Confused! Edge or L

Hello

Looking for a Lenovo laptop. I am not a gamer, but I edit RAW image files in Photoshop. The T-510 is too expensive for me.

I think the L and Edge series will be fine for my use. This is what I have found so far:
1. The L series has a max RAM limit of 8GB. The Edge series is limited to 4GB.

2. The Edge series is available with ATI graphics (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5145) while the L "only" with Integrated Intel.

3. The L series models usually have a better specs for connectivity, Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 vs Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200. The L-series has also 3G available.

4. Where I live the L -series is available with cpu up to Intel Core i5 560M / 2.66 GHz. The Edge is available with cpu up to Intel Core i5 460M / 2.53 GHz.

5. The L- series seems to have better docking and battery solutions.


So, then the question is build quality. When reading reviews it seems like the L-series has very good build quality compared to other brands (Dell, HP, Acer), but I have also heard that it's not even close to the T-series. However, that's fine with me. How does the Edge-series compare? Better or worse than L?

What have I missed? To me it seems like L-series is a better buy than a similar spec'ed Edge?

Kind regards
.lars

 

I have always been confused as to why lenovo made the thinkpad edge and decided to call it a thinkpad. The L series is a cheaper standard size thinkpad laptop for a variety of business uses. Its keyboard, compared to the standard thinkpad keyboard, is slightly downgraded because it only has 6 rows. It still resembles a thinkpad, and it extends the thinkpad brand into a lower price range. I wish lenovo included their standard 7-row keyboard into the L series, as I think the standark thinkpda keyboard is well known and powerful, but the 6 row keyboard here isn't too dramatic a departure from the 7-row, and reviews seem to agree that it offers a good typing experience.

With the edge however, you can see how consumer-level features have crept into the design. For example, note how you must hold down function to activate any of the F keys, because by default they are assigned to functions like volume, mute, and multimedia. You do have HDMI over displayport though. Although I have never handled the edge (nor the L series), I think it'd probably be a decent laptop. ButI don't think it deserves the thinkpad brand name since it is such a departure from the norm. The only thinkpad feature I can see really is the trackpoint.

If you're willing to consider the 14 inch models, the L412 also offers HD 5145 discrete graphics. I don't know if that's necessary to you. In general, I would recommend the 14 inch form factor over the 15 inch, since they both have the same resolution, and the 14 inch offers advantages in size, weight, and battery life.

Basically, the L series is more business oriented, and the edge seems more consumer oriented. Having felt neither laptop, I cannot say much about build quality. It's hard to tell on forums, because the normal people who are satisfied have no reason to speak up because there's nothing to complain about.

 

What's your budget and where are you located?

 

I am located in Sweden. My budget is $1500 USD. For that amount of money I can get:
L410 with i5 560M / 2.66 GHz, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD and Intel gfx.
Edge with i5 460M / 2.53 GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD and Ati gfx.

I am not concerned about the size of HDD because I am going to swap it with a 60GB SSD anyway.

Kind regards
.lars

 

I have a Edge 11,6" and even though it's not build like my T410 and W510 it's still pretty good. It's great that I can use the same PSU'es as the rest of the newer Thinkpad lines, and all the Thinkpad tools are also present in the EDGE series. About the F keys being used pr. default to screenbrightness, volume etc. you can change that in the bios settings, so it will work as normal F keys again.

 

If your budget is 1500$ then Id recommend you to look at ebay or some other USA online retailers and order from USA, you will get yourself better machine with better specs and build quality for lower price+get yourself extended 3 year warranty that is eligible in your country (IWS) and you will be happy !
Trust me, there is NO justification for spending 1500$ for L series or Edge series, they are NOT worth the money no matter where you buy them.
Dont do this !

 

When ordering from USA I have to pay 25% tax + another 10-12% fee. But, it means I can buy a T410 for the same price as L410. The problem is the keyboard, as the us models don't have Scandinavian letters like ö ä å.

Kind regards
.lars

 

Lars, you can always buy a swedish keyboard and change the one on the T410. The only thing I'm not quite sure of is the waranty, but veer mentioned that you can buy something called IWS.

You could also take a look at a used T410, there should be something out there for around 7-8000 kr.

 

Yep, that's possible. Good news!...a shop is selling L412, T510 and Edge close to where I live. That means I have the chance compare them "in real life".

