Reviews

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T410

by ThinkPads on March 1, 2010

[singlepic id=260 h=450 float=center]

Quick Glance

Good: Every port & connectivity option imaginable, high performance, runs cool, great touchpad, improved battery design

Bad: Picky keyboard, fan runs often, no switchable graphics

SpecsLenovo ThinkPad T410
Processor
Intel Core i5-430M (2.26-2.53GHz)
OS
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
Memory
4GB DDR3
Graphics
NVIDIA NVS 3100M 256MB
Storage
320GB 7200rpm SATA
Display
14.1-inch WXGA+ LED backlit, 220 nits
Optical
DVD burner
Ports
5-in-1 card reader
4 USB 2.0 (one powered)
eSATA
DisplayPort & VGA output
Ethernet
IEEE Firewire 1394a (4-pin)
Smartcard Reader
Dimensions
13.2 x 9.4 x 1.1-1.3 inches
Weight
6-cell: 5.0lb, 9-cell 5.35lb
Price
$1494 as tested

[nggallery id=36]

[click to continue…]

{ 28 comments }

First Impressions: Lenovo ThinkPad T410

by ThinkPads on February 2, 2010

[singlepic id=171 w=550 float=center]

I recently received one of Lenovo’s new ThinkPad T410 models for review and wanted to share some of my first impressions of it with everyone.

If you haven’t already, give the other posts I have on the T410 a look over to find out what Lenovo changed with this new model. While the changes don’t sound like a lot, the T410 really does elevate the plain T4xx models to swiss-army-knife status with its plethora of ports, decent portability, high performance and capable battery life.

[nggallery id=20]

[click to continue…]

{ 5 comments }

Review: Lenovo IdeaPad U350

by ThinkPads on November 5, 2009

[singlepic id=153 w=600 float=center]

Quick Glance

Good: Thin & light, competitive price, HDMI output

Bad: Limited expansion, mediocre 4-cell battery life

[nggallery id=17]

SpecsIdeaPad U350
Processor
Intel Core 2 Solo U2700 (1.3GHz)
OS
Windows Vista Home Premium
Memory
4GB DDR3
Graphics
Intel GMA 4500MHD
Storage
320GB 5400rpm SATA
Display
13.3-inch WXGA (1280×800)LED backlit glossy; 200 nits
Optical
None
Ports
4-in-1 card reader3 USB 2.0

VGA, HDMI output

Ethernet

Dimensions
12.9 x 9 x 0.7-1.0 inches
Weight
4-cell: 3.52 lb
Price
$649 for Windows 7, SU4100, 8-cell model

[click to continue…]

{ 2 comments }

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad USB Keyboard

by ThinkPads on October 29, 2009

[singlepic id=142 w=600 float=center]

Today we have here Lenovo’s ThinkPad USB keyboard, their newest external keyboard. If you are familiar with the ThinkPad T400s, you know Lenovo messed with tradition and revamped the keyboard a little. The ThinkPad USB Keyboard replicates the T400s keyboard design in this slim external version.

The Esc and Del keys were doubled in length and the spacing between keys tightened up through the use of larger key caps. The key enlargement change was made due to research showing that those are the two most commonly used keys on the keyboard, while the larger key caps were instituted to reduce the amount of crumbs and other debris that finds its way under the keys.

[click to continue…]

{ 36 comments }

[singlepic id=134 w=600 float=center]

Quick Glance

Good: Amazing screen, dual-swivel screen hinge, good ergonomic design

Bad: A bit pricey, no capacitive touch with outdoor viewable display

[nggallery id=15]

SpecsThinkPad X200 Tablet
Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo L9600 (2.13GHz)
OS
Windows 7 Professional
Memory
2GB DDR3
Graphics
Intel GMA X4500
Storage
160GB 7200rpm SATA
Display
12.1-inch WXGA (1280×800)

LED backlit anti-reflective; 400 nits, IPS

Optical
None
Ports
5-in-1 card reader
3 USB 2.0
VGA output
Ethernet, Modem
ExpressCard/34 & 54
Dimensions
11.6 x 10.1 x 1-1.3 inches (8-cell)
Weight
8-cell: 3.88 lb
Price
Approximately $2100 MSRP from Lenovo.com

