Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 14″ and 15″ Review. The ThinkPad Edge 13″ has met with some rave reviews and now has two new siblings, the more powerful 14 and 15-inch versions of the Edge.

<– Review the latest ThinkPad Edge Coupon. Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate

With a radical design shift from the classic ThinkPad models, the ThinkPad Edge wasn’t created to replace the “ThinkPad Classic,” but rather was created to give small businesses and newly emerging markets an affordable, powerful ThinkPad machine. Let’s take a look at how the larger Edge versions differ from their predecessor.

Ostensibly the base model ThinkPad Edge – both 14-inch and 15-inch can be optioned with either the Intel® Celeron® Processor P4500 with dual-core or the new Intel Core i3 processor. In practice however, on the US site we have only seen the i3 configuration. Opt for the maximum 4GB of RAM and enjoy powerful multi-tasking in either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows 7. When setup with that package you should have no problem handling even memory-intensive software packages like Microsoft Office 2007 or Adobe Creative Suite with ease. Make no mistake these babies move right along.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 14/15 both offer plenty of memory, too, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place for all of your data and program files. Choose the 54000-rpm hard drives in 250GB, 320GB or 500GB, or opt for the faster 7200-rpm 320GB hard drive.

Although the ThinkPad Edge was created with affordability in mind, Lenovo hasn’t skimped on the engineering, especially in terms of the display. The ThinkPad Edge 14/15 feature high-definition widescreen displays that offer a maximum resolution of 1366×766-pixels. Of course, the Edge 14 has a 14-inch screen and the Edge 15 has a 15.6-inch screen. But either one you choose you’ll get crystal clear pictures with sharp details and well-calibrated color.

Great new Keyboard – we love it.

The full-size keyboard on both the ThinkPad Edge 14 and the Edge 15 feature the spill-proof “chiclet” keyboards that Edge users have quickly come to love. The recessed keys prevent finger slippage and decrease the number of typos and unintended navigation. Both feature a large TouchPad with large buttons for even simpler navigation. Also, like other ThinkPad TouchPads, the one on the Edge has multi-touch capability.

Lenovo knows that staying connected is vital in today’s marketplace; that’s why they’ve equipped the ThinkPad Edge 14/15 with broadband Ethernet and Intel WiFi cards. There’s even optional WiMAX and 3G/4G mobile broadband.

The ThinkPad Edge 14/15 allows peripherals aplenty, offering users 4 USB ports, Bluetooth 2.0, headphone/microphone jacks, and HDMI and VGA outputs. Unlike the Edge 13, the Edge 14/15 features an integrated dual-layer DVD-R optical drive and there’s even an option to get a Blu-ray drive.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Edge is equipped with four-cell or six-cell Lithium Ion batteries, which provide more than enough power to run all of your essential programs for as long as you need them. The four-cell battery provides up to 2.9 hours, while the six-cell will keep you going for around 4.5 hours.

ThinkPad Edge Specifications

Processor: Intel® Celeron® Processor P4500 with dual-core to Intel Core™ i3 processor i3-330M or i3-350M with dual-core

Memory: 2GB RAM (4GB Max)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32 bit; 64-bit); Windows 7 Professional (32-bit; 64-bit)

Hard Drive: 250GB, 320GB, 500GB 5400-RPM; 320GB 7200-RPM

Optical Drive: DVD-R (dual-layer)/Blu-ray

Display: 14″/15.6” HD Widescreen Display (1366 x 768)

Graphics: Intel HD Mobile Graphics Card

Battery:Lithium Ion 4-cell or 6-cell – 4-cell: up to 2.9 hr; 6-cell: up to 4.5 hr

Ports: 4 USB; Ethernet; Headphone Output; Microphone Input; HDMI; VGA; 7-in-1 Card Reader

The style has been streamlined on the ThinkPad Edge. There’s still the same commitment to strong frames and durable structure, but the Edge machines are curvier than other classic ThinkPad machines. The machines are available in high-gloss red or black cases and all have a silver accent running around the waist line. Very stylish!

ThinkPad Edge 14 and 15 – the verdict

Both the Edge 14 and Edge 15 have a starting price of about $650, which makes them – as Lenovo intended – the perfect notebook for small businesses. There is no doubt that the ThinkPad Edge has been a hit with pro-sumers and SMB’s. We said in our ThinkPad Edge 13 Review that this new series was potentially a big seller for Lenovo, once we all got over the shock of seeing a red ThinkPad of course.

The the ThinkPad Edge 14 and Edge 15 add a new dimension to the ThinkPad range. Our verdict on the ThinkPad Edge? Superb!

Disclosure: ThinkPadToday is a Compensated Affiliate with a material relationship with Lenovo. ThinkpadToday has an Affiliate relationship with Lenovo and will be financially compensated should you purchase a product via this link. For full disclosure Statement please see our Disclosure Page.

A Radical design shift. Thinkpad Edge 14, 15 Review Specs and VerdictThinkPad T510 Review | ThinkPad T410 Review and Coupon Code | ThinkPad T410 Review and Coupon Code | The Latest ThinkPad Coupon Code

A compelling new lightweight laptop for small business and emerging markets, the ThinkPad Edge is a wonderful opportunity to get ThinkPad quality and performance at a price affordable for people on a tight budget – the Edge starts at $549.

