Lenovo ThinkPad W520 - Hardware And Software

[dasni0928]

any aware of when will thinkpad probably release next mobile workstation? After watching this, strongly wanna get one!!!!

[JesseBAndersen]

@dasni0928 Many people are waiting for it. On the W520 and X220T generation there was information on the market at this time of the year. Lenovo has shown a few of their new system which feature Intel Sandy Bridge, but I'm betting they are waiting for the new Intel Ivy Bridge line of CPUs to be ready.

We will have to wait and see. (2m)

[hsuhaochang]

man, it's a really great, detailed and professional intro. Thanks.

[JesseBAndersen]

@hsuhaochang I'm not sure about "professional", but it's my attempt. Thanks for watching and the coment. (-1m)

[ashkan202]

Thank for sharing. Do you know when did this model (W520) come out? and also when they are going to introduce new model of W series?

[JesseBAndersen]

@ashkan202 The Lenovo ThinkPad W520 was released in March 2011. I have not had much communication with Lenovo for a while and I'm not sure when the new ThinkPads will be released. It would be very neat if Lenovo lent me the new systems, usually I do the requests and sometimes I do get a review/test unit, and other times I don't. I can only speculate that the new systems will have the new Ivybridge line of CPUs. We'll find out in time.

[mittangel]

I can put a 6-cell battery even with a i7 820Q processor?

[JesseBAndersen]

@mittangel The battery should work on any CPU configuration. A few details given in the data sheet - "Lithium Ion 6-cell or 9-cell, supports optional Slice battery (57Y4545) as 2nd battery at bottom 6-cell: up to 6.5 hr; 9-cell: up to 10.8 hr; 9-cell plus slice battery: up to 21.6 hr"

[ragnarocking]

I've been a Mac user for the past 14 years (aside from when at work) but I have to admit that this is a very intriguing system; after having used one on business trips. It's as powerful (if not more powerful) than the best Macbook Pro, but is much more feature laden and CHEAPER! If only all Windows systems were built to such high standards, I never would have made the move to Apple. I'm in the market for a new laptop to replace my trusty 3yr old MBP and may have to convert back to Windows/Linux.

[JesseBAndersen]

@ragnarocking I would wait to make the next laptop purchase. This year there will be new processors from Intel (Ivy bridge). I'm sure Lenovo will introduce new and better workstation laptops. We might see some new Ivy Bridge CPUs during CES (January 2012).

If you think the W520 can do everything you want I would still wait because prices will most likely drop.

[marchena2010]

Thank you, for the helpful review. I learned something more about this laptop (dual graphics). I get mine in 4 days.

[JesseBAndersen]

@marchena2010 I'm glad the video was helpful. I hope you enjoy your new W520.

[dhakagod]

I have thinkpad w520, its really very solid and good quality machine. However, the speaker on the laptop would score 1/10. The quality is good, BUT without volume, this machine can be only enjoyed with a headphone or external speakers. After spending £2100 to buy this machine, its a shame if I have to use external speakers for everyday stuff.

[JesseBAndersen]

@dhakagod You are 100% right. I agree that they could be a lot louder, considering the premium price.

[1990artyr]

Is the bottom case solid?

[JesseBAndersen]

@1990artyr I read somewhere that its glass reinforced plastic. Feels strong.

[1990artyr]

@JesseBAndersen Yeah,but it used to be carbon reinforced plastic in previous models... does it have the same feeling?

[JesseBAndersen]

@1990artyr I'm not sure because I never tried the previous Lenovo workstation systems. In my opinion it felt very solid.

[1990artyr]

@JesseBAndersen Ok,thank you for your reply!

[JesseBAndersen]

@1990artyr No problemo!

[hero3616]

After using 6 thinkpads over the last 8 years I recently wanted to a give shot to HP 8560w (core i5 with AMD 5950 graphics from buy.com $1162 model XU082UT) due the reduced quality of thinkpads after IBM. Unfortunately, I returned the HP 8560w since it had 2 cosmetic and 1 functional problem (runs hot). I tested HP with Corsair Force 3 GT 120GB SSD. I recently ordered W520 after returning HP since there is no other alternative. Biggest problem I know about W520 is the size of charger brick.

[JesseBAndersen]

@hero3616 It is one of the biggest bricks I have seen. I gotta wonder what some of those 17 laptops have.

[hifispec01]

Great review. I was looking for a Windows tethered photo editing laptop with enough power to last a few years and this definitively fits the bill (making sure I include the colorimeter option) . MacOS doesn't work for me for a couple of other Windows specific apps I use. Keep up the great work! Gracias.-

[JesseBAndersen]

@hifispec01 Yep.

