Help me choose - Thinkpad x120e or Acer AS1830

[wruzicka1]

Howdy all - I'm looking for some advice choosing my first laptop.
I'm looking for something that will hold up decently being used for word, powerpoint, PDF reading, email/web browsing when I travel to meetings a few times a year. I'm looking to spend ~$500 on an 11"er.
Top on my list are currently the Thinkpad x120e for ~$520 from the lenovo site vs. an Acer AS1830-3595 refurbished from microcenter for $400.
Any thoughts? -
Is microcenter refurbished a bad idea?
What do people think of the AMD e-350 vs. the Intel core i3-330um?
Any other suggestions for systems to consider?
Thanks in advance...

 

[hans007]

the as1830 is really chepa feeling and the keyboard sucks.

i had a as1410 which is basically teh same machine besides the cpu. also had an x120e. i think "quality" wise the x120e is loads better, though the as1830 is going to be a lot faster with a core i3

 

[corkyg]

It is like comparing a Jugo to a Nissan. Acer is the epitome of cheap.

 

[hans007]

It is like comparing a Jugo to a Nissan. Acer is the epitome of cheap.

i think in the case its more like... a v8 camaro or something and a 328 coupe. depends on what you think is important.