Which model is right for me?

[ssarmazi]

My wife's older Thinkpad is on its legs, and it's time to look for a new one. I've also used Thinkpads at work for over 10 years, and we want to stay with Thinkpad.

She's a teacher, so while she takes her laptop to work everyday, it's not like she's on-the-road. The laptop only travels from her desk at home to her desk in the classroom. Ruggedness isn't a major requirement.

Her 3 must-have requirements are:

- must have trackpoint. She will not use the trackpad, may use an external mouse occasionally.
- must have optical drive - believe me, I don't get this one either, but she's firm on this!
- 14.x" - not larger, not smaller

Based on these specs, I think we're down to L440, E440, T440. So my question to you kind folks on this forum...

- Is there another model that would fit these criteria?
- Among these models, which one would you recommend?
- Why does the T-series cost quite a bit more than the other two? I have a lot of colleagues at work who use the T430s, and I use an X230, but I don't know anyone who has L or E and thus know nothing about those series.

I've also read a few things about new keyboards which aren't very friendly...do these comments apply to the classic models I'm looking at or are they mostly for the new ones like Yoga, Y-series, etc...

Any advice?

Thanks!

[brchan]

Hi ssarmazi,

What is your budget and do you require the laptop to be new? I personally would recommend the t420 over the other options for the following reasons:
- More durable (especially the lid) and includes lid latches
- Classic keyboard
- Dedicated trackpoint buttons
- Less expensive
- Easier maintenance if needed (no need to pry of delicate plastic clips like on the newer models to access parts)
- Great performance

The only reasons to get the newer models would be if you want a better screen, slightly longer battery life, or lightness/thinness.

Hope this helps,
Brian

[ssarmazi]

Hi Brian

Thanks for your quick response!

Budget is up to $1,000.

I prefer new since I have an EPP at work that I can take advantage of. I don't think they have older models or used ones but I'll check.

[brchan]

Ah, I just realized that your original post already said that you preferred new. Sorry about that. In this case, I would go for the t440. The E440 and L440 are a step down in quality (the E440 more so) and may be disappointing. The T series offers more options as well.

Hope this helps,
Brian

[Ibthink]

- Among these models, which one would you recommend?

From these 3 models, E440, L440 and T440p, I would recommend either L440 or T440p, depending on your available budget.

- Why does the T-series cost quite a bit more than the other two? I have a lot of colleagues at work who use the T430s, and I use an X230, but I don't know anyone who has L or E and thus know nothing about those series.

T machines like the T440p are more high-end than L-Series ThinkPads or even the very low quality E-Series. The T-Series is better in many aspects:
- More expensive and durable chassis materials (Magnesium structure frames, Glass fiber or Carbon fiber plastics)
- Better screen options (in case of the T440p, FHD (1920x1080) IPS as the best option vs. HD+ (1600x900) TN as the best option in L440/E440)
- More powerful CPUs and GPUs
- A more compact and lighter chassis
- More or better ports
- Often longer warranties

The L-Series is more like the old R-Series, a budget line with basic options and performance, but without the higher-end options and features of the T-Series. E-Series is an El-Cheapo line for consumers and should not be in the ThinkPad lineup if you ask me. I would not consider buying one.

I've also read a few things about new keyboards which aren't very friendly...do these comments apply to the classic models I'm looking at or are they mostly for the new ones like Yoga, Y-series, etc...

No need for fear: The current keyboards are excellent - only if you really are used to the old 7-row layout, they may be a problem for you.

[pianowizard]

No need for fear: The current keyboards are excellent

In terms of tactile feedback, I agree. Whether the keys are Chiclet or traditional style doesn't really matter. What matters is whether the latest Thinkpads' key tops are still curved, and they are. Many Chiclet keyboards have keys with very flat tops, which may feel weird to a touch typist.

- only if you really are used to the old 7-row layout, they may be a problem for you.

Both the OP and his wife have been using Thinkpads for years, and so they may indeed have gotten used to the old layout. But IMO, the lack of real trackpoint buttons presents an even bigger problem. Obviously, some people for example you can quickly adapt to these changes, but not everyone can. Eventually, we all need to adapt to these changes because it seems that all laptop designers are conspiring to make laptop keyboards and pointing devices crappier and crappier. Some people are trying to hold on to older laptops to postpone the migration for as long as possible, but the OP stated that he definitely wants to choose from the current lineup of Thinkpads, so he really has no choice but to adapt right now.

[ssarmazi]

But IMO, the lack of real trackpoint buttons presents an even bigger problem. Obviously, some people for example you can quickly adapt to these changes, but not everyone can. Eventually, we all need to adapt to these changes because it seems that all laptop designers are conspiring to make laptop keyboards and pointing devices crappier and crappier. Some people are trying to hold on to older laptops to postpone the migration for as long as possible, but the OP stated that he definitely wants to choose from the current lineup of Thinkpads, so he really has no choice but to adapt right now.

I just read a bit more about the lack of trackpoint buttons and that's definitely going to take some adapting to...well, for my wife anyway! I can't believe they took these out...why do manufacturers make changes like this? Why does Lenovo want to be like every other laptop maker? Don't they realize that features that are unique to them are an advantage, and not a disadvantage? *rant over*

Thanks everyone for your recommendations and feedback. Looks like the T440 it is...

ssarmazi

[sir_synthsalot]

I also agree. L440 or T440p, depending on your budget.

The T440 doesn't have an optical drive, you'll want the T440p for that.