Resolved Lenovo SL300 replacement options?

For about four years I have been using a Lenovo SL300 that I bought from a former employer when I moved to a new job. It is a basic unit with a 160 GB hard drive, Intel graphics, and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. In other words, nothing fancy - just a functional workhorse.

However, the unit is running on XP Pro 64 bit and Microsoft support for XP is ending soon so I want to move to a similar laptop running W7 or perhaps W8.

Most of my work is Word documents and spreadsheets, and an occasional PowerPoint presentation. I watch some YouTube stuff and occasional movies but I don't think I need a hot graphics card.

There are some now familiar things I would like to retain in the replacement.

I particularly like the build quality and have become accustomed to the SL300 keyboard layout. And I would like to keep the familiar touchpad and mouse button arrangement.

Of late I have taken up conversational Spanish and am using headphones and online resources for practice. So I would like to have good sound/audio and Bluetooth capability in the replacement.

Money is always an object, but I take care of my stuff and use it a long while, so I'm willing to pay a bit more up front to assure I get what I need.

The Lenovo website is busy and the plethora of models is confusing. Beyond that, I have fallen somewhat behind in my grasp of what the distinction between technical nuances in the available hardware, so my questions are posted in part in a hope that someone here will share out of their own reservoir of knowledge about the Lenovo models. That, or post a link that will help me quickly sort the differences and narrow the search.

In summary I am looking for -
- Same build quality
- Same or similar keyboard layout
- Same touch-pad and mouse buttons
- Good quality sound and audio

So what are my Lenovo model line options to go with a new unit similar to what I've had, along with the few added things I've mentioned?

All feedback will be appreciated and as always, thanks in advance,

Rick

 

If it's in good shape, put 4GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD and Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit on it and it'll feel like a new machine. And, if you don't use the CD/DVD drive much anymore, replace it with a 2nd hard drive caddy and either use your old 160GB hard drive for extra storage, or maybe put a new 1TB HD in it.

 

Roger all that. The older unit is in okay shape but the hinges are starting to wear and the keyboard lettering is likewise fading. And one of the keys -- either the S or the D, will occasionally get catywampus and have to be reset after having been accidentally hooked with a fingernail and popped up several years ago.

So after taking it all into consideration I went ahead and ordered a new 64 bit T430.

It's a 'last year's model" in terms of the technical edge -- which was less painful on the pocketbook.

Intel Core i5-3320M CPU @ 2.60 Ghz, 4 GB RAM, 300 GB hard drive. I did not order the fingerprint scanner and upgraded video as I really just do basic stuff on the laptop. (My desktop, however, is equipped with a 25" monitor and can play any movie I want to watch).

The T430 has a 14" display (as opposed to ~ 13.7) on the SL300, and it has the non-glare screen. I've moved all of my data and am installing software as I need it. So far the move has been surprise free.

The SL300 will become a workbench project. I've never done anything with a laptop beyond upgrade the memory, so I'll follow up on your suggestions and see what I can add to to my Swiss cheese body of computing knowledge.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

Good choice. The T430 is a solid little machine.