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    IdeaPads not as reliable as ThinkPads?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by RD616, Jul 17, 2009.

  1. RD616

    RD616 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've been told by someone that only the ThinkPads are the same as the IBM ones. Therefore the IdeaPads are not as reliable because they are made by the random China-based company, Lenovo.
     
  2. t30power

    t30power Notebook Deity

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    Both are made by Lenovo. And to Thinkpad legacy users a Lenovo Thinkpad is not considered the same as a IBM Thinkpad.

    In my opinion, my T61 feels very cheap compared to my old IBM Thinkpad T42p, flexy materials, the bezel, bad keyboard support, weird keyboard connector.

    As a matter of fact both new Lenovo Thinkpads and Ideapads share the same AC adapter.

    I don't think a Ideapad is not reliable, but Thinkpads have been always considered very reliable, heavily used on business and universities. If you've never used a Thinkpad then don't worry they are still fine machines, but I miss the sturdiness of my old IBM Thinkpads.

    Note: I use a 14.1" standard screen Thinkpad T61, and I think it has flaws in the forementioned points, I think the new T400/T500 are more sturdy, I even think the widescreen version of the T61 is more sturdy compared to mine which have a 4:3 aspect ratio screen.
     
  3. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    That's interesting. The T4x machines were very thin, but it came at the cost of rigidity. My own T42 was kind of creaky after a year and half when I sold it off, which I was kind of glad I did. It was mostly for home use for myself. By comparison my 14" R60 felt almost new after two and a half years. The T61s I've seen have seemed pretty solid to me. I can't argue the keyboards as the T4x machines had some of the best.
     
  4. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    True, Ideapads are more geared towards the consumer, so they will likely be less durable (I use that word instead of "reliable," since all laptops use similar components, it's the way they are put together that ensures their lifetime) than Thinkpads. Both, however, are made by Lenovo, not IBM.

    One point that I'd like to emphasize is that people always use "China-based" or "Made in China" as a derogatory comment, but it's really not where a product is made as to what quality control standards are set. For example, Apple products, which are highly regarded by many, are made in China - what sets them apart is their quality control standard (which likely contributes to the high cost of their products).

    But back on topic - Thinkpads are business-grade laptops, and thus are made to similar, if not the same standard that IBM has historically used in producing their Thinkpads. My T500 is very well-built, and has minimal flex in its construction. The durability of the laptop is not held to be as important in the Ideapad line, so yes, Thinkpads are more durable than Ideapads.
     
  5. JaneL

    JaneL Super Moderator

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    Any given product from any given company made in any given country can break at any time. To me, reliable means:

    1) I can get support

    2) drivers are updated as needed

    3) parts are available

    In my experience, consumer desktops and notebooks are not as reliable as business desktops and notebooks because they don't meet those three criteria.
     
  6. EnterKnight

    EnterKnight Notebook Evangelist

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    Some of the IdeaPads share design cues and concepts with the ThinkPads... my IdeaPad has a reinforced case and APS, as well as a ThinkPad keyboard (top button layout is different, color is different, mounting is different - but shape and clicketiness is there). The screen is a little flexy and it's not as sturdy but it's very good for a very consumer-class laptop.
     
  7. RD616

    RD616 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So would the Y450 be a good choice as a laptop for a student entering college? I want a nice portable but powerful laptop.
     
  8. fudd30

    fudd30 Newbie

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    I just purchased a Y450 that I plan on taking to school. I'm expecting it to arrive Monday, and I may post a review then. Regardless, I expect it to be perfectly adequate for school. I went with the 4GB model that has integrated graphics.
     
  9. pipspeak

    pipspeak Notebook Deity

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    It's all about the target. Thinkpads are considered "business class" machines (whatever that means). In other words they'll generally be used in a business environment, which is generally more taxing on hardware than a consumer environment (depending on how you live at home ;)

    Whether they are designed by different department I don't know. Supposedly the Thinkpad design team is based in the US and are former IBM. No idea if that makes any difference or where the Ideapad design is done.

