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(More customer reviews)I have a long history with ThinkPads at work. As my company's standard laptop, I have had the priveledge to use a IBM ThinkPad T20, IBM ThinkPad T42, and a Lenovo ThinkPad T61. all have been bulletproof and I have always said that ThinkPads are the only PC laptops I would buy for myself. At home, I use Macs as my primary computers, but with Windows 7, and my aging home-built PCs, I figured it was time to buy a new PC.
You may or may not be familiar with ThinkPads. Relatively bland design and always encased in a black enclosure, these laptops have a reputation in the business community. It is much like the reputation Macs have, in that you may pay a little more, but you also get a little more in terms of build quality.
So about this SL510. It is a ThinkPad at an affordable price. While that is true, the price is higher than you would pay for current laptops from other manufacturers for similar, or even more current hardware. For example, there are newer models with Core I3 and Core I5 chips for less money from other manufacturers. Knowing this, and weighing it against my history with ThinkPads, I still chose the ThinkPad.
My initial impressions after one hour of use:
This laptop is very wide. It is wider than my T61. The difference between 15.4 and 15.6 screens is very noticeable.
The "pencil eraser" pointer is very sensitive and sometimes registers unintentional clicks. I am finding this a little annoying and am still trying to find the settings where I can turn off using the pointer as a clicking input. I want to use it to move the mouse pointer around, but I do not want to use it to left click or selections. I prefer the pointer over the trackpad, which has changed dramatically. There is a strange texture on trackpad. It almost looks like perforations. It enables you to feel the trackpad without looking at it, but this has never really been an issue for me in the past. I'd switch back to the traditional trackpad materials if I were Lenovo.
There is no cd included. You must create your own restore diskfrom the Lenovo utilities installed.
This laptop has not discovered my 5GHz wireless-N network. The wireless card is an Intel WiFi Link 1000 BGN. After some research, a forum post indicated that this card only supports wireless-N over the 2.4GHz frequency. While I can change my 2.4 GHZ band to Mixed G/N on my D-Link Dual Band router, I may just live with this laptop's limitation for now.When you first boot up, an install wizard includes options to install Diskeeper 2009 (a nice option), Norton Security 2009 (which wait suntil after you register to tell you that you are signing up for their subscription service after 30 days of use), and several ads for Net-zero, Microsoft Office, Lenovo Online Backup, and Identity Guard (if you register with Lenovo). There was an on-screen note that said you could still register and skip the Identity Guard software. I skipped this altogether.
The Lenovo Central software started upon the first desktop load. It is an application that houses a lot of annoying adware, including ads for OneBiz Small Business Mgmt Software and Staples. I was not pleased with this. However, with the exception of Microsoft Office, there were no free trials for anything else installed and the Desktop was clean. This was nice.
Overall, my initial impressions were quite positive. I am proud to own my own ThinkPad, as I have a lot of respect for the product. This laptop is solid and fast, even with its somewhat-dated 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo. It only comes with 3GB of RAM. Generally, you can get more powerful hardware for this price from other brands, but I see it as a trade-off because I wanted a ThinkPad.
I may install the 64-bit Windows 7, but then I will lose all of the Lenovo customizations. Lenovo worked with Microsoft to create an "Enhanced Experience" by shortening boot times and shutdown times. Microsoft says that you cannot "upgrade" to at 64-bit version from a 32-bit version. Instead you must do a complete new installation. Perhaps a dual-boot scenario is what I need. It depends on what I end up doing with this laptop.
For the ThinkPad fan or for someone who wants business-level build quality, this laptop may suit your needs nicely.
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THE THINKPAD EVERY BUSINESS CAN AFFORD. Running a small business is no small task. Stay competitive, productive, secure and on budget with the new ThinkPad SL510 notebook, featuring legendary ThinkPad technology.The SL510 notebook offers multimedia and presentation capabilities, reliable wireless options and industry-leading security. It's the ideal combination of features for a wide range of business professionals; sales reps, road-warrior execs, behind-the-scenes desk jockies and anyone wanting best-in-class technology.Plus, it’s engineered with Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience for Windows 7, which means faster start-up and shut down times than systems without Enhanced Experience.It's an investment you can't afford to pass on.
Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 Key Features
LIGHT, STYLISH AND FEATURE-RICH
Trendy, clean design with discretely placed ports, a black matte top cover and scratch-resistant exterior
Intel Core 2 Duo T6570 processor
Genuine Windows 7 Professional (32 bit) - Work anywhere more easily and securely with Windows 7 Professional.Your PC, simplified.
High-performance DDR3 RAM - for high-bandwidth storage of working data
15.6 inch HD 16:9 LED-backlight display - The latest in display backlight technology, LED backlit displays are thinner, lighter and use less power than traditional notebook displays, but still provide the same level of brightness for easy viewing.
HDMI enables you to connect to external TV or monitor with high definition video and multi-channel audio. Intel High Definition Audio delivers high-end performance equivalent to an add-in audio card.
2.0 megapixel integrated web camera
BUILT-IN PROTECTION
ThinkPad Shock-Mounted Hard Drive - a rubber isolator and metal cage to protect the hard drive. The ThinkVantage Active Protection System uses an accelerometer to monitor movement of the system and stop the drive, and help protect against damage when a fall or similar event is detected
The spill-resistant keyboard helps protect your laptop and data from accidental spills
OneKey Rescue System restores your data at the touch of a button
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES
Ergonomically designed best-in-class keyboard and a new UltraNav multitouch TouchPad for easier navigation. TrackPoint Navigation gives an easy-sailing experience during exhaustive typing tasks and with mouse-free computing.
Convenient Access Connections software to manage your connectivity options as you move from location to location.
Toolbox of wireless and connectivity options including b/g/n WiFi and gigabyte Ethernet
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
Energy Star 5.0, EPEAT Gold, and Climate Savers Certified ensure this is the greenest ThinkPad SL ever
One of the first ThinkPads to use post consumer recycled plastics and renewable energy accessories.
A BETTER WINDOWS 7 EXPERIENCE
Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7 provides a faster, richer and easier way to use your PC
Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7
Windows 7 Professional
ThinkVantage Technologies
Additional Features
Click here for more information about Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 28479XU 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)
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