26/9/10

Lenovo X200 Review

As we found out within our screening using the Lenovo ThinkPad T400s Multi-Touch, the superior touch-screen capabilities made in to the microsof company house windows 7 working method really are a welcome comfort within a conventional clamshell notebook. But touch is positively important within a tablet, so we experienced been eager to acquire our arms concerning the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 Tablet Multi-Touch. Its new-generation panel and handy Lenovo SimpleTap power make an presently exceptional tablet even better. Of course, acquiring a price tag hovering near to $2,000, the X200 Tablet Multi-Touch might not do an awesome offer to deliver tablets for that masses. But for area workers, insurance recommendations and real-estate agents, health care professionals, as well as standard team people who choose a full-featured convertible tablet, the X200 Multi-Touch delivers.

Except for that inclusion using the multi-touch display option, the program is small transformed away from your updated ThinkPad X200 Tablet we reviewed about a yr ago—and thinking about it experienced been (and remains) our favored tablet, which is an awesome thing. Wrapped within your common matte-black ThinkPad cloak, the X200 Tablet Multi-Touch weighs a sensible 3.6 pounds (though be aware that it is half a pound heavier and slightly bigger compared to non-tablet ThinkPad X200 ultraportable). Other attributes stay the same, away from your impeccable (and really peckable) ThinkPad keyboard for that deficiency of an onboard optical drive—a typical, although not universal, omission on this class.

To accommodate tablet mode, the optional fingerprint reader have been moved for that display bezel. Buttons concerning the bezel allow you change the display orientation, also to available an onscreen menu to change people or lock the computer. additional buttons available a quick-access menu for tablet and pen settings, brightness, volume, and so on. But with Lenovo's inclusion of its SimpleTap utility, a number of those people buttons’ features have can be found to be superfluous.

You deliver up SimpleTap by tapping on the movable red-colored circle that docks on the borders using the screen, or by tapping two fingers anyplace concerning the display. SimpleTap opens a floating pallete of semi-transparent tiles for executing tasks. By default, SimpleTap consists of tiles for quantity control, turning the Webcam on or off, locking the individual computer or placing it to sleep, and adjusting display brightness.

Adding your individual customized tiles for that SimpleTap dock is really easy. Just tap the “+” icon within your utility’s menu, choose no issue whether you need the brand new tile to begin an app or available a internet page, show the plan or URL to can be found to be attached using the tile, and choose a color for that tile background. The power even lets you choose no issue whether to take advantage of the linked program’s default icon as well as just one of your individual concerning the button. Click OK, as well as the icon gets additional for that pallete of tiles.




The exclusive Lenovo SimpleTap power could make exceptional use using the touch display abilities, letting you simply deal with display brightness, method volume, and more. You may include your individual Tiles to begin software programs or URLs.

While you cannot however create a tile to available a specific file, Lenovo says that it is pondering about adding that function within a potential release. SimpleTap could possibly be offered for obtain on the complete of October and will can be found preloaded on compatible ThinkPads over the complete of 2009. for all those people new to touch screens, house windows 7 consists of numerous gaming titles utilities to support people understand to navigate by touch, most notably surface area Collage, which encourages you to definitely flick a bunch of images onto the display and resize, rotate, and overlay them.

As using the X200 Tablet, the X200 Tablet Multi-Touch accepts the two finger and pen input. using the brand new touch screen, we found out finger deal with could possibly be the method to decide on navigating Windows. The panel is really exceptional at discerning our wanted actions—even when our pudgy fingers overlapped adjacent buttons, which consist of when utilizing the icons within your upper excellent corner of the window to near or decrease an application. The panel do occasionally fail to register a fast tap, but in general, utilizing the touch display was a pleasure, as well as the screen’s coating stayed surprisingly smudge-free. Do note, however, how the display concerning the X200 Tablet Multi-Touch facilitates input from only as an awesome offer as two fingers at a time, not the four-finger help using the T400s Multi-Touch.


The X200 Tablet Multi-Touch's display facilitates two-finger gestures, which consist of pivoting two fingers to rotate or pinching fingers to shrink an object.

