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I should preface these comments that I am ThinkPad fan. I have one of the latest ThinkPads when the laptops were made by IBM. The laptop is used daily, travels with me and has been wonderful. Therefore, it was with a positive biased that I volunteered to help ready nine, brand new ThinkPads (Series X) for distribution and use this coming week.

This involved being part of what looked like an assembly line process where each machine was unboxed, identified, tested, loaded with security software and so forth. It meant that I had a fair amount of time with each machine, as it moved through the process.

What I found was that there is a significant difference in quality. This was noticeable between machines - and between these new machines and my old ThinkPad. One would expect that these machines would be very similar to each other. They are shipped from the same distribution centre, as part of one purchase order. The assumption (perhaps incorrect assumption) is that they might be from a similar production lot. If they are manufactured at the same facility, then it is inexplicable why there is such a difference between keyboards. Many of them did not have the solid feel of the reputed ThinkPad keyboard. There was just a wide range of feel and responsiveness in this order of laptops.

There is a significant difference when comparing my old IBM ThinkPad to the new Lenovo ThinkPads. The old IBM ThinkPad has a more solid feel and better individual key return. This does make a difference for speed typing. The old IBM ThinkPad is better by far.

Of course, the new Lenovo ThinkPads are lighter and more streamlined in design. They look gorgeous. However, it is at the sacrifice of the substantial feel of the old ThinkPads. These new models seem flimsy by comparison. For example, the screen on the old model takes some effort to move. It is secured by excellent hardware and stays put - in any position. The new models lack this feeling of security.

As a caveat, this is only a small sample. Nevertheless, when my old ThinkPad has given its last day of service, a new ThinkPad might not be my automatic next choice. I might look to see what is available from other manufacturers or what old IBM models are available on eBay.

Catherine

Tags: comparison, IBM, laptop, Lenovo, ThinkPad

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