Processor
2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2410M Processor ( 2.30GHz 1333MHz )
Operating System
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64
Memory
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz
Hard Disk
320GB 7200
Display size
13.3 " HD AntiGlare with integrated camera 1366x768
System Graphics
Intel HD Graphics
What's that?
Anybody using this or similar Lenovo lappy? Opinions?
I have the Edge E320 Performance model, and it's fantastic.
The laptop has a plastic casing, but is very solid and doesn't flex. Build quality all around is solid, just as you would expect from a Thinkpad. The lid is matte/rubbery and doesn't pick up fingerprints, and also looks quite stylish too. The keyboard is one of the best I've ever used. Trackpoint is a lot more useful than trackpad imo. The laptop itself is very sleek and light, can easily carry it around all day.
Performance wise it's great. Obviously not very good at games but the Intel HD3000 integrated graphics are pretty decent with less demanding games. Screen is matte which is great when you use it in bright areas. Battery lasts around 5-7 hours with wifi on browsing the net, obviously lasts longer with screen dimmer. The laptop runs very cool and quiet. The whole rear panel (made out of single piece of aluminium btw) can be easily unscrewed if you wish to DIY upgrade things (RAM, hard drive…even the CPU can be upgraded if you're feeling adventurous :P). Preloaded software is quite bloat-free and it boots fast, and the Lenovo tools are actually useful.
Lenovo online support is great too. Can easily locate drivers as well as maintenance guides showing you how to dismantle the whole thing if you so wish haha.
Downsides? The screen at max brightness is not overly bright. It's fine for day to day use but if you're intending to use it outdoors a lot the screen may bother you. Speakers are pretty flat sounding, but then again it's not exactly targeted as an entertainment laptop. Apart from that, can't think of anything else.
Bottom line: it's fantastic value for money and is a very well built and reliable laptop! :)
Great review thanks for the info! Buying one now
Wow, thanks Evol. Definitely wasn't expecting such a thorough response. I appreciate it.
I know Lenovo is popular among ozbargain-ers but never thought they held up too well when it came to quality. I was obviously wrong.
I'm kicking myself I didn't go with the HN Acer Deal a week or so back, I would've prefered the USB3 slot and the extra HD space would've come in handy.
Glad to hear you're happy with you E320 though.
Great review @evol — thanks!
Also note that instead of downloading drivers from Lenovo's website, ThinkVantage "System Update" can download and upgrade appropriate drivers within the application as it already knows the serial number and the model of your laptop.
@cheepo
I actually have the HN Acer 5750G laptop deal you speak of too :P Bought it for my gf and spent a few days reformatting and installing stuff on it for her.
The Acer is a good laptop, but build quality isn't as good as the Lenovo, and the hard drive makes a weird noise. It also runs a fair bit hotter than the Lenovo. Keyboard doesn't feel as good or as solid to type on either. Apart from that, great specs for the price and the HN bundle was superb value deal :)
I have a cheap Acer Netbook I purchased a year or so back and you're not wrong about the quality.
I definitely need new laptop though but I need it to replace everything I currently do on my desktop and on a budget. Considering you know your stuff and you have a few of the ones previously posted here…I may temporarily follow your posts to see what you think of what I hope to be some unbeatable laptop deals.
What's the battery like ?
6 hours on maximum power saving profile, with wifi on.
Free ship to Australia?
Is anyone else having issues when you try to Customize the laptop?? (Trying to add 2x2 WiFi) with no love.. It makes the total ~$179 and errors out with keeps returning back "Invalid Configuration" on checkout
Got my e520 with upgrades for just over 600 a month or so back.
Linky:
http://shabutie.com/files/loldeal.jpg
Bulk5 deal was the bomb :D it's where I got my e320 from too haha
good deal!
I used the Bulk5 deal for the e320 last time, Lenovo cancelled my order after confirming they've processed my payment/order with no explanation - I actually had to enquire why I hadn't received anything. Called them and they had no answers why but tried to make me re-order at full price.
Very frustrating experiencing dealing with their online store.
No $1 portable drive accessory :(