Edge series versus IdeaPads.

[Quardah]

Hello!

I've been speaking with some friends of mine and they are planning upgrading their laptops to ThinkPads. As we were speaking of the currently available series (W, T, X, L, E, Yoga and Helix) one of my friend described the E series as "IdeaPads desguised as ThinkPads".

Now i never owned or ever seen an Edge series in real life yet i would like to know what features these laptops resembles more of those of a ThinkPads and which other features could be more associated with IdeaPads.

Like, it seems to have a trackpoint which could be associated with ThinkPads, yet the "other-than-black" color available could be associated with the IdeaPad series. I would also like to know if the Edge series are modular just like regular ThinkPads (Ultrabay capability for example)

Thanks.

[brchan]

Your friends are mostly correct that the Edge series are "dressed up" Ideapads. I haven't touched any of the new ones, but I did deal with many E520 (or E530?) and L-series models at an old internship. The palmrests of the Edge models tended to get shiny very fast, and the 1366x768 screens were absolute garbage. Other than that, keyboards were pretty decent and the machines overall were OK. They can't touch the W, T, X series, but they are better than most consumer machines.

As far as the L-series I dealt with, they are more on par (though still not quite) with the W, T, X series. Stiffer than the Edge models with slightly better quality materials.

Again, this was a few years ago, so things might have changed.

[ZaZ]

Getting an Edge notebook would entitle you to ThinkPad support, which does add some value over an IdeaPad.

[hhhd1]

Edge have the trackpoint, unlike any other consumer laptop

[Quardah]

You guys really know good stuff!

Glad i asked here. One thing i gotta say is even if the laptop is overall lower quality, getting official support should still make it a good choice over other branded laptops.

thanks!

[Dawnbreaker]

I currently own E540 (bought it June '14). Jumped from old, nvidia buggy T61. One thing is for sure - you won't get the quality of the premium T/W/L series. Edge was never intended to deliver such quality actually.
The display (1366x768) is absolute crap, though is matte (if this is relief). Never saw one with Full HD, but they are available (might try changing it in the future, who knows). Performance-wise Edge Haswell's are good, especially with dedicated video. Keyboard is island style, won't deliver the old IBM experience, but it's good and usable. Got used to it already.

Bottom line, Edge fills the gap between the L-series and the crappy IdeaPad/G-series.

[Quardah]

Many thanks for your opinions everyone.

Can E series ThinkPads be used with a docking station?

thanks.

[hhhd1]

Many thanks for your opinions everyone.

Can E series ThinkPads be used with a docking station?

thanks.

No, Edge E series do not work with dock, at least not using a bottom connector, ... a USB3 Dock may or may not work.