[thomasfontaine1994]

Wich one do you think would be better for video editing, this or hp 8560w

[JesseBAndersen]

@thomasfontaine1994 I haven't tried the HP 8560W. From the info I have read it's very similar to the W520.

[wolfyloner]

anyone buy W520 too? I discovered that the pictures taken by webcam will turn to little red when 4:3 but normal in 16:9, who is else?

[27guitarhead]

nice detailed review...keep it up :)

[thereplygirlsreviews]

how is the webcam?

[JesseBAndersen]

@thereplygirlsreviews I didn't really test it... but it should be fine since it's an "HD" webcam.

[thereplygirlsreviews]

how do moviesd look in that computer?

[JesseBAndersen]

@thereplygirlsreviews The color range of the screen will make them look amazing. It's by far the best laptop screen I have seen.

[ZergHorde]

great video. i was wondering, did you by any chance, try hooking up the w520 to an external monitor while you had it? do you know if the GPU can handle larger resolutions?

[JesseBAndersen]

@ZergHorde I never tried it, but I'm sure it can. The GPU on this system can handle a lot and the system is designed as a "mobile workstation". Lenovo showed a video were it hooked to two external monitors (who knows about performance). /watch?v=hG13u2enh0g

[JesseBAndersen]

@ZergHorde /watch?v=aW_bXbNgrJE

[jhello125]

Hello together

I am thinking to buy a new notebook. Got two good ofer. One for the Lenovo 520w with an i7 2720qm prozessor and 8 GB Ram, Graphik Nvidia 2000m 2 GB DDR3.

The other Notebook is an HP EliteBook 8560w with an i7 2760 prozessor witch is a littel bit better. 8 GB Ram as well, 256 GB SSD Harddisk, (Lenovo as a normal HD), Graphik: AMD FirePro M5950 1 GB DDR5

Price is about the same. The weight is 3.25 kg, witch i think is quite a lot. Lenovo is 2.85 kg. Thanks for your recommendation

[JesseBAndersen]

@jhello125 If you are going for power get the HP Elitebook. The AMD FirePro is faster than the Nvidia graphics. I recommend googling the name of your product and add "problem" to check the amount of posts with problems prior to buying. Just about every system has problems and it's better to know what you are getting into before you commit with your dollars.

[JesseBAndersen]

@jhello125 If you are going for power get the HP Elitebook. The AMD FirePro is faster than the Nvidia graphics. I recommend google the name of your product and add "problem" to check the amount of posts with problems prior to buying. Just about every system has problems and it's better to know what you are getting into before you commit with your dollars.

[jhello125]

@JesseBAndersen

Thanks for your answer.

I need to say that I am a little Lenovo Fan. I was allways satisfied with there products. But I quite agree, the HP have more power. Especially the SSD Harddisk I realy like by the HP.

[KuwNova]

do you recmmonded this or hp dv6 6080se i7 quadcore + 6gb ram ? please answer

[JesseBAndersen]

@KuwNova Checking the specs.. it looks like the same system that I have. I did buy it and so far I'm pleased with it.

[KuwNova]

@JesseBAndersen thank you jesse so you recmmond hp dv6 so i go for it

[JesseBAndersen]

@KuwNova Removing the monetary limits... the Lenovo W520 has many things I would love to have such as the screen, the cooling and quietness, the great keyboard, the seamless Nvidia optimus technology. But with my less than $1,000 budget the HP DV6T QE had to be my choice.

[radarsh]

Great review. I am bit sceptical about the size of this laptop. I am a programmer who does a lot of amateur photography. I use tools like Adobe Creative Suite CS5, etc when I am processing photos and run memory intensive application servers when I am doing programming. So, I need both the performance and the graphics. I am just wondering how W520 will compare against a T420s in terms of the display capabilities (given I configure both for HD+). The difference in form factor is massive.

[JesseBAndersen]

@radarsh There are a few advantages to the W520... the FHD screen will give you a better resolution to work with these tools. Also the W520 does have a color calibrator which is important for those that need "precision". But if you think the T420 will satisfy your needs then go for it. The folks at Lenovo initially wanted to send me one of those, but I said no. Maybe I should have tried to get both.

[eladbari]

@JesseBAndersen What about the Battery Life?

How long does it lasts for normal browsing\youtube+wifi usage?

And how long does it last for Gaming or heavy software use?

you did something similar when you compared the X220 to your HP laptop. I'm asking cause I've heard the T420 Lenovo's have a Real bad battery life, of,like One hour!

[JesseBAndersen]

@eladbari It's been a while since I had it. I don't remember if I did a battery test on it. I think it was between 6 to 7 hours on Intel HD graphics with screen at about medium, and doing some browsing. I don't think I played any hardcore games with the W520, but I did run several heavy benchmarks. (I don't think I kept battery times on those).

[eladbari]

@JesseBAndersen appreciate you trying to remember what it was like when u had the laptop.

I dont believe Lenovo's [or any other company's] official claim of battery life, but I guess if the X220t had also about 5 hours of normal browsing and 1 hour of intense usage, then maybe this W520 will have about 1.5 hours of intense usage.

Bottom line, im not planning on Gaming outside on the park, But rather use After Effects, Premiere etc. Theyre not demanding constantly as a running game..so..

[JesseBAndersen]

@eladbari Well anything intensive is sure to drain the battery quicker. Good thing about these systems is that batteries are replaceable. But carrying extra batteries isn't super convenient.

[Lattamonty]

Just ordered mine for 1700usd, which is about 1200eur. In Finland a similar system would have cost some 2500eur. Specs as followed: 2720qm, quadro 2000m, fhd, 4gb, 500gb, 9-cell, 720p cam, win7pro64. Planning to use it for school, amateur(!) 3d design, animation, video and photo editing and some gaming (fsx, civ4, mafia2, gta4). Would you recommend upgrading the memory to some 16gb and how much would it cost? I'd also fancy a blu-ray disc drive, any tips?

[JesseBAndersen]

@Lattamonty At Lenovo's website going from 8GB to 16GB is an additional $320. You can probably find the RAM modules for less (additional $82). They are PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz. I did a little post at my blog where I have links and more info about the RAM on the W520.

[Lattamonty]

@JesseBAndersen Thank's, I checked it out and it was useful information to me

[beinaidoPichaido]

@Lattamonty hi, would you mind telling me where did you order your computer? thanks in advanced!

[Lattamonty]

@beinaidoPichaido It was an online store called Laptop Authority. But the price has gone up by 50USD since then. I bought it on discount. Anyway, they have a nice selection of Thinkpads and the prices still seem okay. If I remember correctly, they offer free shipping in America but FedEx charged me 189USD for delivering it to Europe. Taxes excluded. In total, I had to pay around 1600EUR but it still was a real bargain for me.

[beinaidoPichaido]

@Lattamonty thanks for the reply!

[dhakagod]

I am planning to buy this laptop with 16GB ram upgrade and 500GB hard disk. Full HD (1920 x1080) ,Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20GHz, 6MB L3). The problem is, i dont know how it will perform with my engineering software usages. Like Catia, Star ccm etc. Oh, what about the speakers on it? are they good ?

[JesseBAndersen]

@dhakagod You could request the minimum system requirements from each one of those programs and then compare them to the W520. The speakers are good (granted most laptop speakers suck).

[dhakagod]

@JesseBAndersen Well, I was actually thinking about comparing this with Asus Lamborghini Vx7. About the speakers, my lod Asus f3j laptop sounds amazingly clear and loud till date. Good speakers by Asus, but I have no idea about thinkpads. Most laptops (including expensive ones) I ever tested comes with shitty speakers. Most are not loud enough, and if its loud, the sound sucks.

[JesseBAndersen]

@dhakagod Yep.

[dhakagod]

@JesseBAndersen thank you for your suggestion anyways :) take care

[AngelicOrder]

May I ask if you happen to know by chance is the w520 isv certified for Adobe Photoshop and Premier Pro?

I tried googling for some information but in vain.. π_π

[JesseBAndersen]

@AngelicOrder There's a list of ISV certifications in the "W520 Data Sheet" PDF. Adobe Production Premium, and After Effects are certified.

[AngelicOrder]

@JesseBAndersen Thank you for your reply! C:

I've made up my mind to buy the w520 for college.. :D

[ibrahimalghamdi94]

This is the best desktop replacement hands down. I wish I have enough money to buy one. Thanks for the informative review.

[JesseBAndersen]

@ibrahimalghamdi94 I think it is one of the smoothest laptop experiences that I have seen. You are right that it is an expensive system.

[JJeffreyV]

Liking all the reviews, have been waiting for my W520 for about 2-3 days now, it does feel more like a year. Just one thing I haven't seen in any W520 review is a keyboard test, I do realize you can't show people the tactile feedback but I'm very curious to how silent it is, due to reading about a sound reduction technology in the Lenovo pdfs. I hope i'll be testing it out very soon :D

[JesseBAndersen]

@JJeffreyV Well... it could be very silent if you are deaf. hahaha :) The keyboard is the same as in many Lenovo systems. If you compare it to older keyboards it probably is. Let me know what you think when you try it out.

[TheVedicStudent]

What was the specs on this W520, what CPU? Can the system be overclocked? I have a W510, with 920xm and I can overclock it with throttle stop. I want to know if it can be done so I can upgrade to W520, if it's worth it.

