Which Lenovo model to get for parents?

[Tu13erhead]

My parents currently have a 4ish year old Toshiba laptop that is on its way out. As far as I know, they use this laptop ONLY for internet, IM, and solitaire (lol).

Their requirements are pretty simple: something for under $600-700 (the cheaper the better) and a 14-15" screen. My requirements for them is for something that's a pretty solid build quality and/or reliability. I've had bad experiences with Toshibas in the past and the one they have now is only four years old and in awful shape.

I'm thinking of replacing it with something from the Lenovo line. I love the build quality and durability of the T series, though they're relatively pricey (compared to an IdeaPad, SL, or R). I'd ruled out the IdeaPad/SL/R series initially because some people seem to be all "They're cheap pieces of crap! Get a T series!" However, most reviews I can find seem to be pretty solid.

Can anyone vouch for an IdeaPad, SL, or R Series Lenovo laptop? Or, has anyone had any bad experiences with it?

If anyone has any non-Lenovo suggestions, feel free to chime in. Netbooks are out due to their size.

 

[esun]

I can't comment on the IdeaPad, SL, or R series (since I haven't owned any of them), but if you don't want to spend the money for a new T series, you can always buy a used one. Build quality has been good for a long time, it just will be slower than the new ones (which doesn't sound like it will be a problem for your parents).

 

[WackyDan]

I currently use a 14" R61 for my production machine. (need to update my sig I think). It's just as durable at the T if a hair thicker and heavier. I've been carrying it near daily for a year come next month. It's been banged around quite a bit. It took a serious fall a few months back while the lid was closed but the system was on and I took a marring to the side of the LCD but that's it.... Still running. Note... I was using it it the car... and I don't let it sleep when lid is closed. I was trying to get into my hotel door when my laptop bag fell and the R slid out as the bag tipped and fell 3+ feet onto concrete. It's on 24/7.

If you don't need discreet video and built in Cellular WAN.... then the R is a solid choice. Note that with the R series, the planars are identical to the T's when you are only looking at Non-wan, and integrated graphics.

So... there's my testimony to the R series. I've driven them all. I still have a T61 for other things, and would probably get a T400 if the chance presented itself, but an R400 would be fine too.

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: WackyDan
I currently use a 14" R61 for my production machine. (need to update my sig I think). It's just as durable at the T if a hair thicker and heavier. I've been carrying it near daily for a year come next month. It's been banged around quite a bit. It took a serious fall a few months back while the lid was closed but the system was on and I took a marring to the side of the LCD but that's it.... Still running. Note... I was using it it the car... and I don't let it sleep when lid is closed. I was trying to get into my hotel door when my laptop bag fell and the R slid out as the bag tipped and fell 3+ feet onto concrete. It's on 24/7.

If you don't need discreet video and built in Cellular WAN.... then the R is a solid choice. Note that with the R series, the planars are identical to the T's when you are only looking at Non-wan, and integrated graphics.

So... there's my testimony to the R series. I've driven them all. I still have a T61 for other things, and would probably get a T400 if the chance presented itself, but an R400 would be fine too.

Cool, sounds good. Seems like the R would be a solid choice for my parents, then.

Anyone else have any input on an IdeaPad?