-
Pros
- Great keyboard.
- Good management utilities.
-
Cons
- Not for multimedia purposes.
- Poor performer.
IBM Thinkpad R51 Specs
| Graphics Card: | AMD Mobility Radeon 9000 |
| Graphics Memory: | 32 |
| Networking Options: | 802.11a/g |
| Operating System: | MS Windows XP Professional |
| Primary Optical Drive: | DVD+/-RW (Plus Minus) |
| Processor Speed: | 1.6 GHz |
| RAM: | 512 MB |
| Rotation Speed: | 4200 rpm |
| Screen Size: | 15 inches |
| Storage Capacity (as Tested): | 80 GB |
| Type: | General Purpose |
| Weight: | 6.5 lb |
IBM is known for making reliable business-class notebooks with outstanding construction and keyboards. (The company tends to shy away from multimedia features.) The R51 fits this description, though its lackluster performance and battery life will leave consumers wanting more.
The R51 is the only mainstream notebook here to have dual pointing devices; we have always been fans of IBM's patented TrackPoint and full-size keyboard. Also unique in our roundup is the R51's inclusion of a dual 802.11a/g wireless solution, so you're covered in any wireless situation. Unfortunately, there are only two USB ports for connectivity, though there is a FireWire port.
On our SYSmark tests, IBM scored dead last among mainstream notebooks. Its battery life was equally unimpressive, clocking in at 2:56.
ThinkPad notebooks traditionally are top-rated machines with a proven record of reliability. But the R51 is subpar. For a better business system, opt for one of IBM's T series notebooks, and for better multimedia systems, go with the HP Pavilion dv1000.