Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13 Review Discussion

[dietcokefiend]

Lenovo is not only refreshing their current notebook lineup this year, but they have just announced an all-new Thinkpad; the Edge 13. This notebook is designed to be a cross between a small-business and consumer notebook, adding a spark of color and style not really seen in current ThinkPads. The biggest change that people will notice besides the glossy top is the completely redesigned Chiclet-style keyboard. In this review we look at the new 13-inch ThinkPad Edge and see how well it stacks up to previous ThinkPad models.

Read the full content of this Article: Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13 Review

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[Jayayess1190]

Nice to see the new Calpella platform 6000 series Intel wifi card included in a culv machine.

[MidnightSun]

Nice to see the new Calpella platform 6000 series Intel wifi card included in a culv machine. Also, I think this is the lightest 13.3" culv at right around 3lbs.

Weight: 3lbs 14.4oz

It's closer to 4 lbs, so it seems just about right for a CULV.

The new keyboard design is kind of strange, and I'm kind of disappointed that they removed the separated F1-F12, Esc, Del, etc keys. If this hits stores soon, I'd like to go get a look at it though.

Great review, Kevin!

[coldmack]

Hopefully the build quality is just a sign of pre-production model and by production time things are better.

[Zzzandman]

Thanks for the review Kevin, I am glad to read that the keyboard is up to the normal ThinkPad standard!

[JaneL]

ThinkLight or back-lit keyboard or neither?

[notebookhelp]

Why are the FN and Ctrl keys switched around on Lenovo machines?

[Red_Dragon]

I like it.

For some reason i have never really felt thinkpads before. It just seemed too old school. I REALLY like the new looks. It brings it with todays notebooks while keeping what made these notebooks popular in the first place. Great job Lenovo!

[Andrew Baxter]

ThinkLight or back-lit keyboard or neither?

Looking at that screen and lack of any lip I'm guessing neither, I'd be curious to know as well. Also, Kevin does it have other ThinkPad features such as the Active Protection System and spill drainage system for the keyboard?

Thanks for the review, I think this will appeal to consumer/small business buying market thanks to the design. The HDMI was a very wise choice, glad Lenovo didn't opt for display port, as HDMI is major port feature most consumers want.

For the price I'd expect there to be a few build aspects that might not up to par with a flagship ThinkPad, those hinges would have me worried relative to the width of say a T-series hinges, but since it comes from the ThinkPad design labs I'm sure due diligence was done in testing the strength.

[JabbaJabba]

Thanks for the nice review Kevin.

I don't mind the the chiclet style keyboard in principle, but the rest of the design is a big turn off for me. Very mainstream and common as opposed to the industrial and no nonsense design of the traditional ThinkPad. Quite disappointed to see Lenovo moving in this direction. At least the new X100e looks okay in black, but in red it looks terrible.

It seems Lenovo is truly milking the ThinkPad name for all its worth. At least the SL series still look more or less like a normal ThinkPad.

I think it is the wrong strategy to introduce more and more mainstream products using the ThinkPad name and continuing this trend will only dilute the ThinkPad brand. Instead they should keep to the IdeaPad range and continuously develop that instead. I believe that Lenovo will cannibalize their IdeaPad range by commercializing the ThinkPad range further, which won't necessarily lead to higher volumes, whilst at the same time reducing their "Edge" within the business/corporate segment. But time will tell what is best for sales and brand image.