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FINAL THOUGHTS
The Asus UL30A and Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13 both have a glossy LED-backlit
screen, a Core 2 Duo processor running at 1.3GHz, integrated Intel graphics
with HDMI out, 4GB of RAM, a 320GB 5400 RPM hard drive, and 802.11n. The physical
dimensions too are almost identical with only slight variations in thickness
and weight. Yet despite all the similarities on the inside and out, these two
laptops have distinct, almost polar personalities.
The UL30A has broader appeal. The keyboard, trackpad, and webcam are subpar
compared to the Edge 13, but its speakers and screen are heads and shoulders
above the Lenovo; it's a far superior choice for movies, music, etc. Its energy
efficiency and large battery allow it to last an entire business day without
recharging. It also runs cooler than the Edge 13 and is much quieter on load
thanks to a lower CPU operating voltage. The biggest drawback is the keyboard
with its shallow, weak keys and high degree of flex.
Our Edge 13 sample was a top-of-the line model with Bluetooth, WiMAX, 3G, and
GPS support, but even without these features, you can easily tell that it's
a business-oriented laptop at heart. It has a decent webcam, comfortable trackpad
and a superb keyboard. Everything that stands out about the Edge 13 is about
getting stuff done efficiently. The updated aesthetics makes it the first ThinkPad
that doesn't look completely Spartan, but thanks to its high build quality,
it stays true to the ThinkPad's workhorse reputation. The one area we feel should
be improved is the LCD which looks pale, almost sickly compared to most other
notebooks. We also wouldn't mind a little extra battery life as it would compliment
the extra mobile wireless connectivity.
The UL30A can be found for $700, while the reviewed Edge 13 configuration retails
for $900. Lenovo offers a more comparable Edge 13 with Bluetooth and gigabit
ethernet only (no WiMAX or 3G) for about $800. The UL30A may give you a better
media experience and longer untethered run time, but if you need more of a business
workhorse with great keyboard, strong construction and Windows 7 Pro, the Edge
13 may be worth the extra money, even with the inferior screen and battery life.
Our thanks to ASUSTeK
and Lenovo for UL30A
and ThinkPad Edge 13 samples.
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