Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black)

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

Though my initial feelings about this laptop were positive, a year of ownership has provided a different opinion. In short, my owner experience with the Thinkpad E420 has been disappointing.

First, the motherboard failed at the one year mark, and this is a pampered gadget. A little online research revealed this to be a consistent issue with the E420. My motherboard failure manifested as feedback squeal from the speakers during power on, followed by a long list of problems--15 minutes from power on to desktop appearance; "No valid IP configuration" messages; all Word 2007 docs labeled as Read Only; no ability to connect/disconnect WiFi via the F key; intermittent loss of audio; all Microsoft software listed as "This copy of (name of software) is not genuine"; sync problems between the track pad and on-screen arrow; constant "Can't find the server" problems when on line; even the dreaded blue screen of death. As of today the laptop will not stay connected to our wireless server.

Second, the keyboard layout and operation is poor. Keys must be struck at a precise speed and from a precise angle to avoid repeated lettering. The "Delete" key is half-size and located on the F-key row between "Insert" and "Home". Third, even at the brightest setting the screen is dim. In addition, the anti-gloss coating is such that images always appear dull and lacking in contrast. Fourth, the audio record function has never worked. Fifth, fingerprints and smears and schmutz show easily on the so-called non-smearing textured surface.

My local computer repair dudes estimate $250-$300 to replace the motherboard, with no guarantee the bizarre list of problems will be permanently remedied. On the up side the battery lasts about 3 hours with WiFi use; HDMI output does a decent job and shows well on a 50" HDTV. So there's that. Buyer beware.

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

The computer is very fast. Using Windows 7 with an Intel "Sandy Bridge" processor is so much more reliable than using it with an AMD processor. Some of my old audio processing programs still seem to slow down Windows some, and it has frozen when I've overloaded it with hardware for recording gigs. But it is a laptop, so I can't be too upset about that. Compared to my last desktop computer (Acer w/ Windows 7, AMD Athalon II 2800ghz), it's amazing, and it can handle a lot more processes.

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

I purchased this laptop to run AV at my church and am very pleased with the solid construction and light weight. I especially appreciate the anti glare screeen which keeps the window behind us from interfering with our graphics. The automatic screen resolution feature is super nice as well, due to our frequent use of prjectors and wireless A/V we have little time to deal with reconfiguring the graphics. I only wish that I could afford to have it's big brother for the better perfomance however this machine is perfectly adequate. I look forward to using it every time.

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

i use in my home and my bussiness

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

I use this laptop to remotely access my office. It's portable, yet the screen and keyboard are just the right size for typing, viewing and working for an hour or more. It's very quiet and it doesn't get hot when I have it sitting on my lap.

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

The laptop boots in a breeze, works quietly, no fan noise, no heating issues, very robust in built and very nice battery life. Until you are writing a DVD or have screen brightness set to full, it will give you a 4+ hours of battery life for most common computing. The overall package is no nonsense with ample performance and speed for a business or home user. For graphics-hungry users and applications, like heavy gaming, video editing or 3D modelling, this laptop is not a good choice as the graphics are average and don't give the kind of performance you need for graphics intensive tasks, for general and small business users, this is a very good laptop.

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

For home use the Lenovo is a very easy to set up and begin using, and durable. It also includes a starter for Microsoft Word and Excel so you don't have to buy it. Screen is very easy on the eyes.

Comments about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420 14" Notebook Computer (Midnight Black):

I use for word process; spreadsheet & web surfing. It is quick and reliable. I also like that it doesn't come with bloat ware pre-installed like an HP or gateway.

The key board is a bit sensitive - sometimes double types letters, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The battery life seems accetable, but I haven 't really tested this yet to the extreme.

I am very happy with my purchase.