For capturing notes, of course, pen input is in simple fact a must. The X200 Tablet Multi-Touch consists of a pen-size stylus that could possibly be saved within a slot within your part using the unit. even although the pen is relaxing enough, as much as styluses go, an instrument acquiring an awesome offer more heft would really feel an awesome offer better within your hand. once the pen arrives within of 25mm using the tablet surface, the productive digitizer instantly disables the finger-touch sensitivity. This keeps the product from incorrectly interpreting your stray touches when you run using the pen.


For an awesome offer more precise input, which consist of adding notes to documents, the X200 Tablet's display also facilitates stylus input.

Most important, the screen’s digitizer is among probably the most invisible we’ve seen. On some tablets, the overlay lends a screen-door impact for that panel, but not here. The 12.1-inch LED-backlit panel has the identical appears as any display with an antiglare coating, as well as the 1,280x800 resolution could make for relaxing viewing on the display this size.

Standard ports and slots consist of three USB ports; VGA and Ethernet ports; an ExpressCard slot; a five-format memory-card reader; headphone and microphone jacks; as well as a security-lock opening. Lenovo equips the X200 Tablet Multi-Touch with each and every and every wireless solutions below the sun, which consists of 802.11a/g/n Wi-Fi, WiMAX, wireless USB, Bluetooth, as well as GPS. Also, you can spend additional for individuals who desire to outfit the X200 Tablet Multi-Touch with cell broadband service.

The X200 Tablet Multi-Touch we attempted arrived using the 1.86GHz Intel key a few of Duo SL9400 processor. This ultra-low-voltage CPU sacrifices some overall performance in comparison with other processors, however the machine’s supporting hardware, which complies with Intel's Centrino a few of platform, nevertheless delivers decent efficiency overall performance for this class. That was demonstrated over the unit's worthy rating of 3,105 on Futuremark's PCMark Vantage benchmark suite. It also handled our Cinebench 10 check really well, ringing up a rating of 3,867. It managed to convert our 11 iTunes information within a speedy 5 mins and 9 seconds and complete our house windows advertising Encoder check within a fast 7 mins and 57 seconds. The 3D-graphics ability using the built-in Intel X4500 HD chipset was also respectable, acquiring a 3DMark06 rating of 838 on the tablet's native resolution of 1,280x800.

The miserly processor also assisted the product provide really exceptional battery existence from its eight-cell energy pack: It ran for three several hours and 5 mins on our demanding DVD-rundown test. (For the test, we utilized the optical generate on Lenovo's UltraBase expansion unit, which snaps onto the bottom using the system. It's a $159 choice not incorporated within your price tag of our check configuration.)

For individuals who can invest closer to $2,500, Lenovo can configure this X200 with all means of cutting-edge features. An optional 128GB appear place out generate (a $380 upgrade) offers more quickly overall performance than a conventional challenging drive, also to crash-proof reliability perfect for street warriors. Our most significant reservation is using the deficiency of the touch pad. Admittedly, that's a issue of individual preference, but thinking about how the touch display is so good, this really is much less of an issue. Otherwise, for individuals who need a tablet which is relaxing to sustain and effective enough to can be found to be your only team computer, the ThinkPad X200 Tablet Multi-Touch could possibly be the method to go.

Lenovo X200 Review

22/9/10

Lenovo X201

Not as well prolonged ago the 12-inch ThinkPad acquired its 2010 refresh. even although the T sequence obtained a considerable update (thus getting transformed from the T400 to the T410) the X sequence was merely transformed from the X200 to the X201. That signifies inner factors experienced been updated (processor, graphics, etc.) however the chassis is quite very much exactly the very same as last generation.

Keeping modifications to some bare minimum undoubtedly is not really a worst situation scenario even although you contemplate how amazing the X200 was. The 12-inch X series’ design is time-tested and remains to be chugging along pretty well, even even although the institution has released quantities of competition from the X301 and now the X100e. The X201 is really a lightweight, sturdy, 12-inch ultraportable which has only gotten much better since the inner factors have enhanced from one technology to the next. And now it has Intel’s root processors along using the company’s HD graphics, making this an thrilling upgrade from the root two Duo generation.



