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

[Donald B Altman]

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
-- 

Donald B. Altman
Singular Technologies
Pleasantville, NY