ThinkPad SL500 Review a detailed look
July 22, 2008
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ThinkPad SL500, it looks ‘The Business!’
Yesterday we took a close look at the new ThinkPad SL400, today we take a look at the larger screen ThinkPad SL500. The SL500 also features the new Intel Centrino 2 Montevina mobile platform, and like the smaller ThinkPad SL400, this is a superb notebook.
It has a raft of features which give the SL500 a balance between business and multimedia functions at a really great price. With the ThinkPad SL500, Lenovo have almost created a prosumer Laptop, a market segment that is so prevalent amongst Digital camera users.
This is a notebook that finds a real balance between, work, home, and home office
And just like the rest of the new ThinkPad SL Series it is absolutely beautiful! The Lenovo designers and managed the difficult feat of keeping the traditional iconic ThinkPad look, but giving the SL Series, a smooth, svelte, well….. dare we say it.. sexy look.
The SL500 features the new 35-nanometer Intel Core 2 Duo process with 1066MHz, depending on the CPO model. It will also be available with the 800 MHz FSB Core 2 Duo CPUs on the lower end model.
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The SL500 comes with Intel GMA X4500 integrated graphics or the NVIDIA GeFore 9300M 256 MB dedicated GPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 memory, up to 320GB hard drive, and the optional Intel Turbo Memory 2GB module for better system responsiveness, as well as CD-RW/DVD Combo, DVD burner or Blu-Ray burner.
The 15.4 inch display has a resolution of 1280-by-800 or 1680×1050 depending on the graphics option you choose, and a glossy or mate coating screen coating, depending on your preference.
Now the fact that Lenovo are giving us a choice of screen coating is a first!
Lenovo’s ThinkPad SL500 has optionally integrated web camera and fingerprint reader, four USB ports, a PC Card slot supporting 34mm ExpressCard via adapter, Secure Digital slot, Firewire port, and VGA and HDMI outputs.
It’s a real pity that Lenovo didn’t integrate the VeriFace face recognition software into the ThinkPad SL series, at least in the more expensive models, because it’s a great security feature that most business users would take advantage of.
Networking features include the latest Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100ABGN module supporting 802.11n standard or an 802.11a/b/g module, a Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth, and mobile broadband support in select models.
Interestingly, Lenovo is using some of the same practices it employed for its ultra thin ThinkPad X300 notebook, including solid state drives, LED backlit displays (on the SL300 notebook ) and GPS functionality on select models.
In addition, Lenovo claims the notebooks are cooler and quieter with a longer battery life. For the ‘green concious’ amongst us, is also good to know the the whole Thinkpad Sl series is Energy Star 4 compliant and have been awarded Epeat Silver
Here are the specs for the ThinkPad SL500:
- Processor: Up to 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
- Graphics: Choice of Intel Integrated Graphics X4500 or NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS 256MB
- Screen: 15.4″ WXGA, Anti-glare, up to 1680 x 1050 resolution
- Memory: 2GB
- Storage: From 160GB to 320GB SATA HDD (5400rpm)
- Optical Drive: Dual layer CD/DVD recordable drive with Blu-Ray option (Almost a must!)
- Wireless and Communications: Intel 4965AGN (802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi), Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
- Battery: 6-cell or 9-cell Li-Ion
- Weight: 6.3lbs with battery
- Operating Systems: Windows Vista Business
- Warranty: A superb variety of warranty options are available
With prices for the ThinkPad SL500 starting at just $799 the ThinkPad SL500 is a bargain multimedia and business powerhouse. With features such as, built-in high-speed mobile broadband and multimedia capabilities and with an optional Blu-Ray DVD player on select models and High definition audio and HDMI port, you can work all day, and play all night!
Lenovo is also offering a variety optional service packages that include on-line data backup and on-site warranty repair, all designed for the Small to Medium Business (SMB) with limited or no IT resources.