For very much more particulars concerning the case, build, keyboard, and so on, confirm out our evaluation in the X200. specific it is a touch old, but small has transformed offered that then.

The specs for the ThinkPad X201 evaluation equipment are: Intel root i5 540M processor (2.53GHz), 4GB RAM, house windows 7 expert 64-bit, Intel HD integrated graphics, and 320GB of storage.

I was steering to hold out a entire review, but offered how comparable this could be to earlier X types and how the method remains to be out for just about any quantity of months, I’ll restrict myself to some thoughts:

On the element side, this was a excellent upgrade. The X201i/X201/X201s ultraportables get root i3/i5/i7, Intel HD graphics, house windows 7, and as very much as 8GB of RAM. None of those make the method unique, however it is cut-throat with HP and Dell (etc.) in every solitary respect.
They method was initially obtainable getting a WXGA+ show at the same time to the WXGA one. 1280×800 is good for just about any 12.1-inch widescreen but 1440×900 is really a noticeable upgrade. This is not obtainable any very much more for the X201, also it must acquire for the X201s (but which is not thorough on Lenovo’s website on the moment in time since it is most probably away from stock). at the same time to getting a wonderful element that is something not supplied for the X201’s principal competitor, the HP EliteBook 2540p.
For all the talk about netbooks over the previous many years the X201 is even now a quite wonderful size. At 11.6 x 9.2 x 0.8-1.4-inches and about 3.5 pounds the pc travels quite well. It feels even much better getting a more compact battery on it.
Speaking in the battery, Lenovo even now hasn’t founded am outside LED evaluate for the X201’s battery. small competencies such as this are prolonged overdue.
The port assortment is even now good. The method has three USB slots, headphone, microphone, modem, Kensington lock port, the ThinkPad’s common 20V energy connection, VGA, ethernet, and ExpressCard/54. There is really a card reader from the the front as well. one of the most noticeable element lacking right here is really a electronic film output, but probabilities are the fact that X201’s chassis and motherboard only have space to the solitary film output and VGA requires precedence for institution users.
One in the USB slots is yellow. that is really a your invariably On USB that is produced to demand your USB models even once the pc is off, sleeping, or hibernating. It could possibly be toggled on and away in BIOS and founded to Automatic, BlackBerry, iPod/iPhone, or Other mode. i have been screening it with my iPhone however it does not not appear to purpose regardless of getting the precise settings in BIOS.


The keyboard is even now pretty good. No method this sizing has however been in a location to complement the ThinkPad on this respect. The splendor in the X201 will most probably be the simple fact that it is the smallest pc feasible to create near to this keyboard.
The X sequence now a trackpad, just such as the sleep in the ThinkPads. This wasn’t the situation for the X200. it is not really a enormous change, however it is wonderful to set up dual cursor controls throughout the board. For us trackpoint consumers it is unnecessary and could possibly be disabled, or you can just not spend the additional few of bucks for it.
The show for the X201 is even now not exceptional (this is not even a disappointment at this point, it is a steady weakness). Lenovo has gotten the brightness to some acceptable place but colours are even now lacking.
The full-powered (standard voltage) root i5 processor is really a dependable option also it performs properly for this ultraportable. it could be an enough performer and equally desktop purpose and film playback are handled well. It provides a exceptional target to purchase the ThinkPad over a much less pricey (C2D or Atom-powered) computer.
In inclusion to the root i5 540M purchasers also obtain the option in the root i3 370M, the root i5 520M, along using the high-end root i7 620LM. it is a touch confusing but purchasers will should review and purchase accordingly. The root i5 processors will suck reducing very much more energy but need to provide a touch of additional performance in comparison to the low-voltage (but very much more expensive) root i7 option.
Battery existence is steering differ centered for the processor and battery you go with. standard the X201 consists of a quite amazing battery life. Most reviews i have observed says it really has the borders for the HP 2540p, so which is something to preserve in ideas should you are contemplating equally computers. using the extended nine cellular battery you must acquire amazing for 8 several hours of cellular work, if not more. There are also 4 and 6 cellular battery options as well.
While I appreciate the longevity in the 82.4WH extended battery I choose to take advantage of the more compact 57WH. This one shaves some extra extra fat in the pc (about half a pound) and cuts about an inch away the end.
After spending some time using the ThinkPad X201 there is no query that that is really a successful, although incremental, follow-up to the X200. It do not get exactly the very same chassis modifications that people saw for the T series, however the X sequence does now possess a root i5 entire energy processor option as well as root i3/i7 CPUs. The X201 also introduces the trackpad to the 12-inch X models, that is steering to acquire a massive offer for some buyers. getting a acceptable create at about $1500 (starting worth $1099) the X201 is not cheap, however it is loads of pc to the money.

