Pondering an E420 purchase - opinions wanted

[kge420]

Looking at the Lenovo outlet at some Edge E420 units and am considering a purchase. I have been using a T40p for quite some time now and the flash laden sites are causing it to show it's age. Can I get some feed back on one of these models.
Thanks, Keith

[CheddarTrek]

If you want an upgrade to your T40p I'd suggest a T420/T430 instead of an Edge if you can afford it. If you want a smaller model the X220 is nice as well.

[wolfman]

I have a T420 (see signature) and my brother and niece have the Thinkpad Edge E420 models. One of them was purchased new and the other as a refurb from the Lenovo outlet. For myself, I'd go with a T420 based on my needs which were docking station support, ultrabay, resolutions higher than 1366x768 on a 14.1 inch display and the keyboard layout.

That said, if the resolution is OK (1366x768) for you, the keyboard layout doesn't matter (the keyboard seemed to type fine, I noticed a little difference but I think I'd adjust pretty quickly - just don't like the layout) and don't need the dock / ultrabay features, the E420 is a really nice value. They are pleased with it. I'd consider it for my wife, for example as she doesn't need those other features I discussed either.

You can't go wrong with the T420, but the E420 is better than the vast majority of the consumer grade laptops floating around the Best Buy's of the world (in my opinion).

[EdgeE520]

I went from a T20, to a T40, to a T41, & now have a E520. A couple of quick thoughts...

I agree with the rest of the comments here with regard to the T series: if you can afford a T series, get a T series. I was actually going back & forth between a refurbished, fully loaded T500 & a new E520. Do NOT expect the same built-like-a-tank feel from the Edge series. Fit & finish is good, but definitely not T-series quality.

That being said, I've had mine about a week and Love It! In a time of numerous high-priced, high-tech gadgets being the norm in every household and outdating themselves within months, I couldn't be happier for the price. No, the graphics are not MacBook Pro quality, but I feel they are a step up from my T41. Keyboard is awesome... Speed is very good... And the look of this laptop is just plain COOL. I considered a couple of ASUS models and even an HP ProBook, but after owning several Thinkpads, the Edge series seemed familiar & "Edgier" than the competition. Sorry, bad pun...

Be sure to shop around for nothing less than a killer deal on an E420 now that the E430 is out. Ebay has a number of brand new, not refurbished, factory sealed, factory warranty, E420 & E520 units which sell for cheap. Plus, while you're on eBay, bump the RAM from 4GB to 8GB for around $20 (Brand New Samsung M471B5273DH0-CH).