This is a smart move from Lenovo and the ThinkPad SL500 certainly fills a much needed gap in the Small To Medium Business sector. It’s a market that Dell has been trying to crack for a while with its Dell Vostro range but with little success. Because the ThinkPad brand is so well know, it looks like Lenovo may just have the right ingredients to clean up with the ThinkPad SL500
The ThinkPAD SL is not a real ThinkPAD in my book. If a business needs a low-cost ThinkPAD, the R series fills that gap. Yes, the SL looks slick - but its nothing more than a re-packaged 3000/IdeaPAD. In the USA - there is no options to choose. There are 6 versions per size and thats it (Just like ordering an IdeaPAD) - You can’t customize the screen, memory, HD size or operating system. Thinking about putting XP on such a notebook, most likely not with the SL.
One of the major selling points of buying a ThinkPAD today is that it DOESN’T have a glossy screen.
The ThinkPAD features missing from the SL:
1 - Keyboard spill protection
2 - Keyboard light
3 - Roll-cage
4 - Customization
5 - Internal cellular Data communications
This is NOT a ThinkPAD. Its a IdeaPAD with a Think-pad like body and keyboard and when bought with higher end “features” - it costs the same as a real ThinkPAD.
Hi Belard, thanks for your comments re our ThinkPad SL500 article. we have to say that we think you have completely missed the point of the ThinkPad SL series.
You are quite right in pointing out that the ThinkPad R61 is a great budget addition to the ThinkPad range.
However, the ThinkPad R61 is still part of the whole ThinkPad corporate world, or at least is aimed at a market sector that has the ability to ‘customize’ a Laptop to a particular specification.
Thats is not where the ThinkPad Series is aimed. Market studies show that that most people, especially those on the Small to Medium Business Sector really do want to buy a pre customized machine.
The ThinkPad SL Series and the support services that have been built around it have all been designed for the SMB sector in mind and have in our opinion been very well thought out.
The ThinkPad SL is very much a ThinkPad and to say otherwise is like saying the Dell Vostro is not a Dell!
You say that there are 6 versions per size. How many versions or options do you really think Small Business Owners want? Its build quality and back up services they are looking for and thats what they get aplenty with the ThinkPad SL.
We are not really sure how you define a ‘real’ ThinkPad Belard, but let me say this, we have been selling, reviewing and recommending ThinkPad’s to clients for years, and every time something innovative comes out, the old guard cries, “It’s not a real ThinkPad”.
When the very first ThinkPad X20 was released you all cried, “it doesn’t have an optical drive, its not a real ThinkPad”, then the ThinkPad X41 Tablet appeared in June 2005, you all cried, “whats this, a Tablet? Its not a real ThinkPad”
No, this is definitely a ThinkPad Belard, because like ThinkPads have always done as a legendary notebook brand, its moving forward and innovating.
And finally, you do have to get your facts right Belard, in your comment you say …
The ThinkPad features missing from the SL:
1 - Keyboard spill protection
This is quoted direct form the ThinkPad SL feature list on the Lenovo Site
“It’s spill-resistant keyboard protects the internal components of the ThinkPad SL by funneling the spilled liquid to a drain hole in the bottom of the system”
5 - Internal cellular Data communications
This is quoted direct form the ThinkPad SL feature list on the Lenovo Site
“The last thing you need to worry about if you are out calling on a client is how to connect to the internet. The ThinkPad SL comes standard with WLAN built in, and offers a variety of available wireless connectivity options. The WWAN feature gives you embedded Mobile Broadband capability for faster connectivity, upload and download times. You can take advantage of your carrier’s entire network, instead of being concerned with connecting to a specific LAN. In selected cities, the ThinkPad SL’s WiMax capability lets you connect over several miles’ radius without having an agreement with a wireless carrier.”
Seems like a pretty good new ThinkPad to us and one that has been very well thought out to meet the specific needs of a very rapidly growing market sector worldwide,
Ian Orford - Editor, ThinkPadToday.com
I have been looking for a notebook for months now as a home user. I have been close to pulling the trigger on a Dell xps 1530 for months but I just can’t come to grips with the potentiality of having a 1 in 5 chance of getting a lemon pc and then have to deal with D-hell support. The SL500 caught my eye because it has things like the HDMI output and a nice screen resolution and it’s in the same price range as the xps. However when I compared the list of features on the site to the models that they currently offer, I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted, trying to do an apples to apples comparison.
