How tough are the current-gen Thinkpads?

[Beeble]

Firstly, a little bit of background: I'm both a live sound engineer and a part-time motion graphics designer. That means I spend half my time on outdoor sites, and the other half at home using quite intensive 3D applications.

 

Up until now, I've been using a MacBook Pro running Windows, so switching to a non-mac wouldn't be a problem.

 

Unfortunately, twice now my MacBook has succumbed to water damage, so I'm after a tougher machine.

 

I was looking at the W530 series and wondered if they're as tough as the old T series from the IBM/Lenovo days, and if they were worth the money. If there are any other options around, then I'd love some suggestions.

 

Thanks!

[Zappy]

The Thinkpads are solid machines but unless you're just getting really unlucky with your coffee maybe get something more rugid? How about the Toughbook series? http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/laptop-mobile-computers.asp

[Beeble]

I thought about a Toughbook, but they're extremely bulky, and don't seem to have anywhere near the performance of Thinkpads.

 

They're also really damned expensive, but thanks for the suggestion :)

[rashdanml]

 

That's the newest Thinkpad X1 Carbon. There's a point in the video where it gets thrown about 5-10 ft from a height of 6 ft or so. Not a scratch.

[ShadyHost]

We use them at school. They are pretty good. 

[Hans Christian | Teri]

For a normal sized laptop you wont get anything more reliable than a Thinkpad. :)

[Beeble]

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

One thing I'm worried about is that because the W530 has larger vents for cooling, that would make it more susceptible to liquid/high humidity and stuff, you think that would be a problem? 

[criso8]

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

One thing I'm worried about is that because the W530 has larger vents for cooling, that would make it more susceptible to liquid/high humidity and stuff, you think that would be a problem? 

Unless your using it in the amazon I don't think it should be an issue in terms of humidity. Then again maybe I've just never heard of people having that type of issue.

[looney]

W530 is a very nice laptop, I'm loving mine, good build quality and I personally like their new keyboards

[Lyons]

Exceptional. I have an X220 for taking to and from uni every day, and my father has a T430 that he uses for his engineering work (CAD, FEA, etc.). Neither have missed a beat, Neither have had any problems, we're very satisfied. I previously had an Aluminium Macbook pro, they are probably the best in the world in terms of build quality, but the Thinkpad is a winner for performance/value/build quality.

[Purple]

Thinkpads are amazing laptops`

[Nirmal]

I don't know if it is current generation Thinkpad but I own a Thinkpad w500 and it has been absolutely amazing. It is probably one of the most durable laptop that I have ever owned. One major plus about Thinkpads is that they make them really easy to take apart so upgrading, fixing, or just general cleaning is very easy. The only complaint that I have is that the lid gets scratched very easily, all I have to do is take the back of my nail and run it across the surface and it leaves a scratch. I don't know if they changed the material but if they didn't there is one thing that you should be aware of.

[b1ack1otus]

owner of T430... and all I can say that it's TOP QUALITY. Love it.