[ltp] [Fwd: Lenovo's reply ...] re SL500

[Ted Frater]

Donald B Altman wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I was disturbed enough by the recent discussions on this list of the 
> SL500 being a half-Thinkpad that I wrote to Lenovo customer service.  
> I just received their reply, which I find encouraging.  (At least they 
> appear to be listening).
>
> Don A
>
> Note:  Minor edits have been made to what's below.
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject:     Lenovo's reply ...
> Date:     Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:10:36 -0500
> From:     websales@lenovo.com
> <SNIP>
>
> Dear Donald B Altman,
>
> Thank you for contacting Lenovo, the makers of ThinkPad and ThinkCentre
> products.
>
> We thank you for your email regarding the Thinkpad line and appreciate
> the respect and passion you have for our products.
>
> We will bring this to the attention of our management at our next
> meeting to voice your concerns upon your behalf.
>
> If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reply to
> this email, or to call us at 1-866-42-THINK (428-4465). We will be 
> happy to assist you further at that time.
>
> Once again, thank you for contacting Lenovo.
>
> Sincerely,
> Lenovo Websales
> Website: www.lenovo.com/us
>
>
> *Donald B Altman <dona_AT_SingularTech.com>*
>
> 11/17/2008 11:06 AM
>
>     
> To
>     websales@lenovo.com
> cc
>     
> Subject
>     Thinkpads
>
>
> Hello,
>
> I've used Thinkpads since 1999.  Before that I had to get a new notebook
> every 2-3 years due to hardware problems.  Both of my Thinkpads have
> lasted 4+ years and so I hope to stick with the line for my next
> notebook, due later this year.
>
> One thing that disturbs me VERY much is the SL500.  It is not a true
> Thinkpad, but rather half Ideapad hardware.  (E.g. it is incompatible 
> with tp-smapi, HDAPS, etc.)  As such, I have no confidence that it 
> will be as durable as my other Thinkpads have been.  Hence I have no 
> reason to prefer it over a more generic brand such as HP or Acer or Dell.
>
> I would urge you to reserve the Thinkpad brand for the type of durable
> hardware that you've sold in the past.  And use that durability and
> compatibility and history of success as a selling point!  Your current
> strategy of merging the Ideapad and Thinkpad lines, while it will result
> in short-term savings, will destroy the very valuable asset you hold in
> the Thinkpad's reputation.
>
> Thank you very much for your consideration.
>
> Don A
Does this mean that all of us Thinkpad enthusiasts should also write to 
that email address? raising our concerns?
 I for one have used albeit an elderly A21P for some 4 years now, it  
does everything I need,and so far, never has gone wrong,
 and it had a 3 year life before coming to me on the IBM corporate 
leasing roundabout.
Nothing touches Thinkpads for reliability and or build quality.
Ted Frater
 
Dorset UK