So I gave Levovo a call to see if I could get them to “build” one for me and got some conflicting information. I asked specifically about blue-ray and the answer was that they don’t have all the available features for sale on the machines because they are so new. That set the tone for the remainder of my call because I was told also that all the SL models have an LED display because they are so shiny and glossy (conflicts with Belard above), and I don’t think this salesperson realized that the computer has the NEW centrino 1ghz processor either.
I agree with this article for the most part. I was attracted to this notebook because of the list of features, the new revamped look, and dare I say it on the thinkpadtoday.com site the ability to play some games, but was let down because at the current a lot is still unavailable. I agree that businesses want things preconfigured but when you look at the models listed compared to the big-bold features page the selection is pretty slim pickings. I’m sure some business will buy right away, but before I do I’m going to wait to make sure I have access to every “feature” they list as an option.
Actually - I found out I was in error about the SL recently! MY BAD!!
The spill resistant was missed. I wonder if it was because I “missed” it or they were still updating their website. I was showing a customer some ThinkPads when the SL appeared on the website. (wow, whats this?) Then 5 mins later, the SL dissappeared until the next day. There were major errors on the page, no pricing, etc. But also, since you CAN’T customize the notebook - its makes the WWAN ability useless.
A few weeks earlier, the 3000 dissappeared from the site, I thought Lenovo canceled it, considering that its not sold in other markets, except perhaps the USA.
When my clients order a ThinkPad R / T / X - they have been delivered in 10 days. Same with others online who I recommeneded them to buy, unlike Dell which seems to take 2-4 weeks for real. To the timing is not bad for a custom job, vs a pre-built. I’m guessing we’ll be seeing more SLs out on retail perhaps?
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I was just on Lenovo, and as a pre-built notebook, the SL doesn’t really offer the value of the R or T. Its a bit more common slick like the IdeaPAD with its apparently glossy screen, glossy cover and non-thinkpad typical keyboard layout.
So while some degree - I will AGREE with you that its good for Lenovo to branch out from the norm and that the SL is aimed for that. The lack of a roll-cage, matte screen and customized or more features is a problem. The site shows the unit with HDMI (great! Awsome) and Blu-Ray Drive. But they don’t actually OFFER an SL with a blu-ray drive to BUY!? The PDF says theres an SL-300… but not listed on the site. And the lack of a docking bay can be a problem. But thats what T/Rs are for, eh?
The SL doesn’t cost less than a stronger T model. Check this out on July 29 2008:
$1350 = SL500 : 2.4Ghz CPU / 15.4 / 2GB / 320GB HD / DVD Burner / GF9300m
$1173 = T61 : 2.4Ghz CPU / 15.4 / 2GB / 250GB HD / DVD Burner / Quadro 140m
The Quadro 140m is a tad faster than the 9300m. These are low-end gaming cards, but the business quadro can handle doing serious work.
For $177 extra, you end up with a glossy ThinkPad with no roll-cage, no optional dock, no optional drive replacement (If Lenovo comes out with a Blu-Ray Drive) The R61 with simular config is $1120 (with a $50~75 difference, I’m not sure why they are making R series - even thou that is what I bought)
So where is the SL supposed to be more of a value model?
Is there support for XP? Vista64bit? 4GB?
Just try to look what thinkpad users say about this thinkpad on few forums. The same thing than me, it’s not a thinkpad.
I think this website is maybe an unofficial website from Lenovo, and you couldn’t say anything bad about thinkpads.
Show me just one of your comments who didn’t say good things about thinkpads.
If tomorrow Lenovo build a thinkpad with cover plastic like dell, keyboard like acer, you’ll say, “ohhhhh, ouahhhhh, it’s fantastic, pretty well, amazing thinkpad….”
So, in my opinion, this website can’t be objective with thinkpads.
And the controversy rages! This is a fascinating thread, and one that is typical of ThinkPad fanatics! We are almost as bad as Apple fanboys (and girls)!