<– Learn More about the ThinkPad Edge

The machine is currently only available with a 13-inch display, but Lenovo will introduce 14″ and 15″ in the second quarter of 2010. There are many new features which make the ThinkPad Edge stand out, so let’s take a look at some of them.

Lenovo gives us a choice of processor with the ThinkPad Edge, and we get to choose from either Intel or AMD. The AMD Athlon Neo X2 dual-core processor equipped ThinkPad Edge starts with a L325 (1.5GHz) processor with more options likely. Intel versions currently have the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo SU7300 1.30GHz 800MHz Processor.

Whilst the Edge is not customizable there are plenty of pre-built options and colors. Choose between 2GB, 3GB or 4 GB of DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz and up to a 320GB 7200rpm Hard Drive.

This version of the ThinkPad Edge has a 13.3″ WXGA-resolution glossy display with 16:9 screen ratio with 14″ and 15″ options following later is the year. The screen has good color and contrast and images display well. Of course the Edge is HD capable so watching movies was a pleasure although some colors looked slightly washed out.

Graphics come courtesy of an ATI Radeon HD 3200 IPG graphics card or the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. I think our choice would be to go for the AMD chipset which in our opinion ensures higher quality video great rendering of 3D graphics, complex images, color and sharpness.

As with every other business and personal machine from Lenovo, the ThinkPad Edge comes with an integrated webcam so you can keep in touch anywhere you need to.

Lenovo holds on to its reputation for build quality with the keyboard on the ThinkPad Edge, which, although it is lower in cost, maintains a strong and durable undercarriage to ensure years of operation. In a nod to growth of smart phones and touchscreens, the TouchPad on the ThinkPad Edge is equipped with “gesture-enabled” technology that allows users to use two fingers to zoom, rotate and scroll through pages and screens. And of course, there’s a center-mounted TrackPoint on the keyboard.

ThinkPad Edge Keyboard

Let’s just clear up the keyboard issue, because it is different, being ‘chicklet’ or ‘island’ style, which is a huge departure for ThinkPad. Let’s say right from the outset that this is a superb keyboard and Lenovo have done a great job in implementing it. Keystroke action and feedback are excellent with no flex or bounce normally associated with this type of keyboard. Its very satisfying to type on, we like it.

The Lenovo ThinkPad Edge can connect to the rest of the world virtually anywhere. There are integrated Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi cards, optional GPS equipped WWAN and optional WiMAX.

For a 13-inch machine, there are a surprising number of ports, inputs and outputs for peripherals and additional connectivity. For starters, enjoy wireless peripherals with the integrated Bluetooth chip. Should you want to connect to larger displays, there are both VGA and HDMI outputs. To access all of your favorite media, there’s even a 5-in-1 card reader and for additional device connectivity there are three USB 2.0 ports.

The six-cell battery in the ThinkPad Edge should give you 6 to 7 hours of use

What really makes the ThinkPad Edge unique – apart from its price – is the design. Never before has Lenovo offered such a stark, and many say inspired, break from the traditional box-shaped matte black case. The Edge, however, has supremely supple lines that call out to be touched, and the case is available not only in glossy black, but also in Heatwave Red.

A great machine for the price, the ThinkPad Edge can even compete with machines in higher cost brackets. Aimed at small businesses, the ThinkPad Edge won’t replace the more advanced ThinkPad classic series. In fact, it’s more likely to whet the appetite for the rest ThinkPad line.

Understanding the Edge.

To really ‘get’ the ThinkPad Edge, you have to understand where Lenovo came from when they set out to bring this notebook to market. The ThinkPad Edge is not meant to compete with the traditional ThinkPad “Classic” range, nor is the Edge meant for the rough and tumble of corporate life. The ThinkPad Edge was conceived as a machine that would take the ThinkPad brand into whole new and emerging markets.

The ThinkPad Edge is a notebook that will appeal to the 258 million Small Business owners in China and other cost conscious users around the Globe. Users who are aware of the ThinkPad reputation, but cannot afford a full blown ThinkPad T500 for instance.

We can also expect to see the ThinkPad Edge range in retail outlets like Best Buy, so now if you are a corporate ThinkPad Classic user, you can finally outfit your spouse and kids with a ThinkPad!

Lenovo have translated the ThinkPad image really well into the Edge. Build quality is good, the keyboard is excellent, and performance is good enough to handle all the everyday work stuff you can throw at it. And the Edge does compare very well against the other budget brands out there. OH, and let’s not forget the famous ThinkPad Global support which starts with a Free 1 year Global Warranty

If you are a classic ThinkPad user and you’re looking for a low cost second notebook, or you’re a corporate ThinkPad user and want to bring the ThinkPad brand into your personal life then the ThinkPad Edge 13″ is a great little notebook that will serve you well. Recommended.

ThinkPad Edge Video Review

ThinkPad Edge 13.3″ Review. ThinkPad for Small Business, Emerging Markets, & You?ThinkPad T510 Review | ThinkPad T410 Review and Coupon Code | ThinkPad T410 Review and Coupon Code | The Latest ThinkPad Coupon Code