Ultimate Notebook
Written: Mar 27 '00 (Updated Mar 27 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Everything!
Cons: Price :(
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| rmacdonald's Full Review: Lenovo ThinkPad 570 (5703BUK) PC Notebook |
I have been working at KBKids.com for nearly a year now. I have gone from desktop support to jnr sys admin. Since the time that I started here we have migrated all of our notebooks over to IBM's. We originally were using Compaq's (for price only). After MANY months of issues involving our notebooks we decided to moving to the IBM line. The only issue we had with this is price. However, after using nearly every IBM notebook since...I would never purchase anything else. I use my 570 everyday for everything from work to pleasure.
I found the "eraser" mouse a little hard to control at first, however has learned that is BY FAR the most accurate and easy to use with a little practice. It also allows for quick precise access while you fingers are still on the keyboard. I find that the keys are very easy to control. The keys almost have a "pop" to them much like that of a stardard keyboard. I am also thouroughly impressed with the availability of accessories and drivers. I have opted to purchase the ultra-base, dvd-rom, second battery, and port replicator. All of which I have had no trouble with.
Probably my favorite aspect of the 570 is it's compact size. It is very thin (without the base), and nearly weighs nothing. With the base included (storing dvd-rom and battery), it is still less than 2 inches thick. I am very impressed with long lasting battery. Even with one battery, I can easily complete an average flight without powering down. With the second battery, I have been able to play MP3's at full blast :), run nearly 10 other apps, and have screen brightness on full, for a full 3 hour flight.
I am also very impressed with the DVD playback from the 570. The DVD-ROM is very quiet and is more than adequate for data transfer. Considering that the 570 does not have a DVD encoder built in, the playback is very good quality. With a clean boot (nothing else run from OS), very little frames are missed, and absolutely no sound quality is lost. The only disadvantage is that the 570 does not have a video out (no DVD's on the big screen).
As far as drivers/support as concerned IBM is top notch. I am running 3 OS's on my 570. These are Win98 SE, WinNT Workstation (had server...then removed it), and Red Hat Linux 6.1. I was very impressed with the fact that I could run Linux on my 570. I use a Linux desktop as my main workstation for work. Most of the notebooks I've encountered have had many problems with compadibility with Linux. IF YOU RUN LINUX THIS IS THE NOTEBOOK TO HAVE!!!!! Also, IBM support is unmatched. My personal notebook has had no problems, however a few (out of nearly 50) have. These included a bad hard drive (from factory) and a video problem (after about 6 months). Both of these incidents were repaired without question, with free overnight shipping as well. Both were repaired and returned THE SAME DAY. This meant our notebooks were back and in use within a two day window!! Much better than other support companies.
I chose the 570 from the line mainly due to the low weight and availablity of a second battery on board. I have used both the 600, and the 770 (now discontinued) and have found that the 570 can nearly keep up, at less cost. Also with prolonged trips...the extra battery life REALLY comes in handy.
All in all, the 570 would definately be my first choice when buying a new laptop. With the ease for both the beginner and advanced user, it excels all around. I would definately recommend this notebook to anyone, they will not be unpleased.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rmacdonald
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Location: Peyton, CO
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 2 members
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