First off, I just want to address Christian when he says …….
“I think this website is maybe an unofficial website from Lenovo, and you couldn’t say anything bad about thinkpads.”
In the interests of complete transparency we have never hidden the fact that we are Official Lenovo Online Affiliates. We clearly state it in our ‘About ThinkPad’ page,
http://www.thinkpadtoday.com/about
True, we sell ThinkPad’s online, in fact we are according to Lenovo one of the top 20 such sellers in the whole of North America. We are not in anyway part of the Lenovo Group, and nor is this blog, sponsored or owned by Lenovo.
We put this blog together to be a resource for ThinkPad enthusiasts like you so that we could put all the latest news, reviews, pictures and videos that we could get hold on the site.
It is meant to be a resource for news on upcoming models and of course the latest Lenovo e coupons and ThinkPad coupon codes, and discount offers.
We get these directly from Lenovo, as soon as they are released, so we let YOU have them.
Are we unbiased? Not really. You see, we do love the ThinkPad brand and we happen to think that overall, Lenovo is making a superb job of looking after it, AND continuing to innovate it.
What will not do is say that we think a Lenovo ThinkPad is good, if we don’t think it is. That doesn’t do us any good and only harms our overall reputation.
So that brings me back to the ThinkPad SL series, currently the ThinkPad SL400 and the ThinkPad SL500.
I still really do think that a lot of the ThinkPad ‘old guard’, are missing the point with the SL.
The ThinkPad SL Series has been conceived as an overall ’service’ to fill a much needed gap in the market place. It has been designed to be much more than just another ThinkPad and as such will do a great job.
Let me explain. There is probably nobody who has contributed to this thread, me included, that should buy a ThinkPad SL. They are not meant for the people that can go onto the Lenovo site and configure their own notebook, know exactly what they are doing and can take it out the box, set it up, back it up, reload Windows, install drivers, and even change the hard drive and upgrade memory.
So who is this new ThinkPad SL for? Well let me give you an example. As a product the ThinkPad SL it fits my wife perfectly. She loves her notebook, uses it to run her Human Resources Consulting and Training Business, researches her hobbies, runs her social media life to connect with friends and family all over the world, and because she is a solopreneur like so many people these days, has nobody to turn to when anything goes wrong, or she has forgotten to run a back up.
(Or has just chosen to ignore the reminders!) So who does she turn to? Me! She is a nightmare! She calls me her ‘live in IT Department’. And quite honestly, if I wasn’t around, she would be lost. I have lots of friends who are highly intelligent, successful business people like her, who just want a notebook solution that works.
They are computer literate, but not IT literate.
They want, (and need) a solution that schedules backups and updates drivers, and has a great warranty package if things go wrong. These are the same people that buy a Toyota Prius, or Ford Focus and DON’T expect to have to change the oil every Sunday afternoon.
They are focused, busy people who live the internet lifestyle. They want to drive into the Toyota Dealership on a Monday morning, walk in to reception that has not the faintest smell of oil, pick up the keys to the courtesy car, and a cup of fresh brewed coffee for the onward drive to the office or client.
The video says it all really, watch it!
http://www.thinkpadtoday.com/lenovo-thinkpad-sl400-and-thinkpad-sl500-video-review.htm
That in our opinion is what Lenovo is endeavoring to achieve with the ThinkPad Sl Series, and we wish them every success.
Am I going to buy a ThinkPad SL500 to replace my ThinkPad Z60m? No, I will wait for the ThinkPad W500, or hopefully the ThinkPad W700 17″ wide screen workstation when it arrives in the fall.
But then again, I have been using, working with and taking ThinkPad’s apart for years.
OH, and did I mention that I am a geek, and I love lifting the hood?
On a final note, when ever my friends ask which new ThinkPad they should buy, I will probably point them to the ThinkPad SL Series. It’ll save me a lot of heart ache!
Cheers, Ian Orford - Editor - ThinkPadToday.com
PS. And shock horror, I may even consider an IdeaPad Y730!
Dear Ian,
Thanks for your response to a “thinkpad fanatics”.
