Think of the Lenovo SL-series, if you can think beyond the Lenovo T-series. The T-series notebooks with rugged boxy looks and rubberized black paint may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The latest Lenovo Thinkpad notebook from the SL-series is sure to cut an ice with you on strength of its compact configuration, petite framework, precise function, smart look and elegant design. The 15.6" Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 offers the fundamental features and functional essence of the T-series notebooks in an affordable range. The SL510 configurationally strong and functionally rich is a cost-effective alternative to the T-series models.

Design and Build

Looks comes first to quality at the very first glance. It is true about the SL510 that oozes splashes of style and sophistication in appearance. The toned-down lid with soft plastic finish and rounded edges attributes beauty to the external being of the model. Not only the style but also the shape is inviting. The SL510 with sloped sides is aesthetically sleeker than its predecessor, the SL 500.

With a few aesthetic changes in its being, the SL510 offers good build quality with a solid feel. Though strong in build, it is one step behind the T400 and T500 with stronger body panels. The screen cover is protective enough for the screen, keeping visible distortion away. With a dimension of 14.9 x 9.75 x 1.45", the latest ThinkPad SL model from Lenovo is light in weight not to feel heavy while hanging from the shoulder.

Performance

The Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 (2.53GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB Cache) forms the functional core of the SL510. The model deserves to be praised in glowing terms when it comes to performance at speed. With 3GB DDR3 RAM (2GB x 1GB) and 320GB Hitachi 7200RPM Hard Drive, the SL510 from Lenovo ThinkPad can successfully compete with the ThinkPad L-series models. Good battery life is another fetching feather in its cap. Intel 5100AGN, Bluetooth 2.0 and built-in 2.0M web camera are among the bells and whistles that make the model desirable.

Screen and Speakers

The Lenovo ThinkPad SL 510 offers both glossy and matte screen options with WXGA resolution. The option to enjoy the increased contrast and vibrant colors of a glossy screen is available with the model. If the model is used as an office setting, viewing angles are fine. The screen offers better view from horizontal angles than vertical angles. The screen with bright display is perfect for the bright office ambience.

High speaker performance is a miss with the SL510. The mediocre quality sound is supposed to be the only shortcoming of this functionally high-performance notebook. However, listening to multimedia videos and streaming radio is a nice experience. Its volume seems to reach its peak under the roof of a small room. Using a pair of external speakers is recommended to have a better experience of the not-so-high volume.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard offers a highly comfortable typing experience. It is functional and flexible like the keyboards of the T-series notebooks. The keys are responsive to the fingers. The keyboard comes with a different layout that lacks the additional line of function keys at the top. The fingers seem to be running while clicking the keys. Some quick-access buttons to mute the system volume or the microphone or adjust volume levels are there on the left side of the keyboard.

The touchpad with matte plastic finish is highly touch-sensitive. It is an ALPS model with the same looks and feels that the touchpad of higher-end T-series models offers. Flush mount to the palmrest, the touchpad does not encumber of the finger movement even with the least friction.