The X201 does not exist within a vacuum though, so purchasers need to certainly preserve in ideas the competition. The X301 is as well much at the rear of the curve to contemplate at this point, but there will most probably be the EliteBook 2540p and, for the customer side, the Sony Z. purchasers need to preserve in ideas the fact that HP has an optical generate with some builds and is also cut-throat using the ThinkPad in almost all respects.
Lenovo X201

Verdict: The X201 is really a quite powerful providing also it is in sustaining with what we’ve observed from the ThinkPads over the last few of years. The root i-series processors marked a massive actions forward to the ultraportables, specifically contemplating the fact that availability in the full-powered root i5. The option between the ThinkPad along using the EliteBooks is getting hard though. Personally I do not treatment concerning the optical drive, but I do critically wish the ThinkPad experienced a electronic film out option. The ThinkPad consists of a much better keyboard, however the the EliteBook’s chassis design has critically grown on me. it is essentially a toss up between the two, so purchasers should choose which system’s strengths they worth more.       

19/9/10

lenovo g550

The new Lenovo G550 is an update to the Value Line G530 with the primary difference being the shift from a 16:10 to a 16:9 screen. This is becoming a common trend for most manufacturers, as they shift to the now more standardized 16:9 screens. The biggest question on our minds is how well this updated budget notebook performs; considering the previous revision earned our Editor's Choice award.

Lenovo Value line G550 Specifications:

  • Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4200 (2.00GHz, 1MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
  • Microsoft Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (w/ SP1)
  • 15.6-inch glossy 16:9 display (1366x768)
  • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
  • 3GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM
  • 250GB Western Digital 5400RPM HDD
  • SuperMulti DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
  • Broadcom WiFi (802.11b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Modem
  • 6-Cell 11.1V 48WHr Battery
  • Limited 1-year standard parts and labor warranty
  • Dimensions: LxWxH, 14.9 x 9.6 x 1.4"
  • Weight: 5lbs 9.0oz
  • Price as configured: $549

 

Build and Design
The design of the G550 has changed slightly from the G530, switching from a smooth matte exterior finish, to a black weave pattern. The new cover is every bit as strong as the last one, preventing any screen distortion even if you hit or flex the back of the screen. The interior of the notebook shares the same color as the lid, but is textured with a rougher matte finish similar to what you would find on unpainted sections of a ThinkPad. Lenovo took the back-to-basics route with the color scheme on this notebook, making it entirely black inside and out.

The chassis is constructed entirely of plastic, but where most budget notebooks might feel flexible or flimsy, the G550 feels like a solid block of sturdy material. When talking about the palm rest on most notebooks, including ThinkPads, notebooks with good support still show some flex under a very strong grip. Somehow squeezing the palm rests on the G550 feels like you are trying to squeeze a rock. Other areas of the notebook share the same toughness, including the keyboard and surrounding trim.

To upgrade components the G550 has easy access panels to the memory and CPU, wireless card, and hard drive on the bottom of the notebook. No components, including the processor, had "warranty void if removed" stickers, making it very easy to handle upgrades or repairs in the future.

Screen and Speakers
The 15.6" LCD is average compared to most 15-16" notebooks, with bright and vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. The G550's big change is the transition away from the 16:10 screen size to the wider (but shorter) 16:9 panels. The screen offers a glossy surface, which helps improve colors and contrast at the cost of added reflections and glare. Compared to "frameless" displays the reflections were tolerable as long as you were not outside under direct sunlight. Screen brightness was adequate for viewing in bright office conditions, but might not cut it outside unless it is an overcast day. Vertical viewing angles were adequate with a broad viewing sweet spot measuring 30 degrees forward or back before colors started to wash out or invert. Horizontal view angles were much better, showing minimal color distortion at steep angles.

