Customer reviews for Lenovo ThinkPad T530
15.6” powerhouse equipped with high productivity features, leading wireless options to keep you powered & unplugged round-the-clock.
Average customer rating:
(36 Reviews) 31
Rating Snapshot (36 reviews)
5 stars
15
4 stars
7
3 stars
1
2 stars
6
1 star
7
22 of 36(61%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Review 1 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
4
out of
5
Design
1
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
Reliability
4
out of
5
BackToBasics
Location:Washington DC
Owned Product:Just got it
It's all about the keyboard.
Date:July 24, 2012
Cons: keyboard
"I have been a Thinkpad owner for over a decade. And with every release the they seem to get a little worse. A laptop is all about the keyboard and the monitor. Something the new R&D folks seem to forget. The new keyboard layout on the T530 is worse then the T520. Instead of expanding the keyboard size and leveraging the wasted speaker space they shrunk the keyboard further making the esc key a non-key like the Dell products. Why would you intentionally frustrate those folks that use the esc key. Yes old programers exist, and yes they like a boring keyboard with a big esc key. If I wanted to buy a machine to play games on them I could do without the esc. Either way each year I find it harder and harder to defend my purchases of Thinkpad laptops. The new design is just another nail in the coffin."
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Review 2 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
5
out of
5
Design
3
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Value
3
out of
5
Millwood
Location:Millwood, NY
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
Fine overall but keyboard is weak
Date:December 16, 2012
Pros: Wireless card, Build Quality, Display performance, Display resolution, Battery, Input/Output compatibility, Processor, Memory, Storage
Cons: Weight, Keyboard/peripherals, Screen size
"I was never getting anything but a Thinkpad because of the trackpoint. The keyboard's best feature is the built in light - a great improvement over the overhead light. The machine is fast, the audio works well, the screen is great even in bright light.
BUT my T530 has the new Lenovo keyboard. The keyboard feel is not quite as good as the old version - causing more mistyping. The keyboard is smaller, missing some keys and rearranging others to make room for the speakers. I'm mostly OK with that.
BUT BUT - the landing marks on F and J to help touch typists stay home are just not adequate. I've just stuck tape on the keys - we'll see if that helps.
And of course, it has the now universal silly 16x9 screen - great as a TV, weak for actually working on information."
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Review 3 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
5
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
bryanmbg
Location:Rye, New york
Owned Product:Less than a month
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
GREAT LAPTOP, BUT be careful
Date:December 12, 2012
Pros: Weight, Software compatibility, Wireless card, Build Quality, Display resolution, Battery, Input/Output compatibility, Processor, Memory, Keyboard/peripherals, Storage
Cons: Included Software
"Purchase this laptop last november , did not purchase the top of the line customization, boot up was the same as other laptop, i got a dell xps 17 crashed reboot works great, then upgrade the lenovo and now it is fast got a few software that loads in second rather than my xps, keyboard not that bad , tried to do a backup just in case my system crashed, hard to get support from lenovo support , so i just got a recovery disk back-up, not a lot of apps to get rid off still trying preloaded software if needed or not, if you want your laptop win prem or pro go pro, it is worth the upgrade, this is my first lenovo laptop so still trying to make it work a lot.One of the thing im looking for is to make my battery last longer , my dell got a software will disconnect your laptop if the battery is full this does'nt. Some of my software dont want to work on my dell thats why i got this and just install with no problem ."
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Review 4 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
3
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
David07666
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
Very happy, good workhorse
Date:February 18, 2013
Pros: Processor, Memory, Keyboard/peripherals, Screen size, Build Quality, Storage, Display resolution, Display performance
"I've had this T530 for two months. I5 chip, 500 GB drive, 8 GB ram, 1600x900 screen, 6 cell battery. Windows 7
I don't do heavy graphics, just business type stuff. Performance is excellent, boot time is 30 sec, login longer because of all the stuff I load. I am a very experienced computer guy but don't stretch the system performance-wise.
Screen is GORGEOUS. I am very surprised and happy at how sharp and vivid it is. No glare, sharp, great colors, etc.
Keyboard is great. I didn't have the old one that people pine for so I can't compare to that. The keys feel great in all respects, I have no complaints.
Battery life -- about 2 hours at full brightness. Battery meter is laughable -- very innacurate. But it lasts 2 hours, no matter what the meter says. I consider 2 hours to be average"
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Review 5 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
4
out of
5
Design
1
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
2
out of
5
Reliability
1
out of
5
LXR84
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
Keyboard & Miniport Issues
Date:June 15, 2013
Cons: Wireless card, Keyboard/peripherals
"There seems to be a consensus that the new style keyboards are inferior to the earlier style. I couldn't agree MORE...Very disappointed in the unfriendly handling of what was once a major selling point.
