ThinkPad R51e for college student...what do you think? Help!

[galileo634]

Hi. I'm a college student from Argentina and I'll buy my first notebook. I'll use it basically for MS Office, internet, DVDs, MP3. Here in my country Lenovo/IBM sells this notebook only for students with 20% OFF. What do you think about this laptop? I want a laptop to use for the next 3-4 years. Thanks!

THINKPAD R51e
Intel® Celeron® M 350 GHz
Microsoft® Windows XP Professional
256 DDR SDRAM
40GB
15" TFT XGA
CD-RW/DVD
56K V.92 des. modem
WIFI 802.11b/g
Bat life 4.Hs.

[AIX]

For 3-4 years I'll go for a T

[galileo634]

For 3-4 years I'll go for a T

Yes, but they are expensive ......What do you think about R51e??

[GomJabbar]

I don't know what prices you can get where you live, but checking the US site, for lower end R-series models, I would consider the following:

R51 2883-ELU 14.1" $899.00 ; 1-year warranty ; XP Home
R52 1860-2YU 14.1" $949.00 ; 3-year warranty ; XP Pro
R51 1830-PUU 15" $1149.00 ; 3-year warranty ; XP Pro ; dedicated graphics

All of the above have true Pentium M processors rather than Celeron processors. All of the above have removable optical drives rather than fixed optical drives.

If all you can afford is the lowest-priced model, it is still a fine laptop, and should serve you well.

BTW, just saying R51e doesn't really give much information. You have to list the actual model number.

Link: ThinkPad R Series

[Aroc]

What do you think about this laptop? I want a laptop to use for the next 3-4 years.

Battery life with Celeron M will not be as good as Pentium M, since the Pentium M can step down in frequency to 600 (or 800) MHz depending on bus speed. The Celeron M will always run at full speed. So take that into account. Also the 256MB is not enough for today, let alone for 3-4 years, even with light office work. I'd spec a machine with 512MB or even 1GB even for Office duties. The nice thing is you can upgrade the RAM yourself since IBM/Lenovo's factory installed RAM is pricier than aftermarket.

Also if you really want the machine to last 3-4 years, you should ante up for the T -series. Sorry, but that is my strong opinion. The build quality makes it much more worth it.

Plus I would not get a 15 inch display, let alone a XGA (1024x768) one. To me that is simply a waste. The SXGA and UXGA displays are so much better in the 14 and 15 screens. The XGA is really bottom of the barrel in terms of display quality, and I'm not talking about resolution. Although I do understand this was a budget conscience decision on your part. Which is fine. I just want you to be aware what you are sacrificing. Also with a 15 inch display, you not only add addition weight (another pound [half a kilo?] over a 14 inch model), but the 15 inch display sucks up more battery life. So be ware of that. Also for me, XGA would not be sufficient. I need more real estate than that in a display. But this machine is not for me, it is for you.

also be aware that R50e is not the most upgradable notebook, even compared to a normal R (non-e, eg. R50, R51, R52). The e would seem to stand for economy model, so be aware.

Personally, I'd claw my way into a T-series, even a used one, as a student (if not a X series). But if this is all you can swing, it's OK. At least you aren't buying a Dell or some other Brand-X computer. It's a thinkpad. Enjoy.

[scrible88]

Being a student myself, I know that weight/portability and battery life are by far the most important factors.

Is there any way you could get a used X-series?

[galileo634]

Being a student myself, I know that weight/portability and battery life are by far the most important factors.

Is there any way you could get a used X-series?

Yes, but maybe a used X-series costs the same as a R51e new, and without warranty....

[scrible88]

You could probably find a used x22-x24 for less than $350

[GomJabbar]

Also the 256MB is not enough for today, let alone for 3-4 years, even with light office work. I'd spec a machine with 512MB or even 1GB even for Office duties. The nice thing is you can upgrade the RAM yourself since IBM/Lenovo's factory installed RAM is pricier than aftermarket.

I would agree with the above. However, I noticed on the Lenovo site link I posted previously - at the moment Lenovo is offering a free 512 MB upgrade! Hopefully this is available where you live.

Plus I would not get a 15 inch display, let alone a XGA (1024x768) one. To me that is simply a waste. The SXGA and UXGA displays are so much better in the 14 and 15 screens. The XGA is really bottom of the barrel in terms of display quality, and I'm not talking about resolution.

