Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 Notebook (28479UU)

I recently acquired a slightly upgraded version of this laptop and I have to say, I am highly impressed with the Lenovo quality. And I'm an IT guy.

For those that don't know, Lenovo (a Chinese company) purchased the PC business from IBM, including the product names (one with business clout is the ThinkPad line).

When it comes to building a robust machine that's capable of taking the kind of beating a business professional doles out on a machine, the ThinkPad line always stood for high quality and high expectations. Thankfully those expectations continue to be met by Lenovo in the ThinkPad line.

Pros mostly unique to Lenovo's systems:

Powered USB port; you can plug in any device that can be charged via USB into the computer (the yellow USB port) and it will charge even if the laptop is powered off. You won't need to pack every wall wart with you when you travel anymore!

Textured touch pad; when you're working in darker locations, this helps you easily locate the touchpad

Fn and Ctrl keys can be swapped via the BIOS; Lenovo has positioned the Fn key used to switch to external displays, change screen brightness and so on, where you'd normally find the CTRL key on the left part of the keyboard so you can swap the function of the two keys in the BIOS

Robust recovery options

Useful bundled software; password vault used to store passwords in an encrypted file, connection manager makes connecting to wired and wireless networks easier, excellent power control (let's you see a ton of info that straight Windows 7 doesn't show, such as how much power the machine is currently using)

LED light on screen to illuminate the keyboard (though there is a con; see below)

ThinkVantage button; press the button during boot up and it takes you to system restore which can restore files, just the OS or completely reset the system to it's factory installed configuration (which nukes local files, so backup before running that option if you have files you don't want to lose!). You can also access driver updates for your machine directly from Lenovo with this button as well (yeah, like I said, I'm an IT guy!)

Bundled software. Being an IT guy I HATE most company's bundled software. Not so with Lenovo, as everything on this machine, with few exceptions, is worth keeping and using.

USA based support. Purchase a Dell, speak to someone in India. Purchase a Lenovo ThinkPad, speak to someone in Atlanta, Georgia. And no, I'm not dismissing the capability of India based support, but we all know it is sometimes difficult to understand Indian speakers.

Cons:

The textured touchpad, when used for extended periods, may make your finger uncomfortable

The LED light for keyboard illumination works, but not nearly was well as the backlit Dell keyboards

As configured this system is Windows 7 32 bit; I recommend 64 bit only these days especially if you ever want to upgrade past 4 GB of RAM (something else I'd recommend). If you want Win7 64 bit, you can purchase the 64 bit restore CDs from Lenovo's customer service (WHICH IS USA BASED!) for ~$50.

2 GB RAM is adequate but should be 4 GB at least for a Win 7 machine to really shine

Case design. One thing that never seems to change from ThinkPad model to ThinkPad model is the design of the laptop itself; a ThinkPad LOOKS like a ThinkPad, even if it was built 5 years ago. This is good or bad, depending on what you're looking for.

Working where I do, I have the luxury of directly comparing this Lenovo laptop w/ the Dell E-series. When comparing the 2 side by side, it's amazing how much better built the ThinkPad is. Sound quality from the speakers on the ThinkPad is so much nicer than the Dell E6410. The screen is brighter and cleared. The E6410, if dropped on a corner of the laptop, would be shattered and destroyed. The ThinkPad? Maybe pop the bezel back in place and you're back up and running.

And let's talk about heat dissipation. If you plan on using your laptop as a LAPtop, don't even consider the Dell E-series. It is scorcher. You will sweat with it on your lap. And don't even think about leaving it running on a table with varnish. It WILL melt the varnish if left to sit long enough. Always put it on a place mat or something else. Then you have this ThinkPad. I've left it running diagnostics over night, on a table and guess what? It was STILL cool to the touch. There is a very slight warmth but not something you'll notice in general use.

Overall I feel Lenovo builds a vastly superior product for business users than the other 2 of the big three (Dell, HP and Lenovo). Neither of the other manufacturer's laptops have the feel of a high build quality and design. They are OK, but if you're looking for the perfect business laptop to travel around with you, and not just pretty eye candy to show off your prestige, buy the ThinkPad, even at a slightly higher price point than Dell or HP. You will appreciate it in the long run, as this is a machine that will last for a couple years longer than your warranty runs, unlike the Dell and HPs of the same class. And a Dell you'll be lucky to have last more than 3 years.

Even using my company's Dell employee purchase plan and the higher discount it affords, I chose a Lenovo and will do so for as long as Lenovo continues to build one of the best designed, robust and well thought out laptops for business users.

Highly recommended (the ThinkPad line, not necessarily this build). For this particular laptop, call Lenovo and spend $50 on the Windows 7 64 bit restore discs.

Pro

I like this laptop , does not have warm problem. this is the best part.

The battery life is excellent, very resistant, excellent display.

Cons

But, i dont like the keyboard, the Fn key and Ctrl key are inverted.

And look like than the drivers for trackpad has some bug.

Buy Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 Notebook (28479UU) Now

I have had this laptop for 3 years now. In the meantime, I maxed the RAM to 8GB and Hardrive to 1 TB. It is very powerful and sturdy laptop. THe design allows it to be roughed and it keep on powering through. I run a lot of large spreadsheets and have not been disappointed. I also do music and video editing on the side. It is slower than anything with an i3 processor but it is very logically setup and designed. I use the red trackpad on the road and a wireless mouse on the desk. Battery life has gone down to an hour now, but I would only trade this for another Lenovo Thinkpad. It may not have all the fancy features, but it is a workhorse.

Read Best Reviews of Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 Notebook (28479UU) Here

I ordered a SL510 -received it damaged. Returned and got another. This one would not connect to wi-fi. Called many times with no help. Returned for repair THREE times and still did not work for more than a couple days at a time. Got my son to do a temp. fix but the unit still keeps dropping the Wi-Fi connection and shuts down on me at any time it feels like. (Lenovo said it did all it could and I now had the unit beyond warranty.)

I had an IBM Thinkpad that was great, but the Lenovo is a piece of garbage. I'll never buy a Lenovo product again!

Want Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 Notebook (28479UU) Discount?

Lenovo ships from China and while you wait and wait for delivery the price will drop. Lenovo's price match offers to pay you the difference if you submit an identical Lenovo quote within a certain number of days. Lots of luck making the quote and your order identical. ANY discrepancy will result in denial of the entire refund and you will not be told that there is a discrepancy in time for you to resubmit. This will happen even if you were told by a Lenovo agent on submission that you should receive a refund of the difference in price! This behavior will be cited as Lenovo Policy. The PC itself is not worth the bother of dealing with Lenovo and its policy.