Lenovo IdeaPad Z565 4311 user reviews (15.6" - Turion II P540 - Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - 4 GB RAM - 500 GB HDD)

Pros This terrific performer brings a high-quality computing experience to the laptop format without costing $900 or more, due to the budget dual-core processor (an AMD Turion II) and the somewhat unusual combination of a dedicated Radeon 5470 video card.

Cons Power usage is outclassed by peers owing to the less efficient AMD processor and dedicated video card, so you get at best 2 hours and 40 minutes off charger, where many other machines get 3+ hours. You're never straying too far from that plug!

Summary The case is exceedingly well made, and the keyboard surround feels like some kind of brushed aluminum housing. Processing tasks are SWIFT. Video plays with authority and without any annoying "hitches." The screen is clear and bright. I like the quick access volume and other function keys on the top of the unit. It doesn't seem to get too hot no matter how long I use the machine. Physically, it's pretty attractive if a little dull. Workmanship of the case itself and keyboard are of the highest standard, but the application of the decals on the wrist-wrest appear to be a little haphazard.

I have had the unit a week and it has melded itself quite nicely into my life. There's been no drama, the very minimal bloatware Lenovo installs comes off the machine without queering the works up, and all-in-all the computer has performed faultlessly. It's a great machine and a terrific value at the $600 price point.

I've noted the power consumption challenge. Notebookcheck.com indicates it's a unique combination of the processor and videocard; they run the works at a slightly higher rate than, say, a (more expensive) dual-core I3 would, and the system's a little less efficient.

One other note - I am having some trouble adjusting to the keyboard. The flatness of the laptop means there's no "theater seating" of the keys and so I am striking a lot of keys in error. As the keyboard of this unit was reported to be better than many other units, I can't figure out why I am having this problem, but I did leave an Acer AspireOne netbook and perhaps the raked KB and cramped setup there has messed me up. I am sure I will get used to this over time.