I'm a relative novice when it comes to ThinkPads. I've owned or been issued several ThinkPads over the past four years and I have to say, for my wife's home use machine, this new SL300 really fits the bill nicely. Sure, my T400 is super fast, has the roll cage, ultrabay and the legendary keyboard. Sure, my T60 was really thin and light and a real workhorse. My older T42 and T40 lasted forever and still see use from time to time.

Three weeks ago when it was time to replace my wife's T40, we first went to a T60, which she liked, but wanted something a little newer, then to a mac because her friends have one, but didn't like having to change to mac os (returned it), then to a Toshiba U400 (returned it), and finally to this SL300. She realized she HAS to have the trackpoint (me too!), wanted a 13" widescreen. For web use, email and simple photo and video stuff, this thing is fantastic. Great screen with the LED backlight - it's so bright we have it set to 13/15. Good speakers, good size and weight, good keyboard. The keys feel a bit more dampened than my other ThinkPads, but in a good way. No keyboard flex. All-in-all, a great buy for $604 with the cpp discount and St Pats day sale.

Congratulations on the new ThinkPad !

Thanks for the nice write up. It was very interesting to read your report as I have wondered just how good these might be, espeically at such a reasonable price point. You have answered my questions quite nicely, it sounds like another excellent ThinkPad model.

Enjoy...