[click to continue…]

{ 3 comments }

Review: Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2 10-inch netbook

by ThinkPads on September 29, 2009

[singlepic id=115 w=600 float=center]

Quick Glance

Good: 3 USB 2.0 ports, good keyboard feel, improved size & layout

Bad: No dedicated Home/End keys, no expansion slot

The Rest: Just like every other netbook

[nggallery id=14]

SpecsIdeaPad S12
Processor
Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz)
OS
Windows XP Home
Memory
1GB DDR2
Graphics
Intel GMA 950
Storage
160GB 5400rpm SATA
Display
10.1-inch WSVGA (1024×600)

LED backlit glossy; 200 nits

Optical
None
Ports
4-in-1 card reader

3 USB 2.0

VGA output

Ethernet

Dimensions
10.2 x 7.6 x 0.7-1.8 inches (6-cell)
Weight
6-cell: 2.65 lb
Price
$349 as tested

[click to continue…]

{ 5 comments }

[nggallery id=13]

Lenovo sent me one of their new ThinkPad X200 tablets with the outdoor viewable screen to play with, and in bright sunlight the screen is the most vibrant and legible I’ve seen yet; with a couple caveats, unfortunately. I recently spent some time outside with it and my trusty ThinkPad T400 with standard WXGA screen (not the high brightness LCD), snapped a few pictures, and recorded a quick video.

Hit the jump for some more details, images, and my hands-on video.

[click to continue…]

{ 3 comments }

Lenovo ThinkPad T400s with multitouch display using SimpleTap

Who saw this one coming? A multitouch display, much less on a non-convertible notebook? Crazier things have been done, like wrapping a laptop in leather. To make use of the multitouch features, Lenovo loaded a mostly-final version of Windows 7 on the T400s multitouch (MT) along with a new ThinkVantage utility: SimpleTap. TrackPoint enthusiasts will appreciate the homage paid within this application. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

[click to continue…]

{ 20 comments }

Review: Lenovo IdeaPad S12 netbook

by ThinkPads on September 14, 2009

[singlepic id=98 w=600 float=center]

Quick Glance

The Good: ExpressCard/34 & 3 USB ports, good keyboard feel, available VIA Nano processor, NVIDIA Ion forthcoming

The Bad: Iffy touchpad, no dedicated Home/End keys

The Rest: Just like every other netbook

[nggallery id=12]

SpecsIdeaPad S12
Processor
Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz)
OS
Windows XP Home
Memory
1GB DDR2
Graphics
Intel GMA 950
Storage
160GB 5400rpm SATA
Display
12.1-inch WXGA (1280×800)

LED backlit glossy; 20 nits

Optical
None
Ports4-in-1 card reader

3 USB 2.0

VGA output

Ethernet

ExpressCard/34

Dimensions
11.5 x 9.1 x 0.9-1.4 inches
Weight
6-cell: 3.42 lb
Price
$449 as tested, $429 with VIA Nano

[click to continue…]

{ 12 comments }

Review: Lenovo IdeaPad Y450

by ThinkPads on August 17, 2009

[singlepic id=91 w=450 float=center]

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Y450 is the little brother to the 16-inch IdeaPad Y650, which I previously reviewed here. It looks very similar inside and out, and has a lot of the same features, albeit with a smaller 14.1-inch widescreen. The Y450 is playing in a crowded market space here, so let’s take a look to see if Lenovo has what it takes to compete.

Quick Glance

Good: Stylish design, good performance, tons of features, well priced

Bad: Ill-placed touchpad, weak battery life

SpecsIdeaPad Y450
Processor
Core 2 Duo T6400 (2.0GHz)
OS
Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Memory
3GB DDR3 1066
Graphics
Intel GMA 4500MHD
Storage
250GB 5400rpm SATA
Display
14.1-inch WXGA (1280×800)
LED backlit; 220 nits
Optical
DVD Recordable
Ports
6-in-1 card reader
3 USB 2.0
eSATA/USB combo
VGA & HDMI output
Ethernet
FireWire 400
Dimensions
13.4 x 9.1 x 0.8-1.4 inches
Weight
6-cell: 4.63 lb
Price
$799 with faster Core 2 Duo T6500

[click to continue…]

{ 5 comments }