Also having problems with the WAN Miniport. It has failed. Which means I don't have wireless capabilities and according to the numerous complaints in the forums, this seems to be a big time problem that Lenovo has yet to offer a solution. Heck...my Lenovo SL500 was far and away a much better machine..."
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Review 6 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
5
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
Mike
Owned Product:7-12 months
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
Exceptional Laptop
Date:June 8, 2013
Pros: Input/Output compatibility, Processor, Durability, Software compatibility, Video card, Wireless card, Keyboard/peripherals, Screen size, Build Quality, Display resolution, Display performance
"Have had my T530 since last fall and have had NO problems or concerns. When not traveling, I use this laptop connected to a 23" Acer monitor, surround sound Bose 5.1 speakers and a wireless keyboard and mouse (Logitech) in my home office. This laptop stays on virtually 24/7 and performs flawlessly. Laptop is quiet, fast has great sound, video, USB 3 ports (as well as ports for practically anything you would want to plug into it), great keyboard when not plugged into wireless keyboard (have always loved the navigational track ball/nipple) and is of quality construction. All MS Win 7 and Lenovo driver updates download and are installed without problems, etc. In short - love this machine!!!"
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Review 7 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
4
out of
5
Design
2
out of
5
Features
1
out of
5
Value
2
out of
5
Reliability
1
out of
5
Raunak
Owned Product:7-12 months
Processor:Intel Core i7
Memory:4 GB or more
Not so good purchase for the money spent
Date:May 26, 2013
Pros: Battery, Weight, Warranty, Processor, Security Features, Support, Durability, Memory, Bluetooth, Video card, Screen size, Build Quality, Storage, Display resolution, Display performance
Cons: Wireless card, Input/Output compatibility, Keyboard/peripherals, Included Software, Software compatibility
"1. The wireless off/on button on the left hand button does not work. Once it is turned off, the system fails to recognize wireless networks after it is turned on. It need to restart the system to connect to the wifi.
2. The wifi driver installed on the system was too old. It fails to recognize certain wireless networks altogether.
3. While using this laptop to code on remote server, a button pressed is displayed 100-200 times on the screen. This issue is not seen with other computers with the same server/vnc session.
5. I failed to play a CD in the CD-ROM. There is noise of CD spinning inside the hardware, but it does not show up on my computer. Failed to enable it via BIOS.
Overall, It was bad experience with this machine till now. Be careful before you get your hands on this machine."
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Review 8 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
rbattag
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i7
Memory:4 GB or more
Lemon twice
Date:May 25, 2013
Cons: Warranty, Support, Display performance
"After using Thinkpads for roughly 20 years ( as an IBMer) I could not believe the lemon you sold me.
1st shipment arrived DoA with a LCD that did not turn on. 2nd shipment seemed fine for 1.5 months and then a discolored line appeared on the LCD.
Shipped to support only to be told that the LCD was cracked, not in the warranty and they asked $750 to replace it. The lady on the phone was pretty clear when I asked her if she thought it was fair - she said "I do this all day long." A clear indication that Lenovo now sells broken/expensive Thinkpads and tries to collect more money for repairs. SHAME ON YOU LENOVO. This is what I get for being loyal to my own company. Never again ....."
1st shipment arrived DoA with a LCD that did not turn on. 2nd shipment seemed fine for 1.5 months and then a discolored line appeared on the LCD.
Shipped to support only to be told that the LCD was cracked, not in the warranty and they asked $750 to replace it. The lady on the phone was pretty clear when I asked her if she thought it was fair - she said "I do this all day long." A clear indication that Lenovo now sells broken/expensive Thinkpads and tries to collect more money for repairs. SHAME ON YOU LENOVO. This is what I get for being loyal to my own company. Never again ....."
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Review 9 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
4
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
PapyYosh
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i7
Memory:4 GB or more
I will do it again
Date:April 18, 2013
Pros: Battery, Input/Output compatibility, Warranty, Processor, Support, Durability, Memory, Bluetooth, Video card, Keyboard/peripherals, Screen size, Storage, Display resolution, Display performance
Cons: Wireless card, Included Software
"That laptop is awesome. I'm running it with an i7 and a SSD. That machine is rock solid. I had few WiFi issues until latest updates. I have been using Lenovo for my business for ever. Just got this one as a personal machine and I will do it again."