First of all, maybe i’m wrong, i just say maybe, when i see this laptop as a low cost thinkpad. Maybe.
Honesty, i dislike lenovo 3000 series but i appreciate Ideapad series. Ideapad series for me, is really a break and good introduction in a new design. And face recognition, yes, really good.
The only thing that i say about SL series is, “it’s not a thinkpad”. This is the only thing.
Why ? For me, all thinkpads have the same durability, are ruggedized and everybody knows that IBM, and now Lenovo, did a very good job with this brand.
We can have different series, R to introduce, T series, X series for ultraportable, and W or Z for wide. But all of this series have the same thinkpad technologies, and are ruggedized.
What can we say about SL series ?? It’s not ruggedized like a real thinkpad, like all of another thinkpad series.
Everybody can recognize a thinkpad, even if it is a Z series or a X series.
Tell me one thing, what people all around you thought about Lenovovision and his crash test and weightless video ??
All people around me loves it, it’s amazing. Who can tell me now which series was use in the crash test ?? T series ? Z series ? X series ? I really don’t know, but i know one thing, it was a THINKPAD.
One guy say in Lenovo blogs, “Variety, its the spice of life!” and this guy loves new SL series.
Yes, maybe variety its the spice of life, but when i went to Paris to eat in a good restaurant, 3 stars in the guide of Michelin, i know what sort of food i’ll have. When one of my friends shows me his Aston Martin, i know that it’s a very good and smart car.
Can we compare all of those things ?? For me yes, when you buy a good product, you must be able to know what you’ll buy. When you buy a THINKPAD, you know what you buy. Even if it’s not the same screen, the same hard disk, the same size, it’s a THINKPAD.
Do thinkpad users buy for OS, design ?? I don’t think.
What you SL series fans say if tomorrow mercedes or ferrari build a cheapest car to a new market ? Maybe you’ll happy to have a iron box like canned food with Ferrari or Mercedes brand in ? You’ll probably say, oohhh, we got a Ferrari, we drive a mercedes….
But do you really think it was a good think to the brand to have a cheapest Ferrari or Mercedes without quality, durability ?? I don’t think, and it’s just my own opinion.
If tomorrow i have enough money to get a Ferrari, i know what i’ll buy. I don’t want to buy one cheapest without Ferrari specificities.
Do thinkpad users hate SL series ? I don’t think, they just hate the good idea from Lenovo management, put Thinkpad name on a cheapest and low cost laptop.
Do Lenovo management want to create a new laptop for specific SMB ?? why not, but don’t create a pathetic copy of a Thinkpad and why not change the names ?? Why Lenovo couldn’t create a new brand for a SMB ??
They will have Ideapads for mass publics, Businnesspads(for example) for SMB and Thinkpads.
3 series for 3 different users. Ohhh yeah, maybe it’ll be too difficult to create a new name for a specific SMB that’s why they copiate Thinkpad, to increase sales…Now we understand….
Hi Christian, I just love your passion for ThinkPad’s and I understand exactly where you are coming from with you superbly constructed argument.
Let me just say that your I agree with you entirely regarding what we all believe the the name ThinkPad stands for. I pick up my Z60, with its Titanium cover, and I just know its a ThinkPad.
I always used to say that I could tell a ThinkPad just by holding it, with my eyes closed. We cannot dispute what you say Christian. I can’t wait to get my hand on a W700.
I am British, and I watched with interest when Volkswagen, took over the doyen of British Motoring, the Bentley brand! I mean, a German company owning Bentley!
But you know what. They have made a great job and taken the brand from strength to strength. So here we have the same company making Bentleys and Volkwagen Polos, or Rabbits as they are called in the States.
Here in America, we have the same company making Cadillacs and Chevy Silverado’s. Horses for courses as they say.
We are not saying that the ThinkPad SL is the same as a ThinkPad T61 or a T500. Its not, because its not meant to do the same job.
What we are saying is that the ThinkPad name has always been synonymous with innovation and creating new products for emerging markets. The brand has always been at the forefront. Look at the X Series.
