Thinkpads Forum

Hi all,

I just received my new x61t. I am quite disappointed with the poor build quality.

In notebook mode, the LCD panel is noticeably tilted to the right, so that the bottom-right side of the LCD touches the computer, but the bottom-left side is tilted up in teh air with about a 2-4 mm gap that is noticeable.

Pics:

Overall:
http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... resgg1.jpg

Left side: up in air
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5128 ... reskh3.jpg

Right side: touches
http://img106.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... restq1.jpg


Also, the middle swivel that rotates the LCD, is noticeable mis-aligned horizontally.

Pics:

http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... resxd5.jpg


What gives??! Is this normal for a brand new x61t ?


Thanks for any input.



mod edit: fixed links to images.

My conclusion is that Lenovo sucks.

I've lost all faith in Lenovo. The X61T has poor build quality.


There needs to be a new brand to replace the Thinkpad.

Fujitsu?

Does this affect your use of the computer at all? Is it fully functional?
This is something that could have even happened in shipping.
Just send it back and have them fix it if the difference of a few millimeters really bothers you that much. No computer is flawless.

Mine didn't have any of those problems. Just give Lenovo a call and RMA it. It may just be cosmetic, but it may also be improperly assembled, which could lead to unexpected problems.

Lenovo produces a lot of computers using humans, so some are bound to have problems. QC can only go so far, which is why there are returns and warranties.

The misaligned hinge that you see is basically a plastic cover that loosely sits on top of the real hinge. If you push on that cover, it will move slightly without any effect on the screen panel. This one is not about build quality but about the design. Either good or bad, you can judge it as you like.

However, I don't have the problem with the screen panel tilting left to right. So I guess that one may have something to do with build quality.

The Lenovo tech support refused to send a replacement; they said I could only send in the tablet to their warehouse for repair. Since I did not get on-site tech warranty, they refused to send a technician on-site also.

The returns department told me that the only way is for me to re-order a brand new one; they would price-match and then charge me AGAIN. After I return the original via UPS, they would re-credit me.

The returns department also made it sound like the only way for me to get a full refund (ie no re-stocking fee) is if I order ANOTHER one; I can't just send it back in for a refund.

Lenovo is pretty bogus nowadays; their service is crap. This is especially true considering that my BRAND NEW X61T was built poorly OUT OF THE BOX.

My next laptop / tablet is Fujitsu.


The only thing Lenovo has going for it is features per price. You get alot of features for a good price (compared to Fujitsu). Fujitsu is the new IBM, Lenovo is the new Dell, and Dell is the new Acer. Acer is.. well.. always the worst lol

I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience being less than pleasant one.

If I were you I would post it on Lenovo's forum and ask for help. There are people there who work for Lenovo and would likely give you a hand with resolving your issues, they've been quite helpful in several cases that I'm aware of.

Good luck.

ajkula66 wrote:I'm truly sorry to hear about your experience being less than pleasant one.

If I were you I would post in on Lenovo's forum and ask for help. There are people there who work for Lenovo and would likely give you a hand with resolving your issues, they've been quite helpful in several cases that I'm aware of.

Good luck.

Thanks for that tip.

No, its ok. I already went through the entire re-order (re-charge) and return-scheduling process.

Now just have to wait for the tablet

But really, I am serious -- no more Thinkpads for me after this one. Fujitsu. Sony. Maybe Dell if its super cheap

snots wrote:But really, I am serious -- no more Thinkpads for me after this one. Fujitsu. Sony. Maybe Dell if its super cheap

Bon voyage!

We won't for you.

Are you sure there is no "30 Day return Policy"?
Because I know when I ordered mine from the Canadian site I had a 30day allowance to return it if I wanted....or maybe its just a Canadian offer.

Well, hopefully despite the physical condition of the laptop, you are happy with the performance of the machine.

Trekk69 wrote:Are you sure there is no "30 Day return Policy"?
Because I know when I ordered mine from the Canadian site I had a 30day allowance to return it if I wanted....or maybe its just a Canadian offer.

Well, hopefully despite the physical condition of the laptop, you are happy with the performance of the machine.

I was VERY happy with the tablet feature when I tried it out - it better than what I was expecting.