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Review 10 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
4
out of
5
Design
4
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
3
out of
5
Reliability
1
out of
5
Mike
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
Problems problems problems!
Date:April 13, 2013
Pros: Battery, Processor, Memory, Wireless card, Display resolution, Display performance
Cons: Build Quality, Durability, motherboard quality
"I bought 6 Thinkpads so far from IBM to Lenovo. This one is by far the worse of them all. When the computer works, it's fine but as soon as problems start, you are plagued with them. This is going to be my third motherboard replacement in 2 months!
It's unacceptable that a company like Lenovo doesn't do anything to compensate clients who bought a lemon.
I couldn't possibly recommend this product or any other for that matter considering all the issues I am having."
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Review 11 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
2
out of
5
Mobility
2
out of
5
Design
1
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
2
out of
5
Reliability
2
out of
5
Bummer
Owned Product:Less than a month
Processor:Intel Core i7
Memory:4 GB or more
Why oh why change the keyboard layout?
Date:April 4, 2013
Pros: Battery, Input/Output compatibility, Processor, Memory, Screen size, Storage, Display resolution
Cons: Weight, Keyboard/peripherals, Software compatibility
"Bought a T530 with fast processor, high-res display. Lenovo won't let me leave a long enough review to make any sense. so, just stay away from this, and all other Thinkpad machines. Their quality (jusding from 20 years of owning at least 15 of them between myself & my wife), is terrible today."
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Review 12 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
3
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
NYCUser
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
Great desktop replacement part 1
Date:March 26, 2013
Pros: Durability, Keyboard/peripherals, Build Quality, Display performance, system cooling, quiet
Cons: Included Software
"I wanted a laptop that was fast, comfortable to use, had a good screen, could do light gaming, had decent enough sound, has a trackpoint and ran cool. The T530 fits the bill. I highly recommend. The extra size allows the cooling of this computer to be the best i've experienced. It does not get hot in the lap at all under normal computing. The backlit keyboard is great. The screen on the 1600x900? resolution is fantastic. The case is fantastic. I paid extra for the SSD. If you are getting a laptop these days, you should have an SSD. The boot up time is consistently sub 20 seconds. Unfortunately, I feel that Lenovo is making all their profit on these upgrades, so if cash is important, you can make these upgrades yourself with minimal trouble."
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Review 13 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
5
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
Hrushi
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
This is what Lenovo is about
Date:March 23, 2013
Pros: Battery, Warranty, Security Features, Support, Durability, Keyboard/peripherals, Build Quality
Cons: Weight, Included Software
"I've had this laptop for around three months. I've dropped it more times than I could care to count, and it's still just as I bought it. It doesn't have a scratch and runs really fast. It's quiet and has a lot of features. It's a little heavy, but it's nothing too major. I have no problem carrying it around campus and don't feel that it's making any huge difference in the weight of my backpack. Everything is so thought out. Everything is so NICE.
But I wished they made the touch-pad a little bigger and cleaned all of the bloatware that comes with this thing.
I would definitely recommend and will continue to buy the T-series. I'm hooked."
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Review 14 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
5
out of
5
Design
2
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
3
out of
5
Reliability
2
out of
5
LongtimeThinkPadUser
Owned Product:7-12 months
Processor:Intel Core i7
Memory:4 GB or more
Owning the T530 has been a disaster.
Date:February 7, 2013
Pros: Weight, Processor, Security Features, Screen size, Display resolution
Cons: Keyboard/peripherals, Build Quality
"Feels cheap - battery is not snug so I hear it shifting around when the computer moves.
Keyboard: Track point does not stick up as much so it is harder to reach. Ridges on the F and J keys are tiny, almost impossible to feel so it is hard to orient hands on the keyboard. Overall my hands feel stressed and tired, much worse than my old ThinkPads: T510 and SL500.
Bad system board caused power problems (randomly computer turns off without properly shutting down). I sent it in and they replaced the motherboard but when I got it back half the speakers produced no sound, so I'll have to send it in again."
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Review 15 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
5
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
BobbyG
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core i7
Memory:4 GB or more
Good laptop but very SLOW Boot time
Date:January 30, 2013
Pros: Processor, Security Features, Support, Durability, Wireless card, Keyboard/peripherals, Screen size, Build Quality, Display performance
Cons: Storage, Memory, Battery, slow b, slow boot after h
"The T530 is a solid laptop.
I bought the i7-3720QM CPU @2.60GHz, 4gb RAM, 320 HDD, windows 7.
Immediately added a 8gb ram stick, so I have 12 gb.
