Are Lenovo ThinkPads the same as IBM ThinkPads ??

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mcmanaman · #1 Post by **mcmanaman** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:52 pm

Are the Lenovo ThinkPads still the same as the old good ThinkPads. Is IBM still responsible for manafacturing the parts inside the ThinkPad or Lenovo is doing the Job under IBM's supervision ??

Moderator edit: Moved from X6x forum

bluto · #2 Post by **bluto** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:01 pm

There are at least a couple of differences that I've noticed.

1. The very high-end "workstation-replacement" TPs don't seem to be offered any more. Over the last 14-15 years I've owned a 750CE, a 600 and an A31p, and each of those cost me over C$6,000 before taxes. I don't see anything near that price any more.

2. Others' mileage my differ, but my experience with Lenovo has been just awful. My 4th (and probably last) TP is an X61t which had hardware problems almost as soon as I unpacked it. Long story short - Lenovo agreed to replace it, but I still don't have the replacement 3 months later.

Caveat emptor.

#3 Post by **rkawakami** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:20 pm

The R61 (7742-X1U) that I've been able to use on and off for the last couple of months seems to be really "solid" in terms of build. While I don't have the number of hours in front of the R61 keyboard like I do with the T23, I found it quite capable and have had no build-related issues with it. The only real operational problem I had with it is that it didn't like my (ancient) Netgear AP at home (ME102). Worked quite well at work connecting to a Linksys WRT54G so I got one for the home and no more problems connecting wirelessly. And I don't really believe it's a Lenovo issue - for this I point blame at Windows Vista. Short of replacing the OS, I had disabled all of the firewalls, removed Norton and tried everything under Access Connections to fix the problem. No help. As soon as I put the WRT54G online, my wireless was solid. Poking around the net, this seems to be a fairly common problem with Vista and some access points.

#4 Post by **underclocker** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:31 pm

I'm going to say they are about the same, generally quite good.

I really like the Z61t, Z61m (although quite thick), R61 14" widescreen, 14" T61's and my main rig, a T60 w/15" SXGA+ FlexView LCD.

They compare very favorably to the T4x and R5x series (and earlier) machines.

I'm not sure who made the X40/X41's but they are suprisingly solid and reliable, as well.

andyP · #5 Post by **andyP** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:50 am

I believe that quality has been maintained. For instance the roll-cage in the *6s seems to me to the natural development / improvement after the experiences of the flexing problems. It maybe that this was in the "pipeline" before Lenovo took over the division?

dr_st · #6 Post by **dr_st** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 6:38 am

IBM has nothing to do with Thinkpads anymore, except offering repair service in some countries where Lenovo doesn't have their own.

Quality-wise, Thinkpads are still as good. Of course, if you remember that Lenovo was actually manufacturing them already even when IBM was still in charge, it's not surprising.

iamdmc · #7 Post by **iamdmc** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 6:39 pm

Thinkpads are still Thinkpads.

I've used Thinkpads since the T23/A21m
Then upgraded to the T41 and X31
And now the X61s

I've used a T61 as well

As far as the X-series, it feels like better and better quality (Tablets not included)

As far as the T-series, they seem to be getting bigger/thicker, but far more powerful. I sincerely believe that my X61s is the best laptop built to date (for my needs - yours may differ)

Are Lenovo ThinkPads the same as IBM ThinkPads ??

Are Lenovo ThinkPads the same as IBM ThinkPads ??

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