Thinkpad Edge E520 Review why we love the 2011 ThinkPad Edge line up

Let’s say this right from the start, we love the 2011 ThinkPad Edge  line up. In this Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520 Review we will tell you why we think they are worth your money. Like the recently released  ThinkPad Edge E220s and Edge 420s the ThinkPad Edge E520 makes both a design and performance statement.

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The ThinkPad Edge E520 is similar in specification to its smaller sibling the  ThinkPad Edge E420 but with a 15-inch HD display.  Featuring Intel’s new “Sandy Bridge” second-generation iCore processors – the ThinkPad Edge E520 is a steal with a starting price of just $599.

ThinkPad Edge at Peak Performance

Performance is in no short supply with the ThinkPad Edge E520. Outfitted with second-generation iCore processors, the E520 features more nimble processing, lower power draw and the all-new integrated Dual Core 12EUs GPU that rivals many entry-level discreet cards, and higher RAM capacity.he base model ThinkPad Edge E520 comes with Intel’s Core i3 processor, which should be plenty if you’re using this for basic work functions and Web surfing, but if you want to embrace the high-life, you can opt for Intel’s Core i7 chip.

Doubling down on the performance front – Lenovo has made sure that you have plenty of memory options on the new Edge. The standard model comes with 2GB DDR3 RAM, but that is scalable up to 8GB, so if you need to run some power-hungry software you’ll be all set.

Lenovo’s latest generation of ThinkPad’s also feature something really special – the Lenovo Enhanced User Experience 2.0 Rapid Drive Technology. Though it’s only available on the higher-end Edge E520, Rapid Drive Technology is a must if you spend a lot of time with your machine. It works like this: the Edge E520 has two hard drives – a miniature solid-state drive and a standard disc drive. With revolutionary programming, the company has created two drives that act as though they’re one, so you can enjoy the performance of solid-state and the capacity of traditional drives.

Incredible Graphics

One of the most important features of the new “Sandy Bridge” processors is the improvement of integrated graphics GPU’s which are now capable of handling almost any business graphics application that you can throw at them, plus dare we say it, reasonable gaming performance!. Of course we are not talking 3D Modelling or CAD here, nor are we talking fast frame rates on Crysis or Bioshock, but a good session on World Of Warcraft at a higher graphics setting will be in order!

And of course, don’t forget the ability to play High Def video, so that you can watch some of your favourite movies.

That’s a welcome change and surely something that will continue to improve as Intel further develops its chipsets.

ThinkPad Edge E520 – Great Build

On top of the features listed above, the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520 has much more going for it. Not only is the 15.6-inch display crisp and colorful, but there is also a 3.0MP HD webcam integrated above it, so you can enjoy face-to-face communication wherever you are.

The design is more streamlined on the latest incarnation of the Edge machines. They’re thinner and feature iPhone-like rounded corners edged with brushed aluminum. The cases are available in Heatwave Red or Midnight Black.

The keyboard is island-style and comfortable, so you’ll have no problem working all day on the Edge E520. Also, the TouchPad is the perfect size and features multi-touch capability for easier navigation.

ThinkPad Edge E520 – Our thoughts

We really do like the second incarnation of the ThinkPad Edge Series, and the ThinkPad Edge E520 in particular is a favorite. Fitted out with the mid range Core i5, 4GB to 8Gb of ram and a decent sized 7200 rpm HD, it’s still going to be priced well below the classic ThinkPad range.

With its superb screen, excellent keyboard good looks and above average performance, the ThinkPad Edge E520  is a real class leader.