Thinkpads Forum

http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops/ca2746xd9.html - opinions please - is this a good deal? would be using it for the web, watching streaming videos and dvd's with my tired old eyes.

AFAIK there's no docking station for these models.
Not sure if you would be happy with the sluggish Vista that comes with it.
The price looks OK.
Personally I wouldn't want to browse the internet on such a 'short' screen. But then, I don't like widescreen.

anyone else?

retired wrote:is this a good deal? would be using it for the web, watching streaming videos and dvd's with my tired old eyes.

I wouldn't get it. The price is somewhat tempting, but the screen (low contrast and narrow viewing angles) would be terrible for watching videos and DVDs, especially for someone with "tired old eyes". Based on your intended use and what you said about your eyes, getting a good screen is of utmost importance, and it's worth paying a bit more for a good screen. All other specs are secondary. Most reviews on http://www.notebookcheck.net and http://www.notebookreview.com/ include helpful information on screen quality.

I have one general recommendation: get a large screen with low resolution, e.g. 15.4" with 1280x800, 15.6" with 1366x768, 17.0" 1440x900, etc. On such screens, things look bigger.

Planowizard - I'm confused - notebook review.com says "The screen on the SL500 is above average, though not exceptional.", the resolution is low (1280x800) . What would you suggest that would be better? - thanks.

retired wrote:notebook review.com says "The screen on the SL500 is above average, though not exceptional.", the resolution is low (1280x800).

Check the review on the other site I recommended. It's very negative. And even "above average, though not exceptional" is not good enough for someone whose vision isn't great.

retired wrote:the resolution is low (1280x800).

Yes I noticed that about this SL500. But besides low res, you want something with high contrast and wide viewing angles. These review articles show photos of the LCDs viewed at different angles -- you want a screen whose colors don't change much at different angles. This SL500 is weak in these respects.

retired wrote:What would you suggest that would be better?

In general, Thinkpad screens are pretty lousy. I cannot recommend specific laptops because I seldom shop around for laptops any more (migrated to desktops two years ago). My suspicion is that consumer-oriented, multimedia laptops tend to have better screens. However, they also tend to have glossy screens, which some people like but others hate. You need to decide for yourself regarding glossy vs. matte.

I think it’s a good deal.

I’m not retired but I’ve got tired old eyes and I wouldn’t want anything more than 1280x800. I don’t care if a screen has narrow viewing angles because I’m only concerned with what it looks like when viewed straight on. The review photo of the screen viewed straight on looks fine to me. Vista isn’t slow if properly tweaked. I’ve never seen a reason to use a docking station, so I don’t care whether one is available. Also, it's usable out of the box without a need to upgrade ram, hard drive, etc.