think pad quality does it still exist?

[xaeniac]

Thinkpad t61 on its way out. Always felt that these laptops were built like tanks. Looking for suitablr replacement that is built right and exudes quality. I I don't want to break the bank and can load a lightweight Linux distro for web surfing is the primary purpose. I dont mind buying used and considered going with like a t410. Thoughts?

 

[rh71]

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad W520 for work a few years now and have had 3 or 4 other IBM A-series and T-series Thinkpads prior to it and you can tell the "tank" part no longer applies (maybe weight savings?). Assuming all the series are the same in terms of build quality (A & T were the same to me) - the lid isn't a rigid piece anymore and the keyboard also feels flimsier. It's still pretty sturdy overall and still above avg in the refined department imo. If you can afford it, stick with it.

 

[RossMAN]

Thinkpad t61 on its way out. Always felt that these laptops were built like tanks. Looking for suitablr replacement that is built right and exudes quality. I I don't want to break the bank and can load a lightweight Linux distro for web surfing is the primary purpose. I dont mind buying used and considered going with like a t410. Thoughts?

Were is the operative word. It would be interesting to pinpoint exactly when Lenovo lost their way, the month/year or model where the legendary build quality starting slipping.

Have you considered getting a refurb directly from Lenovo Outlet? Unfortunately inventory is replenished 24/7, there is no rhyme or reason unless you get a script.

I've owned a few Dell Latitude business class laptops which definitely have superior build quality compared to their consumer oriented Inspiron line.

http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/28/campaigns/dgo_dfb_deals_page?dgc=SM&cid=63952&lid=5432938

 

[gmaster456]

Dell Latitudes, and HP Probooks are still decent alongside Thinkpads. I would stay away from the edge models but the T and W series still have decent build quality. No you probably can't run them over with a humvee like you could back in the Pentium 4/M/C2D days but they are still perfectly fine in my opinion.

Buying used is another alternative.

 

[RossMAN]

Dell Latitudes, and HP Probooks are still decent alongside Thinkpads. I would stay away from the edge models but the T and W series still have decent build quality. No you probably can't run them over with a humvee like you could back in the Pentium 4/M/C2D days but they are still perfectly fine in my opinion.

Buying used is another alternative.

Thanks for the reminder, I forgot to mention the HP EliteBook and HP ProBook series. It's hard believe they've been around for almost 4 years.

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/ads/elite-products/overview.html

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/hp/elitebook_8470p_business_notebook/462947/

 

[corkyg]

Wrong forum! Have requested this thread be moved to Notebooks forum

 

[cronos]

Were is the operative word. It would be interesting to pinpoint exactly when Lenovo lost their way, the month/year or model where the legendary build quality starting slipping.

Well, most people believed that this actually started *with* Lenovo. It's the IBM Thinkpads that were tanks.