I mean, the X61 and X61 Tablet are two of the best notebooks on the planet. But people wondered where and how they fitted into the ThinkPad ‘image’ when the first X Series came out.
So we still contend, and will continue to do so that whilst we agree that the ThinkPad SL Series is not a Cadillac or a Bentley, it is certainly an excellent Chevy Malibu or Volkswagen Compact.
And it does THAT job, superbly.
And because it was designed as a solution, as all ThinkPad innovations have been, it is, in our opinion, very deserving of the ThinkPad name.
But at the end of the day, as it always does, the market and consumers will decide whether the SL Series is going to be a success.
Personally I hope it is, because it’s a bold move by Lenovo.
Cheers, Ian Orford, Editor - ThinkPadToday
Dear Ian,
Thanks for your response, and definetely, i enjoy our discussions.
You are British right ? and proud of your car industries ?? I’m actually working in London, in Finance.
And i just want to know one thing, if Bentleys is for your like Thinkpad brand, and you compare Volkswagen compact or Chevy Malibu with SL series from Lenovo.
Will you love if Volkswagen have a great idea to put Bendleys brand on Volkswagen compact or on Chevy Malibu ??
Do you imagine this cars with Bentleys brand ?
So, this is exactly the same thing for Thinkpad and new SL series.
Lenovo (Volkswagen) have a great idea to put Thinkpad (Bentley) name on new SL series (Volkswagen compact or Chevy Malibu). It’s exactly the same thing, that’s why the controversy rages !!!!
Maybe SL series is a good laptop with good screen, processor, hard disk, keyboard, design, coffee machine, etc etc etc, but IT’S NOT A THINKPAD (Bentley).
Honestly, if tomorrow Lenovo world company build a Thinkpad in white, platinum color or brown BUT with ALL THINKPAD SPECIFICITIES, i’ll probably enjoy it.
Maybe others “thinkpad fanatics”, “old guard” or “Thinkpad loyalists” (as Matt Kohut from Lenovo blogs call us) will be really disappointed with this new colors, but i think not me. And why not ?? It could be cool to try new colours.
BUT allways keeping in mind one thing, THINKPAD SPECIFICITIES.
I imagine Lenovo WC selling real Tinkpads T series, X, R, Z or W series in limited edition in white, red or silver….
So, i enjoy your last post but as i say before, Lenovo SL series is just a pathetic copy of real Thinkpad.
Time to go to regents park, i didn’t make my jogging today. .
Best regards
“Lenovo SL series, the only compromise Thinkpads”
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Well Christian, you make a good argument when you say …
“Will you love if Volkswagen have a great idea to put Bendleys brand on Volkswagen compact or on Chevy Malibu ??
Do you imagine this cars with Bentleys brand ?
So, this is exactly the same thing for Thinkpad and new SL series.”
Sorry to tell you Christian but this is how modern engineering works. You see Volkswagen produced a superb car the Volkswagen Phaeton W12. Jeremy Clarkson the renowned British motoring journalist called it one of the best cars in the world.
You can watch the video on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmGNRMOpg7E
They finished by saying that Volkswagen would then produce a two door coupe version, with all the same engineering mechanicals and refinements, but it wasn’t going to be called a Volkswagen, it was going to be a …… wait for it ….. a Bentley! You see, the Bentley Continental is actually a Volkswagen Phaeton W12 under the skin.
So yes, Volkswagen did put a Bentley badge on a Volkswagen!
So we do firmly believe that Lenovo have done a great job with the ‘real’ ThinkPad SL400 and SL500, because whilst it may be different, and a little more stylish, its still a ThinkPad!
Cheers, Ian Orford, Editor - ThinkPadToday
PS. You will be able to comment on whether the new ThinkPad T400, ThinkPad T500 and the ThinkPad W500 are real ThinkPads
Hi there,
I think that Lenovo SL 500 is great and until now missing part…. We are having lot of bussiness and loads of entertainment or gaming notebooks… So a genial step is to combine two main segments into one, combining great Thinkpad’s features and entertainment features as a glare display or integrated webcam
Dont want to make another argue here, just saying my opinion
Have a nice day, LordTMortis