    I concur, however, that Thinkpads have gone downhill in the past few generations. My T40 was the last bomb-proof stinkpad I owned. Since then they've cheaped out a little more with each new model and the keyboard snafu with the latest generation is unforgiveable. Thinkpads have followers for only a few reasons now... one used to be the superb keyboard. Now the keyboard is just average IMO, which is disappointing to me because I write for a living. With Apple, Dell and Fujitsu upping their game in recent years, there are fewer and fewer reasons to buy a Thinkpad IMO. The T400 might be my last.
     
  10. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    The T60 was better notebook than the T40 in most regards except maybe thinness and the keyboard. Fujitsu? They don't seem to have noticed everyone else has cut their notebook prices in half.
     
  11. keltix

    keltix Notebook Deity

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    i'm not sure what 'business' means either.

    does it mean long term sturdiness? because time is the most eroding agent to machines IMO. it's not like the prototypical business person is taxing the computer by running what, MS OFFICE?, anymore than an entertainment notebook.

    so to me 'business' means the ability to stay withstand long use and not compromise quality.
     
  12. pipspeak

    pipspeak Notebook Deity

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    IMO it's not so much what the machine is running, but where its user is running to :) My experience of business laptop use involves potentially taking in and out of dock every day, to and from home almost every day, many business trips involving flying and a lot of other schlepping etc. In that scenario, the machine has to be fairly physically tough because you don't want a dead screen or dead hard drive when you arrive at a business meeting or have a budget to finish.

    Not to mention the fact that a lot of business users get their laptops through the company so really have no incentive to take any care of them, resulting in more abuse than normal. I remember treating my old company Dell like the PoS it was :D
     
  13. pipspeak

    pipspeak Notebook Deity

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    I just reemmebr that the T40 was the last thinkpad I bought that really impressed me compared to its predecessor. Since then I've been slightly disappointed with one aspect or another with every new model.

    :D I know what you mean about Fujitsu... every time I'm in the market for a new laptop I look their new models and gasp at the price. They are very nice machines, however. Far nicer than thinkpads IMO but for the money clearly aimed at corporate buyers.
     
  14. EnterKnight

    EnterKnight Notebook Evangelist

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    Business notebooks have a longer target life, are sturdier, have better warranty and support.
     
  15. Pamster

    Pamster Guest

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    Which are better for first time buyers who want a lappy that will last a few years? IdeaPads or ThinkPads? I was set on getting a dell but have changed my tune since lenovos look really classy and have a better reputation. What do you guys think for a first time lapy owner, which is better if you don't game and need only 2 GB ram and aren't looking to do more then write in WORD and Surfing? I posted a thread in What Should I buy and that is why I am convinced the Lenovo is better suited to my needs, just not sure what's more durable, the ThinkPad or the IdeaPad. Thanks guys!
     
  16. antskip

    antskip Notebook Deity

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    Go for a 15.4" screen Thinkpad with integrated gpu. T500 is premium build; R500 less so. Unless cost is a huge factor, go for the T500..
     
  17. sxr71

    sxr71 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I wouldn't say that Lenovo has screwed up the Thinkpad name. I have an X31 which is the epitome of great Thinkpad design. The X60s which I also have was indeed a step backward, the plastic parts started breaking apart in less than a year. The X200s is a return to form however. The new roll cage and carbon fiber reinforced display back is great. The plastic again elsewhere (non-magnesium alloy or carbon fiber plastic areas) seems to be an issue but its not an issue the X31 was immune from either.

    The X200s is a return to from and is priced to reflect that. You get what you pay for I suppose. As for Ideapad, I don't anything about them but I suspect that aren't up to Thinkpad build, but they do seem pricey though.
     
  18. sxr71

    sxr71 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thinkpad is always a safer bet.
     
  19. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    The ThinkPad is probably better than the IdeaPad. Just get something like a T-series or X-series. Stay away from the SL-series (not really a ThinkPad IMHO).

    If you are just going to use the notebook around the house, the IdeaPad may be sufficient. But if you are doing important work or take it around with you a lot, the ThinkPad should be better.
     
  20. sxr71

    sxr71 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Agreed. T and X are the real Thinkpads. I guess W also, but I might as well get a desktop instead of a W. I suppose it has its purpose in some limited niche applications.
     
  21. Pamster

    Pamster Guest

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    Thanks everyone who posted about the Thinkpad vs Ideapad. I like the Thinkpad more each time I read about it. ;) Definitely going with a T400. What do you think of the outlet to get a refurbished model T400? :)