Thinkpads Forum

underclocker wrote:{Regarding advice on which machine to buy...} for $461 plus tax, I'd take the Edge 14 over the T400. I've owned 100+ ThinkPads and only two Edge machines (the X100e - a.k.a. Edge 11 - and the Edge 15), but you can't beat this machine in the Lenovo Outlet, assuming the slightly lower resolution LCD works for you. Edge models are not ThinkPads (lower quality plastics, less features), but they are nice machines for the money.

I woudn't buy the T400. If not the Edge 14, I'd wait for either a better priced T500 or a T410 or a T400s or T410s!

Edge 14 - $461.60 (free shipping)
Processor Intel® Core™ i3-330M (2.13GHz, 3MB Cache)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32 - English
Keyboard/Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Total Memory 4GB (2 X 2GB) PC3-8500 DDR3 1067MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
Hard Drive 500GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive
Display 14.0” WXGA HD (1366 X 768) LED, W/ Camera
Graphics Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
Optical Device DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer
Battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (Up to 4.5 Hours Run Time)
Ethernet/Wireless Intel® Centrino Wireless-N 1000 (1x2 bgn)
Mobile Broadband No WWAN Supported
Bluetooth No
Integrated Camera Yes
Color Matte Black
Fingerprint Reader No
Form Factor Laptop
Limited Warranty 1 Year Limited

Well, I took my own advice and bought this exact Edge 14 model from the Lenovo Outlet. Below is a short bullet point review;

Pros
-I still don't think you can beat the performance/features/price for a new machine; this Edge 14 is very fast and capable
-I like the overall design; the size is nearly identical to a T410, it is exactly the same thickness, 1/4" less deep and 1/4" wider. With a flush six cell battery, it weighs the exact same amount, 5 lbs. The combination of black and silver with rounded edges looks modern and stylish.
-The keyboard is different, but still quite solid and nice.
-Great trackpoint and huge, nice touchpad.

Cons
-The ThinkPad Edge forum was listed under non-ThinkPads in this forum for a reason. Other than the awesome trackpoint (and touchpad), this is nothing like a ThinkPad. It's missing the ThinkLight and more.
-The base plastic is so many grades lower than a T60, for instance, that it's shocking they are both called plastic. It feels just like any other inexpensive consumer laptop. And, while the silver trim looks nice, I'm fearful that it won't hold up to daily portable computing use. After three years, many ThinkPads still look good. Three weeks might be tough on an Edge 14.

Bottom Line
The Edge 14 is still a great value with fine performance and style, but it's not built like a traditional ThinkPad. Of course, it's about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of a comparable T410.

If you were one of those ThinkPadders that thought the R-series was ruinous to the ThinkPad name, don't even look at an Edge 14.

One note; I also have an X100e which has been re-branded as an Edge 11 outside of North America. The X100e seems to use a higher quality plastic for both its base and cover. It still doesn't feel like T-series quality, but it is obviously a cut above the Edge 14 plastic. The Edge 15 plastics are like the Edge 14. I have not owned an Edge 13, yet, so I can not comment on the feel.

I got my Edge 14 with core i3-350 as well for a good price. It looks quite nice, but the build quality is not comparable to the traditional thinkpad models.
I can get over the cheap plastic though as I kinda expected it, but what I am really annoyed with is the lack luster screen. The black levels are very much washed out and everything looks grayish instead of dark and bright. Most colors feels sun bleached.
Anybody experienced the same thing? Any remedies.