I also would lean towards the 14.1" display. But XGA is not the bad apple as some make out. I have a 14.1" XGA display, and I am quite happy with it. The text is larger in the XGA display, and some find the text too small to comfortably read in a 14.1" SGXA+ display. For a 15" model, the XGA would probably appear somewhat grainy, so SGXA+ would be ideal for the 15" model. Regarding UXGA, I don't think you will be finding one of these in your price range.

Personally, I'd claw my way into a T-series, even a used one, as a student (if not a X series). But if this is all you can swing, it's OK. At least you aren't buying a Dell or some other Brand-X computer. It's a thinkpad. Enjoy.

The T-series is nice compared to the R-series mainly because of it's slimness and portability. You might want to look into a used T23. But you likely won't have as good a warranty - if one at all. The X-series is the slimest and lightest of all, but it has no internal optical drive and the price is at a premium.

[galileo634]

Also the 256MB is not enough for today, let alone for 3-4 years, even with light office work. I'd spec a machine with 512MB or even 1GB even for Office duties. The nice thing is you can upgrade the RAM yourself since IBM/Lenovo's factory installed RAM is pricier than aftermarket.

I would agree with the above. However, I noticed on the Lenovo site link I posted previously - at the moment Lenovo is offering a free 512 MB upgrade! Hopefully this is available where you live.

Plus I would not get a 15 inch display, let alone a XGA (1024x768) one. To me that is simply a waste. The SXGA and UXGA displays are so much better in the 14 and 15 screens. The XGA is really bottom of the barrel in terms of display quality, and I'm not talking about resolution.

I also would lean towards the 14.1" display. But XGA is not the bad apple as some make out. I have a 14.1" XGA display, and I am quite happy with it. The text is larger in the XGA display, and some find the text too small to comfortably read in a 14.1" SGXA+ display. For a 15" model, the XGA would probably appear somewhat grainy, so SGXA+ would be ideal for the 15" model. Regarding UXGA, I don't think you will be finding one of these in your price range.

Personally, I'd claw my way into a T-series, even a used one, as a student (if not a X series). But if this is all you can swing, it's OK. At least you aren't buying a Dell or some other Brand-X computer. It's a thinkpad. Enjoy.

The T-series is nice compared to the R-series mainly because of it's slimness and portability. You might want to look into a used T23. But you likely won't have as good a warranty - if one at all. The X-series is the slimest and lightest of all, but it has no internal optical drive and the price is at a premium.

Yes, here in Argentina the R51e comes with 512 MB too. And with 3 years warranty.....I think I'll go for it.......

[thePCxp]

Hi. I'm a college student from Argentina and I'll buy my first notebook. I'll use it basically for MS Office, internet, DVDs, MP3. Here in my country Lenovo/IBM sells this notebook only for students with 20% OFF. What do you think about this laptop? I want a laptop to use for the next 3-4 years. Thanks!

THINKPAD R51e
Intel® Celeron® M 350 GHz
Microsoft® Windows XP Professional
256 DDR SDRAM
40GB
15" TFT XGA
CD-RW/DVD
56K V.92 des. modem
WIFI 802.11b/g
Bat life 4.Hs.

This looks like a good ThinkPad for you, but I would get an R51e with a Pentium M instead of a Celeron M, and I think that it will last you 3-4 years (or longer).

[scrible88]

Hi. I'm a college student from Argentina and I'll buy my first notebook. I'll use it basically for MS Office, internet, DVDs, MP3. Here in my country Lenovo/IBM sells this notebook only for students with 20% OFF. What do you think about this laptop? I want a laptop to use for the next 3-4 years. Thanks!

THINKPAD R51e
Intel® Celeron® M 350 GHz
Microsoft® Windows XP Professional
256 DDR SDRAM
40GB
15" TFT XGA
CD-RW/DVD
56K V.92 des. modem
WIFI 802.11b/g
Bat life 4.Hs.

This looks like a good ThinkPad for you, but I would get an R51e with a Pentium M instead of a Celeron M, and I think that it will last you 3-4 years (or longer).

I agree, a few hundred extra for a Pentium M (I have no idea what the price difference is) would be well worth it now and in the long run. The Pentium M is a fast chip, while the Celeron is what it is... a budget cpu that won't last you nearly as long.

