http://www.ideapadtoday.com/lenovo-business-meets-lenovo-consumer-new-ideapad-v460-small-business-laptop.htm

I can’t wait to hear what you think about those! Cheers, Ian

For example, from 2001~2006, AMD had the fastest CPUs (in general) for consumer and server class. The $1000 3.8Ghz Pentium4 was still slower than a $300 lower-end AMD-64 CPU… but people still bought the “faster clock” P4s. And even today, yes Intel has the fastest CPU with the $600 i7 (not comparing their 6core)… but in the real world… a $100~160 AMD Quard core is about 0~15% slower (depending on software and chip model). yes, AMD isn’t constantly as fast – but its about $500~600 cheaper to build a system.

But the consumer will remember “intel has the fastest CPU” and go out and buy a Core2 or i3 computer… which costs more and is slower than most of AMDs CPUs. Thats how it works.

So if the Edge computers fall apart and have a high failure-rate, those owners may not upgrade to a real ThinkPad. Again, I think the Edge is a sexy design with some ThinkPad ideas – that you can see. The failure of the SL510 I got was embarrassing. I am even dealing with a defective T400s… which Lenovo has dropped the ball on this one, weeks to get a part in – for a $2000 computer.

Many years ago, when looking for notebooks for an office, I came across the Lenovo 3000… which did use the nice ThinkPad keyboard feel. It was low-cost and it was purchased because of the connection of ThinkPad to Lenovo. After that – we did go ALL ThinkPad for the quality. That 3000 still works… 3+ years later, but the T400s that replaced it was my 1st defective Lenovo computer. *sigh*

I’d like the G (er… ex 3000) go away, they seem to cost more than HP/gateways and look so cheap like Acers… they are not attractive. But I’ve seen some Gs in the store for $450 or so… which is on par with Compaq & Acers. An IdeaPad is about $100 more than a G (same CPU & RAM). I would think having a more streamline product line would be cheaper.

The reviews on the keyboard has been good, for its type. Many of todays notebooks have copied the Apple iMac island keyboard. HP and SONY are using the same types. But the Edge does have a slight curve on its keys.

But in terms of toughness… the Edge isn’t close…

Again, by not having the ruggedness of the other THinkPads, if a customer has a bad experience with the low-cost Edge, he may consider the other ThinkPads to be made the same way. Thats the issue… The Edge can hurt the ThinkPad brand.