Lenovo ThinkPad R500 2009 Review and latest R500 Coupon Code
July 23, 2009
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The Lenovo ThinkPad R500 gives you all the iconic ‘ThinkPad’ features, TrackPoint, Ultranav, and Roll cage, with out breaking the bank!
A mid-sized, mid-priced laptop, the Lenovo ThinkPad R500 gives business users and consumers a great deal for a machine priced under $1,000.
<– Redeem the latest ThinkPad R500 Coupon Code and ‘Instant Off’ discounts
The R500 compares very favorably with its nearest competitors, the Dell Vostro 1500 series and the Dell Latitude D830 series. When you’re looking for a versatile machine with Internet and well-rounded computing processes, the ThinkPad R500 is a great choice.
Even when running a full program line-up – Internet browser, Word, Outlook – the ThinkPad R500 remains nimble and fluid. The range of available processors available for the R500 is extremely well suited for handling medium to heavy usage – the fastest for this notebook is the 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400.
ThinkPad R500 options
You can choose one of the Windows Vista product lines or may downgrade to Windows XP professional, though the upcoming release of Windows 7 may eliminate the need to do so. All operating systems are available in 32-bit or 64-bit.
Interacting with the ThinkPad R500 is a breeze thanks to its controls and display. The 15.4-inch WXGA standard display offers a low-gloss, high-visibility screen perfect for any situation.
The superb trade mark ThinkPad keyboard makes typing on the R500 a pleasure; the keyboard is sealed beneath the keys and has a drain to safely direct any spilled liquids away from vital computer parts. There is a wonderful touchpad that responds to light touch and the signature TrackPoint is present at the center of the keyboard to provide mouse-free navigation.
Everything as Standard
Standard communication equipment on the ThinkPad R500 includes an Ethernet card, Bluetooth capability, a modem and WLAN capability. Whether you’re stationary or on the go, you’ll have no trouble staying in touch with friends, family and colleagues with the variety of connectivity options.
The R500 comes standard with a 4-cell battery, which, when run with a lower screen brightness and with wireless turned on, runs fully for nearly three hours. That means that you’ll have plenty of power for most general use purposes. There are also 6-cell and 9-cell batteries available, with a maximum battery-life of about six hours.
As is normal for ThinkPads, there is plenty of add-on and plug-in capabilities built in. The ThinkPad R500 comes standard with three USB ports, six-pin FireWire input, Multimedia Card Reader, microphone input, headphone output, VGA output, and an optional integrated camera. There’s also an optional optical drive for playing movies and accessing data on the go.
Solid and stable, the ThinkPad R500 is built for travel. Its sturdy magnesium alloy frame and roll cage are designed to withstand the everyday rigors or regular transport.
Specifications
Weight/Dimensions: 14.1″ x 10.2″ x 1.4″ – 6.5 LBS
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5670(1.8GHz) – Core 2 Duo P8400(2.26GHz)
Memory: 2GB PC2-8500 1066MHz DDR3 (8GB Max)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic to Ultimate (32-bit or 64-bit); Windows XP Professional Downgrade
Display: 15.4” WXGA (1280×800); 15.4” WSXGA+ (1680×1050)
Hard Drive: 80GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB (5400rpm)
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, Modem, Intel® WiFi
Ports: 3 USB; 1394a; ExpressCard Slot; Option Slot; Multimedia Card Reader; Microphone Input; Headphone Output; VGA Output; DisplayPort; Lock Slot; Camera (optional)
Battery: 4-Cell (standard); 6-Cell; 9-Cell
So Go Configure!
With the vast array of standards built in to the ThinkPad R500, it’s no surprise that the unit has become a favorite among travelers, businesspeople on the go, and students wanting a machine that will outlast other mass market notebooks, especially when considering that most of the standard features on the R500 are paid options on its nearest competitors.
–> Redeem the latest ThinkPad R500 Coupon Code and ‘Instant Off’ discounts <–
To Ian:
I picked up an lenovo R500 model 2716-RY5 with the core 2 duo p8400 cpu (2.24Ghz, 1066mhz fsb and 3mbL2) 2gb DDR3 ram with a 160gb 5400rpm HDD, DVD and Windows Vista for Business 32.The laptop comes with a 15″ WXGA screen. I live in Toronto, Ontario Canada and my question to you is do all the Lenovo R500 for the Canadian market come with the LCD screen or a CCFL back light. I checked the lenovo forums and read a Notebook review on the laptop and no on has an answer. Is there any way that you can get some kind of response from Lenovo. Thank you.
Sincerely
Stephen Whyte
Stephen first of all, sorry for the delay in replying to you. Yes as far as we know, Canadian R Series are TFT or TFT with LED B/L, and even those options seem to vary slightly depending on whether you are going for R400, R500 or the Elite model. I don’t know whether that answers your question Stephen, hope it helps.
Cheers, Ian Orford
To Ian:
I spoke to a lenovo sales manager at a store in downtown Toronto last week about the longevity of the LED screen. He showed me his T400 with the LED screen that cost him $280 when he ordered his laptop. The manager told me that thinkpads with the LED screen will almost never need servicing even after 5 years. You can view the screen at any angle.R500 units with the TFT or TFT with LED B/L will last at least 5 years and may need servicing or replacement?. Is this information correct?
Sincerely
Stephen
Hi Stephen, I suppose if I was forced to i would have to agree to a certain extent. But this is all only in theory. You see he is saying ‘will almost never need servicing even after 5 years’ and that is what people expect of an LED screen but its still only theory, and has yet to be put to the test.
On the other hand, this whole site is run on a ThinkPad Z60m, nearly 5 years old, which is used just for this job, is run almost constantly, is virtually never turned off. It has a TFT screen, and that screen is as good as ever!
At the end of the day $280 extra for a screen is a great deal of money when in 5 years the whole notebook will probably be only worth about that much! Now having said that, my T500 has an LED screen, that was just my choice. If you are worried about your R500 screen, I have a feeling its going to be OK in 5 years, and your probaly going to be looking to upgrade by then anyway!