? If my requirements are basic home/office needs, should I consider another manufacturer?
Any input would be appreciated. – Thank you.
Stick with IBM/Levono. . .
by Coryphaeus - 10/30/06 3:53 AM In reply to: New laptop purchase - IBM vs. the others - Input needed by tr23I have. Their customer service is among the best and they do not bundle useless software.
Answers...
by Nooorm - 10/30/06 4:33 AM In reply to: New laptop purchase - IBM vs. the others - Input needed by tr23...to your Other questions:
1. Has the acquisition of IBM PC division by Lenovo sacrificed Think Pad build quality or design in anyway?
>>>Nope. All the PC design guys from IBM are now working for Lenovo. There been no design or quality degradation of the Thinkpad now that it's a Lenovo.
2. Does build quality, reliability differ between the ThinkPad and Lenovo 3000 series?
>>>I don't think there are any reliability differences, but the build quality is not the same...intentional. The L3K line is intended as a more economical line, that does not have some of the high end design features found in Thinkpad.
Are you staying with the Thinkpad or looking at the N100?
by R. Proffitt
- 10/30/06 5:57 AM
In reply to: New laptop purchase - IBM vs. the others - Input needed by tr23
http://reviews.cnet.com/Lenovo_3000_N100/4505-3121_7-31756411.html
A local chain had that unit with Core 2 Duo, 512M RAM, dual layer DVD recorder, wifi and more for just $649. It's not a Thinkpad but something a few did look at or purchased.
So the answer depends on if you were to stick with the Thinkpad or look at their other laptops.
The review benchmarks were against machines twice the price so I say it did quite well.
Bob
Considering ThinkPad T60
by tr23 - 10/30/06 11:03 PM In reply to: Are you staying with the Thinkpad or looking at the N100? by R. Proffitt
As the title says I am actually considering the ThinkPad T60. The Lenovo N Series looks promising but considering what I am prepared to spend ($1200-$1500); the ThinkPad may be a better bet.
1. Has anyone who owned both a ThinkPad and Lenovo noticed a difference in terms of reliability, customer care, or service (either on-site or return to depot)?
2. I understand that build quality may be intentionally inferior in the Lenovo series and that it does not incorporate features proprietary to ThinkPads; are there any advantages to purchasing a model in the Lenovo 3000 series instead of ThinkPad? The machine will be used primarily for home/office use.
3. I have read that the audio output of the N100 is too soft. I am experiencing the same with my ThinkPad X40. I have also heard some negative remarks about the quality of the display and graphic capabilities of the T60 series and ThinkPads in general. Can anyone comment on the ThinkPad T60 in regards to these issues?
As I have said earlier, I may be somewhat partial to IBM but am willing to look into other computer manufacturers as well. Are machines from Toshiba, Sony, Dell, or Compaq/HP worth a look?
Budget: $1200-$1500
Requirements: Fastest Processor currently available
1GB – 2GB of Memory
14 inch – 15 inch Display
40 GB of HDD space should suffice
DVD Burner
Built in Wi-Fi
Windows XP Professional
MS Office Small Business
I like machines which are innovative and incorporate useful (although non-essential features). Other features which are not necessary but would be nice include: Bluetooth, Fingerprint Reader, and a Built in Camera and/or Webcam.
I'd buy a T60 in a New York minute. Better keyboard,
by togus - 10/31/06 12:09 PM In reply to: Considering ThinkPad T60 by tr23superior build quality, toughest case IBM/Lenovo makes. A 14 inch T60 will be my next machine.
T-60, good for me?
by texnavydoc - 12/15/06 11:04 PM In reply to: I'd buy a T60 in a New York minute. Better keyboard, by togusI am a Navy Reserve Doctor with the Marines. I am considering the T-60 because it is supposed to be rugged. I have polled 5 IBM employees here in Austin and they all have one. It must be their "issue" laptop. Anyone with experience here, please? It doesn't have to be dirtproof, just sturdy and reliable.
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