The speakers are located on the front edge of the palmrest and sound more than adequate for playing music or watching streaming video. Sound quality isn't the best compared to other notebooks of this size with a tinny sound that lacks bass. Headphones would be a good accessory for this notebook.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard is easy to type on, sharing the same comfortable and durable feel as my ThinkPad T60 keyboard and only differing in layout. Individual key action is smooth with no audible click when pressed. The keys are textured with a smooth matte finish, giving decent traction for typing ... unlike the glossy keyboards we are seeing on a greater number of notebooks these days. Keyboard support is excellent, barely a hint of flex on the main section of the keyboard. The newer 16:9 chassis on the G550 allowed Lenovo to add a numberpad to the keyboard, but they didn't change the support under that side of the keyboard frame. It doesn't appear to have much flex, but it has just enough to make a squeaking sound against the optical drive when press down. Media-related keys are limited to touch-sensitive mute and volume up/down buttons located above the keyboard.

Lenovo T410

Lenovo ThinkPad T410, just one with Intel integrated pictures and an additional getting a much more expensive, much more effective Nvidia NVS 3100M discrete pictures card. Unless otherwise noted, all check effects take advantage of to the configuration with integrated graphics.



Lenovo’s ThinkPad T sequence has extended been recognised since the gold normal for institution notebooks. The T410 may be the newest 14.1-inch member with this family people and, with its primary i5 CPU and sleek new design, this equipment ($1269 as configured) elevates the collection to new ranges of performance.

Design
Last year, Lenovo slimmed decrease and jazzed up the conventional ThinkPad T sequence design and design when it released the slimmer ThinkPad T400s. Now some from probably the most fascinating factors from the T400s have made their way unto the T410, such since the much more angular circumstance from the sides, as well as the brand new keyboard / fluid crystal display lumination layout. This new start looking is much more evolutionary than revolutionary, however it tends to make the method start looking an awesome offer much more latest and attractive. 

The factors employed from the T410’s chassis ensure it is much more durable and stylish at identical time. The chassis qualities a lid produced from ABS plastic material as well as a powerful carbon-fiber reinforced plastic material bottom. An inner roll cage facilitates force field the laptop computer from damage. 

The T410 actions in at 13.1 x 9.4 x 1.3 inches, weighs 5.2 pounds with its normal 6-cell battery (the 9-cell extended battery will include 0.4 pounds), and is also practically equivalent in dimension and pounds to the Lenovo ThinkPad T400 as well as the HP EliteBook 8440w. However, when we held the genuine ThinkPad T400 after which the brand new T410 within our hands, the T410 felt much more compact and much less difficult to carry. possibly the plastic material bottom and much more tapered edges gave us that impression.



The T410 that we're reviewing nowadays is generally a ThinkPad by means of and through. From best to bottom, facet to side, there's no mistaking that this really is generally a member from the iconic ThinkPad family. It's matte black, has somewhat bland stylings and is also made like a tank. seems like a ThinkPad, right? It's identical exterior that loyal Lenovo end users have take place to uncover out and love, however the option inner element assortment is what in reality has our interest. Can the ThinkPad T410 preserve its all-business stature even although executing at a level acceptable to the multi-media fanatics out there?
Lenovo T410
Those expecting great modifications near to the T410 in comparison to the T400 and T400s that people reviewed will very likely be sorely disappointed. by means of the exterior enclosure to the keyboard to the trackpad, practically every little thing right here is stereotypical ThinkPad gear, however the primary i5 CPU (Core i5-540M for getting specific) is generally a definite departure from last year's ThinkPad options. New insides, outdated outsides--will it be adequate to sway current ThinkPad end users to upgrade? And much more importantly, will it take in any new end users to the fold who have therefore much resisted the urge to pick up a equipment getting a blue "Enter" key? research on for our whole evaluation to locate out.