[AIX]

Just go and take a look at 15" XGA. I can live with a R, but I can't survive with 15" XGA. Take the 14.1" XGA one instead.

[daeojkim]

Try to look for something with a SXGA+ resolution.
It will be worth the extra cost in the long run.

[galileo634]

Try to look for something with a SXGA+ resolution.
It will be worth the extra cost in the long run.

It's really a big difference between XGA and SXGA+, considering that I'll use 1024x768 resolution?

[daeojkim]

Since you are young and likely to have good eye sight I am sure that you will enjoy the SXGA+ much more.

The difference between SXGA+ and XGA is quite a lot. We are talking about 1024 x 768 vs. 1400 x 1050, which is 86% incrase in number of pixels.

Many describe going from XGA to SXGA+ night and day.

I would not worry about UXGA since the the difference from SXGA+ is not that significant.

But take SXGA+ serious consideration.

BTW. How's Boca Jr. doing these days?

[galileo634]

Since you are young and likely to have good eye sight I am sure that you will enjoy the SXGA+ much more.

The difference between SXGA+ and XGA is quite a lot. We are talking about 1024 x 768 vs. 1400 x 1050, which is 86% incrase in number of pixels.

Many describe going from XGA to SXGA+ night and day.

I would not worry about UXGA since the the difference from SXGA+ is not that significant.

But take SXGA+ serious consideration.

BTW. How's Boca Jr. doing these days?

OK, thanks for the explanation.
Boca jr. has won yesterday Argentina Championship.....but I'm from RIVER PLATE his historical (and better team jeje) rival!! So I'm not so happy these days jeje

[scrible88]

Definately go with the better screen, the XGA just doesn't cut it in my opinion if you are going to spend a decent amount on a notebook.

[GomJabbar]

Try to look for something with a SXGA+ resolution.
It will be worth the extra cost in the long run.

It's really a big difference between XGA and SXGA+, considering that I'll use 1024x768 resolution?

You really don't have a choice in the resolution that you will run in. Any LCD display will look quite bad in anything other than it's native resolution. For an XGA that is 1024 X 768. For an SGXA+ that is 1400 X 1050. So if you get an SGXA+ display you will be running at 1400 X 1050.

You CAN operate the display at lower resolution, but you will not be happy with it.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_resolution

[galileo634]

It's really a big difference between XGA and SXGA+, considering that I'll use 1024x768 resolution?

You really don't have a choice in the resolution that you will run in. Any LCD display will look quite bad in anything other than it's native resolution. For an XGA that is 1024 X 768. For an SGXA+ that is 1400 X 1050. So if you get an SGXA+ display you will be running at 1400 X 1050.

You CAN operate the display at lower resolution, but you will not be happy with it.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_resolution

So, if I operate the R51e XGA LCD at 1024x768 resolution will be OK......or XGA it's not too good at any resolution?

[scrible88]

You really don't have a choice in the resolution that you will run in. Any LCD display will look quite bad in anything other than it's native resolution. For an XGA that is 1024 X 768. For an SGXA+ that is 1400 X 1050. So if you get an SGXA+ display you will be running at 1400 X 1050.

You CAN operate the display at lower resolution, but you will not be happy with it.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_resolution

So, if I operate the R51e XGA LCD at 1024x768 resolution will be OK......or XGA it's not too good at any resolution?

If the sxga's screen resolution is @ default higher than 1024x768 it will look like crap at 1024x768. If you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to have 1024x768 and nothing higher, get the XGA I guess because it will look better than the sxga will @ 1024x768. The sxga in 1400x1050 will look superbly better though than the 1024x768 xga if you are running the SXGA in the default (1400x1050) resolution.

[GomJabbar]

So, if I operate the R51e XGA LCD at 1024x768 resolution will be OK......or XGA it's not too good at any resolution?

Yes, you would want to use a R51e XGA LCD at 1024x768 resolution.

If possible go to a store that sells laptops and compare XGA with SGXA+. Also compare the 14.1" with the 15" at the resolutions that you are considering. (The laptops do not have to be ThinkPads.) This way you should not get any unpleasant surprises that you would not be pleased with when you buy your ThinkPad. AFAIK, the R-series ThinkPads have matte screens not glossy screens (at least in the price range you are considering). So do not expect a glossy display.

