Lenovo ThinkPad W520

Specifications

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Reviews for the Lenovo ThinkPad W520

80% Lenovo ThinkPad W520 15.6-inch Laptop PC
Source: Comp Reviews Archive.org version
For anyone that needs a serious laptop with lots of performance for workstation class work on the go, there is no question that the Lenovo ThinkPad W520 is one of the best options on the market. It offers some superb performance thanks to its quad core processor yet still manages some excellent running times. Graphics professionals will also want to look into the upgraded IPS display and color calibrator that is one of the best on the market for color accuracy.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/29/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% Lenovo ThinkPad W520 Review
Source: Notebookreview.com Archive.org version
The Lenovo ThinkPad W520 workstation most definitely lives up to its ThinkPad name and workstation standards. It provides great all-over performance with its quad-core i7 processor, NVIDIA Quadro 2000M graphics, and 8GB DDR3 RAM. The 95% color gamut FHD display is easily conducive to professionals in the graphics arts or similar industry. It also has a wide range of ports and features, such as the two HighSpeed 3.0 USB ports and the Pantone huey PRO color calibration system. We did not feel as though the complaints we did have about the workstation were deal breakers in the least bit. For those in need of a powerful workstation, this system should be a definite option.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/29/2011
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 90% features: 90% mobility: 90% ergonomy: 70%

70% Lenovo ThinkPad W520 Review
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
The ThinkPad W520 provides really strong workstation-level performance in a portable 6.2-pound package with amazing battery life, a gorgeous screen, and the industry's best keyboard. However, the $2,969 configuration we reviewed is pretty pricey for a laptop that doesn't include a solid state drive, though we highly recommend adding that as an option. The sound could also be better. Still, if you're looking for a workstation that can plow through any task, the ThinkPad W520 is a solid choice.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/25/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%

Lenovo ThinkPad W520 – mini review
Source: Keith Comb's Blahg Archive.org version
I didn’t think the Lenovo ThinkPad W520 would be much of an improvement. It’s the same keyboard, chassis, screen, etc. as the ThinkPad W510. But the beauty is below the surface and in this case, the Sandy Bridge chipset offers much better performance while managing energy use much more efficiently. You’ll certainly want to watch for more scientific testing by the professional review blogs and organizations but it sure looks like a super machine for your consideration. I look forward to seeing how it fairs against the competition in the shootouts. Until then, buy with confidence. This is a sweet machine ready to do some hard work. Let me know if you have any questions.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/27/2011

Foreign Reviews

88% Test Lenovo ThinkPad W520 Notebook
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/07/2011
Rating: Total score: 88% performance: 91% display: 88% mobility: 83% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 89% emissions: 82%

Comment

NVIDIA Quadro 2000M:

Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

Intel Core i7: The Intel Core i7 for laptops is based on the LG1156 Core i5/i7 CPU for desktops. The base clock speed of the CPUs is relatively low, but because of a huge Turbo mode, the cores can dynamically overclock to up to 3.2 GHz (920XM). Therefore, the CPU can be as fast as high clocked dual-core CPUs (using single threaded applications) but still offer the advantage of 4 cores. Because of the large TDP of 45 W / 55 W, the CPU is only intended for large laptops.  

2820QM: Fast Quad-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller. » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

15.60":

15-inch display variants are the standard and are used for more than half of all laptops.

The reason for the popularity of mid-sized displays is that this size is reasonably easy on the eyes, often allows high resolutions and thus offers rich details on the screen, yet does not consume too much power and the devices can still be reasonably compact - simply the standard compromise.

2.7 kg:

With this weight, a laptop is rather heavier than average. Devices in this range shine more with screen size and performance than with mobility.

Lenovo: Lenovo ("Le" from English legend, novo (Latin) for new) was founded in 1984 as a Chinese computer trading company. As of 2004, the company was the largest laptop manufacturer in China and, after acquiring IBM's PC division in 2005, the fourth largest in the world. In addition to desktops and notebooks, the company manufactures monitors, projectors, servers, etc, and specializes in developing, manufacturing and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, enterprise solutions and related services.

In 2016, the company ranked first in the world in computer sales. It still held it in 2023 with about 23% global market share. Important product lines are Thinkpad, Legion and Ideapad.

In 2011, it acquired a majority stake in Medion AG, a European computer hardware manufacturer. In 2014, Motorola Mobility was purchased, which gave Lenovo a boost in the smartphone market.

81.2%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight