• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Which budget Thinkpad is best and why?

A

asindhidude

Junior Member
I have bought two Thinkpads. One is to keep, the other is to give to a friend. I am a Student, and do not use it for games. Of the two, which is better for me to keep?

1) Thinkpad Edge E430. i5 3210. 8 gb pc 12800. 500 gb @ 5400 w/ 16 gb SSD cache. DVDRW. Win7Pro. Bluetooth/Camera

1) Thinkpad L430. i5 3210. 8 gb pc 12800. 320 gb @ 7200. DVDRW. Win7Pro. Fingerprint reader.

I paid the same for both, ~ 375 USD
 
All things being equal, the L430 is higher on the food chain - better keyboard and chassis, better display. If the L430 had a SSD, it would be a no brainer.
 
corkyg said:
All things being equal, the L430 is higher on the food chain - better keyboard and chassis, better display. If the L430 had a SSD, it would be a no brainer.
Click to expand...

after looking at them both on my desk side by side for a few days, i decided the L is better than edge. while the edge case looks nicer, is smaller by a little, and lighter too, it has a little more flex than the L. also, while the edge is supposed to have the same keyboard as all thinkpads, it does not - the L keyboard is a little bit nicer. all in all, in spite of virtually identical spec, the L feels more conservative, but has a subjective expensive feel that is not there in the edge. also, as far as i can tell, the SSD cache in the E has no real advantage in day to day operation - i wouldnt know if it were missing.

a side note - despite the same spec, batter life is almost one hour longer on the L over edge - 6 vs 5 hrs.
 
asindhidude said:
after looking at them both on my desk side by side for a few days, i decided the L is better than edge. while the edge case looks nicer, is smaller by a little, and lighter too, it has a little more flex than the L. also, while the edge is supposed to have the same keyboard as all thinkpads, it does not - the L keyboard is a little bit nicer. all in all, in spite of virtually identical spec, the L feels more conservative, but has a subjective expensive feel that is not there in the edge. also, as far as i can tell, the SSD cache in the E has no real advantage in day to day operation - i wouldnt know if it were missing.

a side note - despite the same spec, batter life is almost one hour longer on the L over edge - 6 vs 5 hrs.
Click to expand...

Good, I was going to say you'll probably be a better judge than anyone elese.
 
After one week, I can say that the lack of an SSD makes the L series notably slower than the E on boot. After they are up and running though, the L feels a little bit snappier on day to day tasks. As noted before, the L also feels more "expensive" and overall nicer, in spite of lacking the drop hinge and other better LOOKING bits on the Edge.
 
Boot, as loosely used in this forum, also includes Windows load time as well as drivers for the laptop. All things being equal, the L should load a bit slower because it is probably loading more. Put the SSD on your upgrade list.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top