ThinkPad Edge E530 (32597AU) Notebook Intel Core i5 2450M(2.50GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1600 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD±R/RW Intel HD Graphics 3000

Pros: Was not super expensive. Newegg shipping was fast.

Cons: This computer runs worse than my three year old DELL after three months. The webcam stopped working altogether, tried reinstalling drivers and troubleshooting to no avail. The computer runs extremely slow when running something as simple as Skype.
The computer also frequently crashes. I understand that this isn't a top of the line computer but these simple things it should be able to do with no problem.

Other Thoughts: I am extremely dissatisfied with this computer and I'm not sure whether this one unit is defective or if it's just the quality of the laptop. In either case I now have to jump through hoops to try and salvage what I can from this.

Pros: This laptop has performed very well and still does. The only upgrading I did was installing 8gb (2x4gb) Kingston HyperX ram. Laptop runs great and I rarely see it bogg down for any reasons other than significant load (which any mid range system would slow down under those conditions) I especially like the biometric fingerprint scanner and number pad, also happy with the function buttons and of course the signature thinkpad nip mouse.

Cons: After using this laptop for a couple of months I notice a few downsides (but am still very happy with it). I would have liked a larger resolution; but can't complain for how much I paid. I would also have liked to see a greater contrast in the colors of the display, since I use this with Photoshop. (Connecting to an external monitor solves this set back). All things considered, given the opportunity to purchase this laptop again, I would!

Other Thoughts: Newegg is always my first stop for anything electronic, thanks for the great deals and large inventory!

Pros: Pretty cheap
Fast
USB 3.0 x3
HDMI port
7200 RPM HDD

Cons: Came with lots of bloatware on it

Other Thoughts: The product description says the max RAM is 8GB, but I successfully install 16GB of RAM (all is recognized by Windows)

Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory (CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10)

Pros: It functions as expected for the most part. It runs games at decent settings, and maxes minecraft unlike my freinds' laptop who paid more for theirs.

Cons: I believe the wireless card is broken. I can connect to networks fine, but I get really slow download speeds. I know wireless is typically slower than wired, but I should be getting at least 1 mb/s download speeds. The speed rarely tops 300 kb/s.

Pros: There are a few key features that make this laptop the best buy for the money.

Core i5
Win 7 Pro
4 GB RAM with 1 open slot (verified)
7200 RPM hard drive (verified)
Gigabit network port
USB 3.0 (not every new laptop has these)
Intel Centino chipset

This laptop is blazing fast. All the software I had been running on my Vista laptop loaded on without a hitch.
Finger reader works awesome! It even stores the password to web sites, and I can log in by swiping my finger.

Cons: It is loaded with bloatware (this is typical of all brands) that needs to be uninstalled. Some programs (like the finger reader suite) you had to install from the software (swtools) folder on the hard drive.

Other Thoughts: There is a multitude of Lonovo software on here as well. I uninstalled most of it, as it is not necessary for what I do.
Be prepared to spend several hours uninstalling, installing programs, updates, etc.

Pros: Very well equipped, better than Lenovo currently offers to build. Just the features I need at reasonable cost. I'd like to have waited the 3 weeks save $20 + $20 on service contract.

Cons: DVD burner took a few tries to function properly. The backup goes to an additional partition "Q" but since it's on the HDD, I take no chance & back up to a flash drive. Some models have an additional mSATA but as far as I can tell not this one.

Other Thoughts: I really like the touch pad even though it took a while to become accustom. Much more comprehensive than the very few others I've used. And of course the anti-glare led back-lit display is indispensable. Not to worrying about Too Much or too little ambient light. Business oriented app straight out of IBM is useful. Good Luck; so many to choose from!

Pros: nice machine
problems with dvd out of the box, called lenovo and they are sending a new dvd out. very fast response time for getting folks in tech support, they remind me of dell from 20 years ago when they actually cared about the end user.

Cons: none so far

Other Thoughts: recommend this machine to anyone looking for a decent laptop.