[JesseBAndersen]

@TheVedicStudent I have all the spec stuff on my blog. Check the description of the video. I never tried to overclock anything. Since it's an Intel Core i CPU I'm sure people have attempted to overclock that CPU. Googing it should give you the results. The same can be said about the GPU.

[TheVedicStudent]

@JesseBAndersen

You don't mention the specific CPU on the Blog. Google doesn't have anything I tried that already. I want someone to see if the TRL and TDP if it can be adjusted in Throttle Stop. Can you try it and let me know.

[JesseBAndersen]

@TheVedicStudent Hey you are right. Sorry about that. Check the Mafia II benchmark videos, the link to blog should have the specs. I don't have the system anymore so I cannot test things for you. The system that I had was a review unit from Lenovo that I had to ship back.

[TheVedicStudent]

@JesseBAndersen

Yea..ohh well. It doesn't look like its overclock-able the bios is locked on the W520s. To bad it would have made an awesome machine. My W510 can be overclocked and its just as fast as stock 2nd Extreme CPU on the W520.

[JesseBAndersen]

@TheVedicStudent You could also check the "W520 data sheet" PDF to check on the other CPU versions.

[TheVedicStudent]

@JesseBAndersen

Yea.. I know that. I wanted to see if you had the machine and if you could load the program up and see if the system can be overclocked. By looking at the data sheet will not tell me if the motherboard will allow the TRL (Turbo Rate Limit) you need to load the program and test it.

[JesseBAndersen]

@TheVedicStudent It's a bummer that I returned it. Not many people publicly state that they have the W520, so it's hard to test software. Try the Lenovo forums and hopefully someone can give you a definite answer.

[TheGamingDude23]

This system looks really nice. How well does the ViDock solution work? As I understand it, you need to use optimus to get it to display on the internal LCD. Since the computer already uses optimus on the Quadro card, will the ViDock solution still work on the internal LCD?

[JesseBAndersen]

@TheGamingDude23 I don't have the ViDock anymore so I cannot test it. I wouldn't add a ViDock to the system because it's not necessary for most people. Only a few people in the entire world would "need" a ViDock. How it would work? I don't know, but picking the right Nvidia graphics card would be key to a more seamless experience.

[TheGamingDude23]

@JesseBAndersen I would use it for gaming. Also from what I've heard, the W520 gets about 7-8 hours of battery life. Will slice battery double this for about 15 or 16 hours? If so, that is very impressive for a quad core laptop.

[JesseBAndersen]

@TheGamingDude23 Those battery times might be "up to" guestimations. Basically not real. You can only find out about battery life when you test them yourself. I don't think there's a slice battery for the W520. The battery slice seen on the X220T does not fit the W520.

[griegmeister]

I want this pc for it's durability, performance, screen and battery, but because of the price(in Norway it's starting at 3000$!) is have serious doubts, since I want to be able to play the latest games. I have googled it every way possible, and the responses are mixed. Generally there is no doubt that this can play games at high settings, but does it play games with a high setting for a long time in a row(some people report that this happens)? Also, how is gamingperformance when on battery?

[JesseBAndersen]

@griegmeister I have posted several benchmarks so you can see some results. You should be able to download, test and compare results. The W520 should play most games. Gaming while on battery power will work, but obviously not for very long. Most gaming systems won't have long battery life while playing resource intensive programs.

[griegmeister]

@JesseBAndersen Thank you. I ordered it today! Should arrive next week..

[rezalastb]

i got my W520 a month ago. it didn't disappoint me at all. fantastic piece of engineering.

[JesseBAndersen]

@rezalastb The more I see the screen the more I want it on my HP laptop. It's beautiful. Also games with Nvidia PhysX will perform way better. (video on the way).

[rezalastb]

Thank you for the review.

[JesseBAndersen]

@rezalastb Yes. Thank you for the comment!

[SocraticMind89]

does your review model come with the intel extreme procceror?

[JesseBAndersen]

@SocraticMind89 Intel Core i5 2540M.

[DIPGLOBAL1]

Can Vidock4 be used with this Lenovo Thinkpad W520 laptop?It has an ExpressCard Slot 34mm slot.Not 54mm wide.So,will it work?

[JesseBAndersen]

@DIPGLOBAL1 Yes the ViDock would work with the W520. The W520 has an ExpressCard 2.0 slot that is 34mm

[Korriel]

Thanks for the video. You did a great job bro. I found out what I needed to know (Battery life) and more

[JesseBAndersen]

@Korriel Thanks.

[seragasebonwe]

thanks, great job

[JesseBAndersen]

@seragasebonwe Thanks. That Optimus technology is just too sweet.