Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13: Not your Father's ThinkPad
by Vivek Gowri on April 7, 2010 1:40 AM ESTPerformance
The basic CULV platform has become fairly standardized. The ThinkPad Edge has the dual core Core 2 Duo SU7300, with a 1.3GHz operating frequency and 800MHz FSB. To that, it pairs the GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics chip and 4096MB of DDR3 1066 memory.
As expected, the Edge tends up performing similarly to the Acer 1810T, except in the graphics benchmarks. The 1810T manages to outpace the Edge in the CPU intensive tasks, but PCMark favors the 7200RPM HDD in the Lenovo. As for 3D performance, Intel released updated drivers for the integrated graphics chip that result in better 3DMark scores. It seems particularly optimized specifically for 3DMark Vantage, as it is definitely more competitive there than in the other 3DMark tests.
I use the term "competitive" here quite loosely, since both the M11x and UL50Vf wipe the floor with it. (Note: The UL50Vf has the same specs as the UL30Vt and UL80Vt, except with a larger 15.6" screen and NVIDIA's battery-saving Optimus technology.) Compared to those two notebooks, the Edge doesn't stand a chance in any performance benchmark, as it doesn't have dedicated graphics or the overclocked processor. Overall 3D performance is dismal; GMA 4500MHD is not going to handle anything beyond the most simplistic games, in which case the AMD-based Edge would have an advantage, but HD 3200 isn't going to come anywhere near the performance offered by G210M solutions. What is more troubling is that this lackluster performance doesn't buy the Edge any favors on the battery life side either, as we'll soon see.
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wicko - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - link
That intel gpu is just garbage.. not asking for much, just something that can play 1080p content without stuttering and using up the CPU like crazy.AstroGuardian - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - link
You are so "off topic" here dude. Please concentrate on the topic.wicko - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - link
Uhh, right, so commenting on the laptop being discussed at hand is off-topic? Right.. I suggest laying off whatever it is you're smoking.MadMan007 - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - link
Maybe he means you're off topic because the G45 does in fact do video acceleration?AstroGuardian - Thursday, April 8, 2010 - link
My point exactly! And also, these CPUs are not garbage. I am not content with the word "garbage".The CPU is great in what it does. And would you play a 1080p movie on a 13' notebook? If you have a HD screen at home you could get a HTPC for cheap these days and do whatever you like with 1080p. The CULV is better than the Atom and everything else AMD has to offer in that range...
Cali3350 - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - link
Im loving all the notebook reviews you guys have been pumping out lately.If I may make a request, could you look into the Sony CW line? It offers a i5 520, Geforce 330M and 1600*900 screen and is selling very well. I think a lot would be interested in a review on it. Its just a request though, I'm loving what you guys already put on the site.
You guys are the gold standard for laptop review for me, you cover everything, and then back it up. I love it!
saj4u - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - link
Just like to add to the notebook list the Lenovo X201. Curious to see how it stands from the T410 you guys just reviewed.aspenland - Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - link
I own x100e... it has the same keyboard and it is horrible. I also own a T400 and T60 with IPS Flexview screen -- best laptop ever, but getting old. The standard ThinkPad keyboards are miles better... This new fashion of square boxy keys introduced by the shape-obsessed and ergonomics-retarded Apple designers is a nightmare for the industry -- I am really scared the ThinkPad T line will now go the same route... it is a clear regress.The new keyboard is physically monotonous -- the feeling of physical articulation is completely lost. Lenovo, please fire your originality-lacking marketing and design people. They will poison your technological marvels with the dumb Apple tricks tailored for the mindless masses...
A cry of despair...
Belard - Thursday, April 8, 2010 - link
Hopefully Lenovo won't mess with the T-Line... I doubt it... They are one of the important hold-outs with the CTRL-Fn key switch...They are proud of their new keyboards, introduced in the T400s with the enhanced ESC and DEL keys.
The things I'd like to see with ThinkPads: switch Ctrl<>Fn (so CTRL is on outside) - some purist will complain which is WHY they haven't... but having a BIOS option to switch the keys would resolve that.
I like the new power & VOL button... easier to find the power button.
The new keyboard standard on ALL Thinkpads, including the SL series.
Stop using decals on keys... which is what EVERYONE does nowadays :(
Wouldn't mind the keyboards having LED lighting (like Apple) so the keys stand out in low-light environments. That would remove the need for the think light :) I'd pay an extra $50 for that option.
Get rid of the stupid USB "expansion" bay which is supposed to replace a true docking bay, it sucks.
Move the EDGE over to IdeaPad or cancel it out.... they have the S-series (netbooks), general notebooks and gaming/multimedia noteboos ($950 for 15" ATI 5730... not bad)... so keep only the AMD Edge version as a very portable notebook between net-book and the mid-range.
Also be cool is Lenovo was clear that which notebooks didn't have ANY horrible GLOSSY screens.
OH... we have some X200s, which are Core2 with 13" screens.
MrSpadge - Thursday, April 8, 2010 - link
It doesn't have any of the good Thinkpad features, except for the track point which I don't use. Why the **** is it called Thinkpad? And why didn't Lenovo at least try to stand out of the CULV croud and offer something they already have: the excellent keyboard and matte screens. That could be enough to tip the balance in favor of the Edge.Now give it an e-IPS panel and you've got a really nice machine.