Lenovo ThinkPad T510 Review

Specifications:

• Intel Core i7-620M Processor (2.66GHz, 4MB L3, 1066MHz)
• Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
• 15.6" HD (1366 x 768) 16:9 aspect Anti-Glare display with LED backlight and WWAN antenna
• NVIDIA NVS3100M graphics with 512MB DDR3 memory
• Integrated Bluetooth
• Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN wireless adapter
• 3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
• 500GB Hard disk drive, 7200 rpm
• DVD recordable optical drive
• 5-in-1 multimedia card reader
• 6 cell Li-ion battery and 90W AC adapter

Performance and Design Features:

• SD cards fit completely flush with notebook edge in reader slot.  The first time I went to remove a card after uploading some photos I didn't look and pass my hand across the edge and never felt the card.  I was completely surprised.  My previous notebook, Dell Inspiron 6400, held the card about 4 mm out of the reader.
• The keyboard light located on the screen body.  While a backlit keyboard seems better and most people brag their notebooks have it, I've found the body light to perform the function of a backlight and help find headphone and USB ports on the sides in the dark.
• Personally, I'm a fan of the TrackPoint and use it exclusively.  But for those who don't prefer the TrackPoint, Lenovo's UltraNav pointing system includes a touch pad as well (and either pointing device is easily disabled).  If neither float your boat, wireless mice are very cheap alternatives.
• T510 allows screen to be disabled/turned off.  Often I like to listen to music and turn off the display.  My Dell notebook does not have this feature and annoying methods must be used to have the screen black but still lit.  If you don't want a mouse movement to turn your screen back on, the external monitor/projector 'fn' key is a quick alternative.
• Battery performance was acceptable for a 6 cell battery.  I consistently got several hours (~ 4-5 hrs) before plugging in for a nightly charge.  The battery itself is in a more logical location than my previous notebook.  The battery on the Inspiron has one of the rubber grip pads on it and cannot be removed when the battery is no longer of use (I must use AC power on it currently) or the keyboard will wobble.  This is not the case with the T510.
  Charge time was no different than other brands.
• The display was excellent for high definition movies, YouTube videos, or images.  Although not a full 1080 HD display, it was satisfying enough for all my uses.  If it's too low quality for you, there's nothing stopping you purchasing a 1080p display.
• The notebook body is like a BMW M series, part powerful sports car and part business car.

Design Flaws and Issues:

• The first issue I noticed was the location of the left 'ctrl' key.  Located on the right side of the 'fn' (as opposed to being the very left key common on most keyboard), I was frequently pressing 'fn' when I wanted to copy or paste.  Searching for remedies online, the only possible solutions I found were highly technical and the average user could've messed up things on their computer.  Still this solution did not work as the 'fn' key lacked a scan code (and so is not recognized in Windows registry) and thus functions of the two keys could not be switched.  Lenovo has released a BIOS update with an option to fix this after much complaining from users.  I have yet to update, but I haven't seen have trouble from other users thus far.
• One mistake I made (not Lenovo) was not getting the webcam option for $30.  I didn't think anything of it at the time because after my school fees any savings get me more food.  The body shell still looks like a webcam should be there, only it is just black plastic.  I was disappointed by this, but it is really all my fault.
• The Lenovo sleeve made specifically for their laptops had a couple inches excess width.  This is not an issue with the laptop itself, but I returned the sleeve and picked up a Belkin sleeve that fit much better.  I believe this extra space must have been for the larger 9 cell battery.

Other Comments:

• One complaint against Thinkpads that I've heard is that the edges of the display body that protrude out from the screen (overlapping the main body) are ugly or unstylish.  This may be true for some models (mostly older models back with IBM), but on the T510 the only protruding edge is on the top of the display body and is very minimal.  This slight protrusion is needed for the keyboard light, which wouldn't shine on the keyboard as easily on a straight faced body.
• There are some dual touch functions on the touch pad, but no touch features on the display such as on some other T series models.

List Price: $1449 CAD (at time of posting only $1109 and is always on some sale)

Verdict:
The T510 is an excellent notebook and Lenovo allows users to have control over almost every component.  If you can wait for a good sale (which are often), I highly recommend you do.
My next PC notebook will be a Lenovo.