I had high hopes for the IPS SXGA+ screen, but the screen looked dimmer and more grainy that what I expected. It just doesnt look as shiny, bright, and as high-contrast as you would find on, say, a Sony notebook. The SXGA+ screen felt to me like a regular dimly lit, grainy XGA Thinkpad screen.

snots wrote:

I had high hopes for the IPS SXGA+ screen, but the screen looked dimmer and more grainy that what I expected. It just doesnt look as shiny, bright, and as high-contrast as you would find on, say, a Sony notebook.

No IPS LCD looks shiny and bright. even when brand new, and especially not when compared to a Sony LCD.

Quite a few people around here have complained about their tablet IPS LCDs being "grainy". Honestly, I've seen just a few of them and they were not grainy in my opinion. That, of course, doesn't mean that you're wrong and that the issue doesn't exist.

Have you tested out a similar machine before ordering one from Lenovo?

ajkula66 wrote:snots wrote:

I had high hopes for the IPS SXGA+ screen, but the screen looked dimmer and more grainy that what I expected. It just doesnt look as shiny, bright, and as high-contrast as you would find on, say, a Sony notebook.

No IPS LCD looks shiny and bright. even when brand new, and especially not when compared to a Sony LCD.

Quite a few people around here have complained about their tablet IPS LCDs being "grainy". Honestly, I've seen just a few of them and they were not grainy in my opinion. That, of course, doesn't mean that you're wrong and that the issue doesn't exist.

Have you tested out a similar machine before ordering one from Lenovo?

Nope, I hadn't tested one out before (not an X61T one). I have a T61 with XGA and it is pretty good, but definitely nowhere near as bright as a Sony or as high-contrast.

I haven't looked at the X61t's screen much since I want to return it as new as possible, but IMHO it appears even *grainier* than my T61 XGA screen. Will take more of a look later tonight..

snots wrote: The only thing Lenovo has going for it is features per price. You get alot of features for a good price (compared to Fujitsu). Fujitsu is the new IBM, Lenovo is the new Dell, and Dell is the new Acer. Acer is.. well.. always the worst lol

Lenovo the new Dell? You have got to be joking. Dell uses bargain bin parts and build quality on everything but their Optiplex/Latitude lines so I have a hard time believing you.

Out of all the laptops Ive used, my single Dell unit was the only one that had to be replaced because of premature death. My 4 other Thinkpads were replaced only due to OBSOLESCENCE.

I'm sticking by Lenovo until I see some more evidence of the contrary.

minc3d wrote:

snots wrote: The only thing Lenovo has going for it is features per price. You get alot of features for a good price (compared to Fujitsu). Fujitsu is the new IBM, Lenovo is the new Dell, and Dell is the new Acer. Acer is.. well.. always the worst lol

Lenovo the new Dell? You have got to be joking. Dell uses bargain bin parts and build quality on everything but their Optiplex/Latitude lines so I have a hard time believing you.

Out of all the laptops Ive used, my single Dell unit was the only one that had to be replaced because of premature death. My 4 other Thinkpads were replaced only due to OBSOLESCENCE.

I'm sticking by Lenovo until I see some more evidence of the contrary.

I admit it was a slight exageration. But it is widely known (and has been for several years) that after Lenovo took over, the quality went down alot.

You hear people always commenting on how the IBM-era designs (X4x series) have more solid keyboards, and last longer.

Anyways, if you look at the photos above -- previously when IBM was in charge, there would be no way you would receive a *brand-new* Thinkpad with the build qualities that I have photo-documented.

sorry you have had such a bad experience snots. Although many of us gripe here about the shortcomings of Lenovo, many of these same cry babies (me included) cannot find anyone that can beat Lenovo with their overall offering. Eg verizon wwan rev a, tablet, form factor, performance, battery life, price, so on and so forth.

Lenovo is a (the) trend setter in the notebook/tablet arena.

bigwormie wrote:sorry you have had such a bad experience snots. Although many of us gripe here about the shortcomings of Lenovo, many of these same cry babies (me included) cannot find anyone that can beat Lenovo with their overall offering. Eg verizon wwan rev a, tablet, form factor, performance, battery life, price, so on and so forth.

Lenovo is a (the) trend setter in the notebook/tablet arena.

I agree, especially the last point (about the trend setter), I look forward to hopefully a new model over the summer and the collection of new and more effective features it will have to offer.