I bought the i7-3720QM CPU @2.60GHz, 4gb RAM, 320 HDD, windows 7.
Immediately added a 8gb ram stick, so I have 12 gb.
Pros:
Solid built & great keyboard.
Solid built & great keyboard.
Cons: SLOW Boot time. Slow recovery time after hibernation mood.
Pro:
I saw a lot of reviews about the new island style keyboard where many people were complaining.
I saw a lot of reviews about the new island style keyboard where many people were complaining.
I actually love this new keyboard. I've been a thinkpad user since 2005. My first was a T42, and then a T410.
I decided to go with a 15" screen this time hence the T530.
The keyboard is just as good as the old key board.
The laptop is very powerful (like a beast) and fast once its up and running."
I decided to go with a 15" screen this time hence the T530.
The keyboard is just as good as the old key board.
The laptop is very powerful (like a beast) and fast once its up and running."
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Review 16 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
3
out of
5
Design
4
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Value
3
out of
5
Reliability
1
out of
5
Sysdan
Owned Product:Less than a month
System Boards Failed Twice
Date:January 29, 2013
Cons: Support, Build Quality, Durability, system board
"Within two weeks the system board failed. So, I had it repaired and 8 days later the replacement part failed. Now I am without an operating computer as it is at Lenovo's facility being repaired."
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Review 17 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
5
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
Zoomer
Owned Product:Less than a month
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
ThinkPad 530
Date:January 28, 2013
"Overall, this is a great product. My only complaint so far (I've only had it for a week) is the amount of work needed to get it running. None of the current Lenovo or Windows updates had been done. I spent about 6 hours just completing those. Also, Lenovo should provide steps for doing these updates. The Lenovo updates need to be done first, then the Windows updates. I did the Windows updates first, only to have many of those fail to install. After doing the Lenovo updates, the Windows updates then ran correctly and completed."
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Review 18 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
3
out of
5
Mobility
1
out of
5
Design
1
out of
5
Features
3
out of
5
Value
2
out of
5
Reliability
1
out of
5
MaryC
Owned Product:1-6 months
Processor:Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory:4 GB or more
Lenovo Dissapoints
Date:January 12, 2013
Cons: Weight, Included Software, Software compatibility, Durability
"I bought this from a Seller who told me this was a dependable product, one that would last a long time and perform well.
3 months later (with very minor use) I had to bring it back to be repaired. It wouldn't even turn on anymore.
I am very dissatisfied and I wish I could just have my money back."
3 months later (with very minor use) I had to bring it back to be repaired. It wouldn't even turn on anymore.
I am very dissatisfied and I wish I could just have my money back."
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Review 19 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
4
out of
5
Mobility
4
out of
5
Design
2
out of
5
Features
5
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
Reliability
5
out of
5
StanleyIII
Owned Product:Less than a month
The only disappointment is the keyboard...
Date:January 3, 2013
Pros: Weight, Warranty, Support, Durability, Memory, Wireless card, Build Quality, Storage, Display performance
Cons: Keyboard/peripherals, Processor
"This thinkpad is a beast. The overall computer is nothing but the greatest of what a ThinkPad today has to offer. This line of computers are much better than what other brands have to offer. The drivers seem to work smoothly with the newest Windows 8. The only upsetting art though, and this is actually upsetting, is that the keyboard is not what it used to be, it is as though the keys were re-arranged and where they were put do not make much sense compared to the original Thinkpad keyboard that they have used since the early 90's, and when the insert key is missing (in some previous models) it would be much smarter to have a BIOS option to disable it or not.
So though this Thinkpad means well, it seems as though the design that it has been known and proud of is starting to loose it's bite."
So though this Thinkpad means well, it seems as though the design that it has been known and proud of is starting to loose it's bite."
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Review 20 for ThinkPad T530
OverallOverall Rating
Performance
5
out of
5
Mobility
4
out of
5
Design
5
out of
5
Features
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Reliability
4
out of
5
vik999
Owned Product:Less than a month
Processor:Intel Core i5
Memory:4 GB or more
Good Laptop to buy.
Date:December 29, 2012
Pros: Battery, Input/Output compatibility, Weight, Processor, Support, Durability, Wireless card, Build Quality
Cons: no hdmi port
"I researched 4-5 laptops and find this T530 to be a very good one.
a. good quality.
b. long battery life.
c. good sturdiness..
a. good quality.
b. long battery life.
c. good sturdiness..
Overall a bit expensive than others. but hope so will last long too.
CONS-- no hdmi port."
CONS-- no hdmi port."
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