Lenovo ThinkPad SL300 Review and Specs

When it comes to business machines, there are a few key specs you have too take a look at. First, can a notebook run everything you need it to, can it do it fast? Well, with Lenovo’s ThinkPad SL300, the first answer is an emphatic yes. With the SL300, the 13-inch version of the SL400, you get a Intel Core Duo 2 running at 2.26 GHz, enough power to get you through presentations and even some high-end editing. Plus the 4,500 rpm hard drive will allow you fast access to al those business files. So, speed? Check.

Second, what about battery life? Are you going to make it through the day? Well according to Laptop Magazine, the SL300, and its 9-cell battery, can last the entire workday running standard business apps. It’s rare to see Laptop Mag this excited over battery life, which says more about the state of laptop batteries, but:

[W]e were  blown away by the endurance it offered. Using the LAPTOP Battery Test (continuous Web surfing over Wi-Fi), we saw an epic runtime 8 hours and 52 minutes, more than a business day’s worth of online activity. Sure, configuring the SL300 with the 9-cell battery adds $99 over the 4-cell option, but considering that our average thin-and-light notebook gets a mere 4:07 of endurance, this is one upgrade that’s worth every penny.

And while the third important spec used to be less important, in today’s business environment, wireless support must be on your mind when buying a business notebook. The SL300 is also getting high marks around the net for its fast wireless connectivity and above-standard upload and download rates.

The downsides all seem to be slight and having to do with design. Apparently, the SL300 has some bad viewing angles on the display and the ports could be places more strategically to avoid bumping. But, if you can look past the minor design flaws, this is a solid machine.

So overall, if you are looking for a new business machine, the SL300, which rings in at less than a $1000 standard, might be the perfect buy.

A look at the basic specs:

• Operating System: MS Windows Vista Business
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5670
• Processor Speed: 2.26 GHz
• RAM: 2 GB
• Weight: 5.2 lbs.
• Display Size: 13.3 inches
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
• Storage Capacity: 250 GB
  
• Networking Options: 802.11 a/g/n
• Primary Optical Drive: DVD +/- RW

Lenovo’s website, as always, has more information.