Kind regards
.lars

 

Please tell us what you think after comparing them. Would be very interested in what you found.

 

You cannot buy IWS as an add on. A machine either has it or it doesn't by machine type. There's a link in the sticky to check the IWS status.

 

I got the chance to compare them today. At very close inspection the T410 appears slightly more rugged than the L412, but the difference is totally insignificant in my opinion.

I didn't notice any difference between them when typing, so the keyboards must be of equal quality. Both models have unnoticeable flexing when putting normal pressure on the chassi.

The difference became noticeable at very hard pressure. In fact I had to press so hard before noticing a clear difference that the whole comparison/test became irrelevant. I mean, I don't plan to drive over my laptops.

The T410 is more compact and less bulky, but it also looks old compared to the more modern look of the L412. In addition, the T410 is noisier, quite surprised about that...

I am also happy with the Edge's build quality, but it's not as good as the L and T. I am not going to buy the Edge.

The shop had Acer TimelineX models and a bunch of HPs. They are good spec-wise but build quality is nothing to write home about. Very flimsy keyboards and a lot of flexing compared to the Thinkpads.

I also tested a few models by Asus that didn't impress (N43, K52, U45), except from one model. It really felt just as rugged as the Thinkpads. I believe it's a pure business model. Very discrete but elegant design, not consumer-like at all. It had a lot features typical for business laptops (matt display, anti-fingerprint surfaces, Intel Vpro, high quality batteries etc.) I think the model name is B43.
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=a1czhjM2rpzx42Sf&templete=3

Another thing I realised..... 1366x768 works fine on a 14" display, but it seems low on a 15". By choosing the 14" models you also get rid of the numeric key pad (I never use it anyway).

I have not decided whether to go for Lenovo L412 or the Asus B43. A good argument for the Lenovo is that the model is available with i5 560M. The B43 is only available with i3 370M, but I think an i5 model is on its way.

Kind regards
.lars

 

What did you not like on the Edge?

Here is a review on the L412:

Review Lenovo Thinkpad L412 Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

drake

 

It didn't feel that rugged, but the build quality was still good though. I am not thrilled with glossy displays and island keyboards. However, the Edge's keyboard was WAY sturdier than Acer's. By the way, I don't understand why its max RAM limit is 4GB ??

Kind regards
.lars

 

Yes, I've read the Edge's keyboards are really good. A service rep from Lenovo told me yesterday that the Edge is designed as a combination of both business and consumer in mind. Thus, the limit to 4 gigs of memory.

I will buying my wife a laptop for Christmas. She is a teacher and needs one for desktop replacement; occasionally will take it to work but is not a priority. This will be used for Office 2010, internet research, emails, logging onto the school server, skype, CD/DVD burning, occasional video streaming, but no gaming whatsoever.

In your opinion do you think the Edge will be a fine choice for her needs?

 

In real life there doesn't seem to be a 4 GB ram limit on the Edge series:

Thinkpad EDGE - AMD - 8GB RAM ? - Lenovo Community

 

Yes, why not. The Edge series is available with many different configurations (i3, i3UM, i5 etc.). I guess i3 is enough for her needs. The other thinkpad series are a bit "macho" in design. I suspect Edge (especially the red-colored) appeals more to women, but I don't know your wife's taste.

The Edge has not been available with UM cpu where I live, but now the first ones are finally showing up. This is good for those who need long battery run time (6-8 hours).

Kind regards
.lars

 

Lars, did you try the machines somewhere in the Stockholm area per chance? I have been looking for a physical store that has Thinkpads but not found any.

Cheers!

 

No, it was not in the Stockholm area. I live in Dalsland.

Kind regards
.lars

 

Ok, thanks!

 

Lars, thank for telling about one more option (B43).
Also there is another B43 - B43F (with integrated graphics) and P42F/P42Jc. Unfortunately none of them are available in Ukraine, where I live.
And more "professional" notebooks: Samsung P480 and Dell E5410 (i* CPUs but 1280x800 screen).
For me only Edge and E5410 are available, but I don't like Edge's design, so I'm waiting for L412 to come, or I'll buy E5410 if I will be able to see it in real life.

 

Two versions of B43 are available where I live. The difference is the gfx:
1. B43/B53 F = Intel GMA
2. B43/B53 J = ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470

Kind regards
.lars