LENOVO THINKPAD R500 REVIEW

R500 from LENOVO – Spells yet another ThinkPad magic

In the past, the Lenovo ThinkPad R-series was recognized as the "budget" ThinkPad representation; however, upon the preface of the ThinkPad SL-series, it’s gone astray that title. Regrettably, the SL series has not satisfied one of the most widespread traits of a ThinkPad: advanced build quality.

Design
While the on the whole build quality of the ThinkPad R500 is superior, there are a few areas for enhancement. Before I get into an investigation of the build and intend of the ThinkPad R500, I want to pronounce that this is one of the most excellent built notebooks I've come across. The ThinkPad R500 possesses a superior build quality than even my noticeably more exclusive HP 8510p. The 1st thing one notices when gazing at the R500, or any ThinkPad, is its boxy, black, and comparatively boring intend. The ThinkPad line will not be captivating a style competition.

Performance
The R500 under evaluation came with an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400, 2GB DDR3 RAM, and a 160GB 5400rpm HDD. Utilizing this arrangement, the R500 has been competent to effortlessly grip all of the fundamental tasks required. None of the programs (Word, Thunderbird, Firefox, etc.) ever feel lethargic, even when all of the programs are up at the same time. Vista itself also sprints efficiently and does not take too extensive to boot up or shut down.

Perhaps the mainly surprising element of the R500 is how it contracts with heat and the quantity of noise it produces. The R500 is by far the hushed and coolest notebook I've ever utilized. When idle or running fundamental tasks, the R500 is entirely silent. The only way I can listen to anything is by putting my ear almost straight on the notebook.

The keyboard feels excellent to type on with plethora of feedback. However, it senses like more strength is required to press down a key when evaluated to my 8510p. It is for these grounds that I favor the 8510p's keyboard over the R500's keyboard. Battery verve is what I anticipate from a 15.4" notebook clocking in at 3 hours with 80% display vividness and wireless turned on.

Overall
Regardless of its difficulties, the Lenovo ThinkPad R500 is an effortless approval for anyone desiring a notebook for basic tasks. It distributes more than adequate presentation for these programs and runs Vista without any hitches. The on the whole build quality would make the R500 protected for voyage, yet its weight and mass hinders its portability. Still, its cooling classification is the most excellent I have ever seen. As long as gaming is not sky-scraping on your priorities, the ThinkPad R500 should be on your pick out for notebooks under $1,000.

Pros
+ Enormous cooling system
+ Pleasant screen
+ On the whole build quality
+ Superior value

Cons
- Too grave and large
- Keyboard flex is unsatisfactory coming from a ThinkPad

Value For Money

Our Rating