Lenovo ThinkPad SL400

The Lenovo ThinkPad SL400 is the 14.1-inch screen edition of the budget-line of ThinkPad laptops by Lenovo. It features some familiar thinkpad features such as the red trackpoint, and general styling cues. However, there are a notable number of differences, including a trapezoidal profile, a shiny lid, and even a lighted red LED in the Thinkpad logo on the top cover

The SL400 resembles previous thinkpads in its overall look.

Closeup of the keys and touchpad.

Dell Inspiron 17 (1750)

Dell Inspiron 14 (1440)

Dell Inspiron 15 (1545)

HP Mini 1140nr Vivienne Tam Edition

The Newest Dell Mini 10: Dell 1012

The newest iteration of the Dell Mini 10 is the model called the 1012. This newest Dell Mini 10 has a somewhat unorthodox design, with the lid hinges not set on the back edge of the laptop but about an inch closer to the front. This placement allows this model to be outfitted with an optional 6-cell battery that is flush with the body of the unit. This is a nice improvement to the earlier Mini 10 (1010 and 10v) 6-cell batteries, which projected clumsily from bottom of the unit.

The Mini 1012 has an updated keyboard which is also somewhat unorthodox and features a sort of modified chiclet-style arrangement. The trackpad is larger and the palmrest is nicely textured.

Both the palmrest and trackpad are black in color, matching the keyboard.

The Mini 1012 features an interesting outer case design. The underside and sides of the latop are a shiny white plastic. The standard lid color is black, with other color options available for $40. The unit pictured features the optional white lid. The white lid matches the white on the laptop's underside and makes for what is in my opinion a very nice look.

The detail of the palmrest texture can be seen in this last photo.

Lenovo 3000 G530 Value Line Essential

The Lenovo G530 is a "budget laptop" that does not compromise on build quality. The design and layout are plain and unadorned, as is to be expected for a laptop in this price range. All the basics are there, plus some goodies, such as an excellent keyboard and very strong construction throughout.

The lid as seen in the photo to the left is very plain in design, with only the Lenovo logo on the upper right corner. Some Lenovo G530s have a different lid design, with a smaller Lenovo logo located in the center of the lid.

The laptop's construction consists of strong black plastic which is slightly textured and appears to be durable. The material looks like it will stand up well to extended wear from typing hands and resting wrists. The keyboard does not include a trackpoint, but is otherwise of good quality with good feedback and firm backing.