Product Review - the Lenovo IdeaPad Notepad/Laptop Computer - Z Series

I recently purchased my second new laptop ever - the Lenovo IdeaPad Z575, from Frys Electronics here in Fremont Ca. My first laptop was bought 7 years ago from the same manufacturer - and it was an IBM Thinkpad. That laptop workhorse would have still been running unless it hadn't been dropped (actually thrown) - very hard. This new laptop will hopefully not be subjected to what that poor IBM ThinkPad was. And BTW - even though my IBM ThinkPad was "thrown" - it still turns on and only needs to have windows re-installed - amazing.

Why did I choose the Lenovo IdeaPad Z575? For many reasons that I will explain below. If you are a writer or an avid computer user like me, you may want to consider a Lenovo computer for these same reasons.

First of all, I get attached to my laptops - especially those that are trustworthy and can handle the abuse I dish out. Because I am a writer, a good laptop is VERY IMPORTANT to me. It's the equivalent of having the best typewriter a writer could have a hundred years ago. I chose Lenovo because they aligned with IBM back in 2005 - and the product reviews were great for the Lenovo IdeaPad Z575 Although it doesn't have a hard shell like the ThinkPad did - it is well made and looks like it could probably handle a few bumps and bruises. As long as my 3 year old grandson doesn't dance on it I should be fine.

Here are the specs for the Lenovo IdeaPad Z575:

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

• NEW AMD A4-3300M dual core processor

• Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64

• 15.6” Backlit LED HD (1366x768) resolution display

• Integrated discrete class AMD Radeon HD6480M graphics

• 4GB DDR3 memory, 500GB HDD storage

• High-speed 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi

• Integrated DVD reader/writer

• USB2.0, eSATA connectors & 5in1 card-reader

• Integrated 0.3M webcam for clearer video chats

Besides the great product reviews, one of the other MAJOR reasons I bought the Lenovo is because of the comfortable AccuType keyboard that it has. The keys are slightly curved so spelling and typing are more accurate and my fingers don't "slide" across the other keys as I'm typing. I may be a little old fashioned, but I like to "feel" my typing and many of the new notepads, laptops and computers do not have this feature on the keyboard.

The storage was also more than adequate for me with it's 4 gigs - and it has enough power to handle not only my writing but also my photography (I am also a professional newborn baby photographer) This laptops connection to the Internet is lightening fast (even with an 8 year old router) and I have no problems downloading large photos, big files and watching YouTube videos. A good multi-media computer is very important to me, and the Lenovo works well for everything I need to do. I can also upgrade to 8 gigs if need be but for right now the 4 gigs works just fine for all my needs.

From the manufacturer: Lenovo IdeaPad Z575

"The stylish yet affordable IdeaPad Z575 is packed with loads of cool features to make your day more fun. Bring your multimedia experience alive on your high-definition widescreen display; optimize audio-visual settings with OneKey® Theater II; and get top quality audio with SRS® Premium Surround SoundTM. The IdeaPad Z575 is built for convenience too. It features a comfortable AccuType keyboard making typing easier, and Lenovo Energy Management provides longer battery life. This laptop is powered by the new AMD A4-3300M processor."

The other MAJOR bonus to the Lenovo is that the cooling fan is located on the side of the laptop - so more over-heating! I have actually had heat burns on my legs from other laptops that had the cooling fan on the bottom - what a bad place to have the fan! So now I don't feel that irritating warmth on my legs as I'm working - and the heat goes out the side. Nice!!

All the ports are also on the side including the power cord hook-up which makes it nice when I have my camera or other things attached. I haven't dropped my camera off the back of the laptop anymore (I broke my last digital camera that way). Those power hook-ups on the back of laptops were highly irritating also. I don't know how many times I moved my laptop to wrench the power cord out of its socket - only having to end up replacing the cord and/or the outlet for the power cord on my old laptop. Now on the Lenovo I can see everything on the side - and I am much more aware of what I have hooked up. Awesome.

Lastly, the price I paid for my Lenovo is going to blow you away - I bought it on sale at Frys for only $399. Yes that's right. I looked at all the other laptops and notebooks, compared prices and could not believe what a great deal this was. Although some people prefer the 17.3" screen, I am happy with the 15.6" screen. If I need to view print larger, all I need to do is to magnify with an easy click. The screen size is more than adequate for me, and the size is great for transporting and handling.

I can't say enough good things about the Lenovo IdeaPad Z575. I think this is my new buddy - in fact I have so much faith in it that I didn't even purchase the extended contract. I figure by the time this laptop gives way it will be time for another laptop anyway. Lenovo is a great company with a good reputation for quality products - so I'm not concerned about my new IdeaPad going kaput anytime too soon. As long as I don't throw it, drop in in the water and I keep adequate virus protection on it, I figure I'm good for a few years. And by that time, laptops will probably be obsolete anyway!

(Dorsi Diaz is a freelance writer/publisher on the Internet. She writes about everyday life and the occasional review on good products that she has had success with)