How to navigate the maze of thinkpad models

I have been using thinkpads since the 700C, but I haven't purchased one in a few years (I standardized my family on T61 and an X61s a couple of years ago for simpler support).

I just starting to look at upgrading to something newer and I am shocked to see that Lenovo now has 13 series of notebook computers (6 thinkpad, 5 ideapad, and 2 essential (whatever they are)).

Does anyone know of a place that describes the differences in the series? I tried hunting around on the Lenovo website and it seems their goal is to hide the differences in marketing-speak.

 

Take a look at the PSREF (Personal Systems Reference) which describes all the currently available machines along with their characteristics, etc.

 

If you've been using Thinkpads, avoid Ideapads. You'll get a serious downgrade in build quality. Lenovo IdeaPads are no better than other consumer-class laptops.

If you've been using T61's and X61's, the new models you should look at are the 14" T420, the 15" T520, and the 12" X220.

For the T420, the two essential upgrades are:
- 1600x900 display (lets you fit more onscreen and affects you more than a processor upgrade or other spec upgrade could, don't skip this upgrade. If you had to pick one upgrade out of all of the rest, get this one.)
- 4GB of RAM (for general usage, you won't need more, you won't want less. However, you can save money by skipping this upgrade and buying an extra 2GB DIMM on newegg.com for $20)

For the T520, you'll want the 1600x900 display (or 1920x1080, but avoid 1366x768) and 4GB of RAM

For the X220, you'll want the "Premium" display (it's an IPS display. Not a higher resolution display, but there is a big difference in image quality. For $50, it's more than worth it) and 4GB of RAM.

You'll also want to note that the Webcam is an optional upgrade (not included), and that it's recommended to get an Intel WiFi card if you can, rather than the stock Thinkpad b/g/n WiFi. However, the screen upgrade is the thing you want to prioritize over all else, since the screen is what you stare at 100% of the time.

 

Yup as it's been stated above, stick with ThinkPad. IdeaPad is Lenovo's in house brand and is targeted towards consumers. Then they have Edge, L, SL series which target entry level business. The old school T__p series has spawned into the W series (mobile workstations, high end CAD graphic solutions, quad core, you get the idea). Lenovo has also seperated the 14" and 15" notebooks into the T4_0 and T5_0. Other than the name change, it pretty much as been the same (I believe the team that designed the T60/T61 did the new T420 series).

 

Thanks for bringing back the memories, my first notebook was a 700C.

Ike

 

Thanks everyone.
I haven't seen PSREF in a lot of years...

Anyone had experience with the X series (I think x220 is the current offering).

 

Yeah, Lenovo's computer [extended] family is a mess. It's part of the reason why NBR's Lenovo subforum actually has an ongoing discussion of how to organize all these different models in a coherent way.

Yep, the X220 is the current-generation flagship X model. You can trawl through the massive X220 Owner's Thread for various general impressions, potential issues, and remarks by owners.

Overall, though, you'll find that people will say the X220 is a great deal (particularly with Lenovo's recent coupons) that can be found for as low as $750, and the IPS screen is one of the best laptop monitors on the market for a reasonable price.

 

How's that working out?

What are your goals for your next notebook? What size screen? How much battery life? Max weight?

What do you intend to do with the machine? It might be easier to help make a recommendation if you'll list some preferences and a budget.

 

Still test-driving the current divisions, but the Lenovo mods are working on it, combining both our views from a moderation standpoint and the great comments from the Lenovo/IBM forumers in the sticky

 

My goal is to replace a whole bunch of t61 and x61 thinkpads in my home and business.
I try to standardize on a couple of models to simplify support and peripherals. Its not optimal, but better than chaos.

The users have varied requirements (one does video editing, one does a lot of programming, a couple are students. None are gentle with laptops, so the plastic marvels (like most dells) just don't hold up. Most have a love for trackpoint/won't use touchpads. Screen and weight preferences vary, but historically I have managed with one small (x series) and one "standard" (T series) size machine for them to choose from.

Budget - don't want to spend more than I have to, but I would rather buy quality than buy replacements every year. Overall, I am hoping to stay under $1k average.