Lenovo is launching a slew of new ThinkPad E-Series today which includes the ThinkPad Edge E530/E535 and E430/435. They are all mainstream laptops that can be configured to hit any price point from entry-level ($500+) to close to $1000. The E500 Series is a 15” line of laptops, while the E400 Series is (you have guessed:) the 14” line.Both come with similar options that includes a range of Intel and AMD processors (CPU) that can be supplemented with an external graphics processor (GPU) from NVIDIA or AMD with up to 2GB of video-memory. The system memory is can go up to 8GB of DDR3 1600, and we recommend 4GB as a minimum and 6GB as the sweet spot for a comfortable use. Interestingly, SSD drives does not seem to be an option, which is understandable from a segmentation point of view, but we would have preferred to see a 80GB or 128GB option. That said, Lenovo has worked pretty hard on making the boot sequence faster than normal. However, nothing really replaced an SSD if you are willing to pay for it.
Other than that, all the new computers get USB 3.0, HDMI and VGA ports. There’s also a 720p webcam with software that suppresses the noise, for note takers. Finally, note that the 15” laptops have an HD+ anti-glare option which is not available on the E400 Series.
Specifications highlights
Intel or AMD CPU
Windows 8 Ready
15” (anti-glare option) or 14”
Intel or AMD integrated graphics, optional NVIDIA or AMD GPU
up to 8GB of RAM
5400rpm: 320GB/500GB/750GB/1TB; 7200 rpm: 320GB/500GB
Integrated R/W DVD Drive
2* 2Watt integrated speakers
WiFi B/G/N + Bluetooth 4.0
VGA, HDMI, 3xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB 2.0, 4:1 card reader
5.4Lbs (15”) and 4.7Lbs (14”)
377x245x28.5mm — 339x234x28.6mm