Thinkpads Forum

Hello everyone,

I was not sure if this thread should go to T-series or SL series board.

I wanted some input on the difference of built quality between T400 and SL series. I have used multiple T-series in the past including T41p, T42, now T60 and all I know is that it has superb build quality and uses best materials. It has only been getting better.

Since Lenovo took over, there have been few new series. Some good some not so good. I am eyeing on SL series since it seems pretty affordable. Pretty much I could buy a new SL510 for a price of a used T400. Although SL series are labeled as "Thinkpad", I am wondering about its build quality compared to T-series. So here are some questions if anyone can answer for me. If anyone has owned both and have experiences using both I would really appreciate an objective opinion about these questions.

Few specific comparisons are

1) How are the hinges on the SL series? Are they as tight and durable as the T-series? Do they use same component or design?
2) Does the chassis have more flex than T-series?
3) Keyboard: Do they use the same keyboard? Does it live up the reputation of Thinkpad keyboard?
4) Is it worthy of legendary "Thinkpad" title?
5) What makes SL inferior than T-series? If it is not then please let us know why.
6) Anything else that you would like to comment?

Thank you in advance to everyone for your input.

JDK

1) SL hinges are not as good as T or W series.

2) Yes it does since it does not have internal magnesium rollcage and CFRP bottom casing.

3) They use a different keyboard.

4) That is debatable. Personally i think it is not in the same class as the T, R, W series.

5) Hinge, Casing/structural support and Keyboard are inferior to the T, R, W series.

Hi lead_org,

Thanks for the info. I spend time reading few reviews and it looks like same conclusions can be drawn as you have mentioned. I guess it is true that you get what you pay for.

I will have to stick to T-series... they have proven themselves over decades so no doubt on their build quality.

Thanks!!

JDK

I have a T400 and my wife has an SL510... primary decision into this was that she only uses the computer at home, while I'm a grad student so I pack mine everywhere. The T series will stand up to more abuse than an SL, definitely. The SL is noticeably lighter, but it still feels like a good solid laptop. I wouldn't hesitate to compare an SL favorably to a consumer grade Dell or HP. Performance between our computers is pretty much the same until you start taxing them - then my additional memory and 64bit OS help. So I guess it depends on your usage needs... if you need a laptop for space, but won't carry it with you 24/7, the SL is a great buy. If you need something a little more rugged, the T is a great computer. We got both of ours 'returned unopened' from the lenovo outlet; my T400 was about $600 and her SL was about $400.

I have a T60p and just added a W510 for a dedicated photo scanning project. My wife's aging Dell was replaced initially by an Edge. That was returned within a day - the keyboard sucks. My daughter has a SL400 so I got my wife a SL410. The keyboard is laid out slightly differently (some keys different) but at least it feels like a world famous Thinkpad keyboard.