I can see this laptop being handy in certain niche applications - maybe for a news photographer traveling around the world who basically needs a portable desktop machine. Otherwise it's awfully clunky (about twice as thick as your average laptop).

I think the most disappointing part for me (and this is probably just me) is the tired design. I swear, ThinkPads look basically the same as they did fifteen years ago, right down to the little red "eraser-nub" joystick pointer.

I know it's what's on the inside that counts, but every time I see a ThinkPad it always reminds me of state-of-the-art circa 1993. You would have thought Lenovo would have spruced things up a little bit once they took over ThinkPads from IBM...

MovieDemon. Basically, you are correct on the look of the ThinkPad. I worked with IBM from '92-'03, when they sold out their PC division to Lenovo. The reason they look a lot alike is that when they made changes to the way the laptops looked, the sales for those products was dismal. It seems to be a case of "use what works."
As far as this particular one is concerned, you are also correct, it is a niche item. You may get that occasional person that just likes the extra screen to keep their chat windows in while watching a video or working a spreadsheet.
The price on the other hand is going to make this roll out of most users range of affordability also.
Al in all, it is most likely still a very solid machine. I still have a 701 (butterfly) that is working, an x20, an A40, and now a new Y510. The Y510's only fault is the lack of the Trackpoint.

I would still recommend a ThinkPad to anyone.

I like the idea and even suggest it have two pull out screens so we can have that surround 3D feel while playing Atari Stunt Driver like the arcade or Mech Warrior with side views etc...

In 1997 there was a newspaper ad featuring a guy with his laptop with 3 x 20" screens surrounding him. At the time we all laughed about it ... fiction becoming fact!
I think it's awesome. Working with 2 x screens is so much easier. A also agree about Lenovo s lack lustre look - Lenovo update your design or update your designers!

In 1997 there was a newspaper ad featuring a guy with his laptop with 3 x 20" screens surrounding him. At the time we all laughed about it ... fiction becoming fact!
I think it's awesome. Working with 2 x screens is so much easier. A also agree about Lenovo s lack lustre look - Lenovo update your design or update your designers!

I recently read an article in *ahem* "a tech magazine about Life with Macs" about a new laptop design Apple's been working on as a spiritual successor of the Macbook Air (unofficially dubbed the triBook). It has two fold out screens that extend the screen size to 21" (and can potentially be folded halfway for privacy if you so choose). The unit itself will supposedly have dimensions of about 6.75 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and about an inch deep.

The ThinkPad has a good idea here, but the execution appears poor. They REALLY do need to update their design...that thing looks far too bulky to compete with modern manufacturers.

Interesting idea but ever since Lenovo took over IBMs PC division quality has went down hill fast. I work for the big blue and the first 3 Thinkpads were great. Sure they looked like black bricks but they always ran great and they were built like a brick. The last two laptops I have had(both Lenovo made Thinkpads) have been terrible. The first one was in for repairs within the first 6 months I had it and continued to be in and out of the shop for the 2 years I had it. The one I have now has a major overheating problem and likes to randomly crash. I wouldn't spend my own money on a Lenovo thinkpad.