Note that some people on this forum expect the best of the best, and are somewhat critical of anything less. Don't let them make you spend more than you can afford. It's easy to get caught up upward spending spiral if you aren't careful. The lowest priced ThinkPad for sale will still get the job done. Just consider the features that are most important to you, and give them the most weight in your purchasing decision. My first laptop was a used 3-year old ThinkPad 600E. I enjoyed it greatly for a couple of years, then I passed it on to my daughter. It still is giving her good service, and she enjoys it alot. It is now 6-years old and still running. It has needed one new hard drive and one new battery since I have owned it.

[galileo634]

So, if I operate the R51e XGA LCD at 1024x768 resolution will be OK......or XGA it's not too good at any resolution?

Yes, you would want to use a R51e XGA LCD at 1024x768 resolution.

If possible go to a store that sells laptops and compare XGA with SGXA+. Also compare the 14.1" with the 15" at the resolutions that you are considering. (The laptops do not have to be ThinkPads.) This way you should not get any unpleasant surprises that you would not be pleased with when you buy your ThinkPad. AFAIK, the R-series ThinkPads have matte screens not glossy screens (at least in the price range you are considering). So do not expect a glossy display.

Note that some people on this forum expect the best of the best, and are somewhat critical of anything less. Don't let them make you spend more than you can afford. It's easy to get caught up upward spending spiral if you aren't careful. The lowest priced ThinkPad for sale will still get the job done. Just consider the features that are most important to you, and give them the most weight in your purchasing decision. My first laptop was a used 3-year old ThinkPad 600E. I enjoyed it greatly for a couple of years, then I passed it on to my daughter. It still is giving her good service, and she enjoys it alot. It is now 6-years old and still running. It has needed one new hard drive and one new battery since I have owned it.

Of course a SXGA+ LCD it'a a better option....also a P4 M.....and maybe 1GB or RAM, a 80GB HD, etc. But I can't afford this . I think that this R51e, without hi-end configuration, will be acceptable for me. At least it's a Thinkpad!! Not an Acer....

[GomJabbar]

I think that this R51e, without hi-end configuration, will be acceptable for me. At least it's a Thinkpad!! Not an Acer....

There you go!

BTW, I should spend more time proofreading my posts. I wrote: "It's easy to get caught up upward spending spiral if you aren't careful." What I meant to say was: "It's easy to get caught up in an upward spending spiral if you aren't careful."

[Aroc]

(I think that this R51e, without hi-end configuration, will be acceptable for me. At least it's a Thinkpad!! Not an Acer....

Well, and that's what I alluded to. But you have to remember you did ask us what we thought, and we told you. Agreed I do commend you for sticking to your budget, though.

[galileo634]

(I think that this R51e, without hi-end configuration, will be acceptable for me. At least it's a Thinkpad!! Not an Acer....

Well, and that's what I alluded to. But you have to remember you did ask us what we thought, and we told you. Agreed I do commend you for sticking to your budget, though.

Yes, and THAK YOU! Your comments were very useful, of course !! I think that buying this ThinkPad is better than buying a little more advance model like Acer or Toshiba (at the same price...).

[davidspalding]

I looked at some R's in the lab I was in, and some of them were definitely comparable to the T's in components, and power, but the case was a very different story. Bigger, clunkier, probably not nearly as tough. A coworker had bought an R, and he was happy with it ... as a desktop, stay-put computer.

Me, if I'm buying a laptop, I want to goooooo with it. So a larger, less durable system doesn't appeal to me. I'm with others whose replies I glanced at ... get an older T if you can ... or an X (with a solid warranty, of course). The X30 series are nice, pretty durable looking, and way more portable than an R.

[beeblebrox]

As a comment to your problem.

I was confronted with the same question from friends of mine. They intended to buy the R50e and asked me for advice.

I highly recommended them to buy a used or factory refurbished T40. They usually still have warranty and you can extend the warranty with an upgrade package.

T40 is faaaaar better than those clunkers called R50 (which are desktop machines, in my opinion).

Warranty upgrades go for around EUR 150, und you get T40s used for about $600 now. More than sufficient for college.

[thePCxp]

T40 is faaaaar better than those clunkers called R50 (which are desktop machines, in my opinion)

Hey, that's not nice!

[davidspalding]

But accurate. Within the IBM/Lenovo circles I was dealing with, the R line is essentally a laptop version of a desktop. Not really "portable."