Final thoughts and rating
With the Edge, it seems Lenovo has attempted to find a gap between the popular IdeaPad and ThinkPad product lines.
Unfortunately, it seems that gap doesn't exist - and if it does, the ThinkPad Edge hasn't quite managed to find it. If you're in the market for a thin-and-light, you're likely to head for an IdeaPad, whilst business users wanting no-frills stability will opt for the ThinkPad.
Consumers hoping for the Edge to combine the best of both worlds may be left wanting. The system isn't as thin or sleek as an IdeaPad, and it misses killer ThinkPad features - including a classic keyboard that many would argue is second to none.
That isn't to say the ThinkPad Edge 15 is a bad notebook, mind you. Having favoured form over function, it struggles to meet the lofty standards set by the ThinkPad line, but there's still plenty to like here.
The coloured lids are certainly different, the Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processors at the heart of the machine offer top-notch performance, and the revamped keyboard might feel like a backward step but it's still comfortable to use.
Take into consideration the ample connectivity options, an integrated DVD writer and Lenovo's excellent ThinkVantage software and support, and you're left with a solid business solution that's cheaper than others in the ThinkPad line.
The Good
Design stands out from other ThinkPads
Large and responsive multi-touch trackpad
Good performance
The Bad
Keyboard will feel foreign to ThinkPad fans
Battery life is average
Display resolution could be higher
HEXUS Rating
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 15
HEXUS Where2Buy
The Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 15 notebook can be purchased direct from shop.lenovo.com.
HEXUS Right2Reply
At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.
