I am writing the review after almost 2-1/2 years of ownerhip, although thinking of doing the same for quite some time. Absolutely delighted to have this product.
Thinkpads are generally considered costlier than HPs, Compaqs etc, but IBM appeals customers thru their TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), which I found true in these 30 months. R-Series is typically less costier than the T-series. The main ostensible difference is the lesser weight of T-Models due to use of lighter materials like Magnesium.
When I went for the decision to buy the laptop at Ahmedabad, a lot of offers were made by various vendors. But one demo by the IBM Silvertouch Sales Manager caught my eye - he lifted the open laptop from top of the screen and proved the sturdiness which the steel hinges provided to the Thikpads. This manouvre is required a lot in day to day usage. He showed us old Thinkpads with plasctic hinges which developed cracks over a period of time.
Other considerations were a fantastic corporate offer by IBM Lenovo by including DVD Multiburner, Addl 256 MB RAM, Pen drive, OEM Windows XP etc. This may be because of the advent of Core-2 Duo processors in 2006 and these machines were perhaps the last of Pentium M Centrino Machines.
The notebook is an extremely sturdy device, which exudes confidence by following ways :
i) IBM's Thinkadvantage technologies which stop HDD immediately on sensing a shock
ii) A steel roll cage protecting the components from normal wear & tear
iii) A deep-set TFT screen, which protects from pressing against keyboard when shut.
iii) Restore function which would restore the data as well as programmes in case of a crash
iv) 360Degree connectivity thru USB2, Firewire, S-Video, Bluetooth, Wi-fi, IR, Ethernet, Modem, RS
232 output for Projectors; PCMCIA slot; Xpresscard slot; LPT Printer port (which has now virtually disappeared to reduce size)
v) The M/c came with OEM Windows XP Home, which I keep updating.
After the advent of BSNL Broadband on landline with ADSL Modem, I went for their Type-II W-fi modem for 1900/= (substantial saving over BBD Modem + Router cost of approx 5000/=).
I've configured a secure wi-fi connection in my home. Further, thru windows, I've set up a wireless network between my desktop and the laptop thru the same modem. This gives me great functionality. The Thinkpad responds with extreme smoothness to the wireless connections thru its built in connection manager. The wifi internet connection gives great download speeds (same as desktop) and the networked atmosphere enables me to manage files beteen my 2 PCs.
The Thinkpad has a great Presentation Manager, which comes on as soon as you connect to the Projector, and suggests options for display. I had occasion to test this against an HP Laptop, when I had to make a presentation at our Surat office, where a colleague's HP Laptop was connected to the the LCD, but couldn't transfer the image on to the screen trying all the tricks. I asked him to remove the same and as soon as my R52 was connected, the screen was filled in no time. It may be possible in HP also, but the promptness of the Thinkpad presentation manager was praiseworthy.
The S-Video connection to the TV also proved easy thru the display manager. Movies in my home are watched thru the Laptop's player only. (I only had to buy S-band & Stereo Audio cables on ebay).
I download my MiniDV videos thru the Firewire port (4-4- Pin cable bought from ebay again). The connection and download is flawless and Microsoft video editing SW lets me edit them too.
The Nokia & Sony Ericsson PC Suite applications ride on my Thinkpad and download all the photoes and videos form our cell phones without even asking. The download is quite fast & smooth thru USB2 port. No complaints there either. Music file uploads are also very smooth.
My Digicam connector is USB1.1., so I use a cardreader to download those photoes thru USB2. The same is extremeenly fast thru the Microsoft application which comes on as soon as I connect the USB cable. Same with pen drives.
I've bought a PCMCIA TV Tuner card. This has converted the laptop into a 15" TV - the second for my home. The reception is not exactly great but functional from a distance. The remote suppied with the TV Card works thru Infrared port placed on the front.
Recently I've upgraded RAM to 1GB (replacing 256 MB), which has furhter boosted the performance.
I've never had occasion to call the service guys, although it carries a 3 year carry-in global warranty, whch is still valid. The Support website is very helpful and I download many an updates to keep the application current. I've even updated the BIOS without any expert help.
One thing I just remembered to mention the dual navigation system (called UltraNav) available on Thinkpads, i.e. a touchpoint and a touchpad, whcih gives great flexiblity.
As can be seen, I've used all the functionality of the machine and am really delighted to have this on my lap.
Prospective buyers must weigh their requirements. Lighter models may not have the 360 Degree connectivity options, and are costlier.
Although this model is no more in production, the Thinkpad legacy continues in their newer R-Series models and this review may help the prospective buyers. Lenovo is continuing the line due to its brand value among the discerning customers, especially Corporates. May not go well with students & young gen due to jazzy campaigns by the competitors. but I've seen people cribbing over their HP, compaq, dell & other machines.
UPDATE : In Dec 2009, the HDD died, not because of any rough usage but because of viruses. Mine died within 3 months of expiry of my anti-virus, which I could not renew somehow. But I had thankfully made recovery CDs which soon restored the original XP Home with all pre-installed SW. The data was saved by a local HW Engineer who removed HDD from Laptop & hooked to another system thru some reader device. Didn't go to Lenovo Service Centre at all and its same as new with new Kaspersky Anti Virus system. Working better than ever.
I think I'll buy another Think whenever the need arises.
