Customer Reviews

Lenovo Ideapad G550 2958-9PU 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I was excited to get this laptop because the price was fantastic for the configuration.

I have had it for two weeks and so far I really like it. However, just one thing about it is kind of annoying: 1. The volume of the speakers is very very low. I'd go as far as saying it is not usable. Volume is fine with headphones or connected to my wireless speakers.

But its got lots of pros: Set up was a breeze, nice screen, super light, fast,doesn't get hot at all.

I have not been with it unplugged yet so can't speak for the battery life.
I do not believe there is a perfect laptop for $500, so considering the configuration, I think I chose well.

I did a lot of research to find the best value at 450-500$ and I've narrowed my search down to this laptop.
quick processor, good amount of ram, good size screen.
We didn't get charged tax on this purchase, which was a pleasant surprise!
I like the design that lenovo used on this laptop, It's feels very strong and looks nice as well.
The performance is great for running everyday applications and multi-tasking but gaming is horrendous on this thing, no big deal though... It's a laptop.
There was lots of boatware to uninstall initially, more than I'm used to seeing.
The face recognition software is useless so don't let that feature bring you closer to this laptop.
The only downside that I've found is that I can't permanently disable the touch pad through the bios or even with the FN keys.
The only reason I gave the product 4/5 stars is because I'm nit picky.
Everything else is great!

I purchased this laptop based on the specs alone, never having seen a Lenovo in person. Lenovo purchased IBM's PC division a few years ago, so I had some faith in the brand.

I was positively floored with the quality of this laptop - it is a very, very nice unit. I have purchased several for clients and one for my girlfriend - that's how nice this Lenovo laptop is.

The Lenovo G550 comes in many configurations, so make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some have less RAM and even different processors.

I found the speakers to be exceptionally loud, and the laptop in general worked pretty well.

I replaced the factory hard drive with an Intel SSD and it made a big difference. The laptop performed much faster with the SSD in place. It also ran much cooler, so the fan does not turn on as often. Make sure to burn restore discs as soon as you open the laptop, as they are not included in the box. Most importantly, the touch pad driver must be upgraded. Lenovo has dropped the ball on this problem, but if you search for "G550 Touchpad Driver" you will eventually find a link to a driver on the GATEWAY COMPUTERS WEBSITE that works perfectly.

I bought this, in part, due to price. I am very pleasantly surprised by the machine's performance. The screen has a large "feel" and it is very responsive to keys and the touchpad.

Several other reviewers have mentioned low-volume speakers. This is only a problem in Windows. Any other OS gives good volume in the speakers. I have no idea why this might be, but it's probably a driver issue. My previous experiences with Windows indicate that the OS has a tendency to limit the user's ability to fully exploit the hardware capabilities and this is an indication that Win7 is no exception.

Other reviewers have mentioned poor location of the touchpad re:accidental touching while typing. This is not an issue for me, but I also type as I was taught - with my hands hanging from my arms, rather than palms resting on the surface. Proper posture goes a long ways, here. The touchpad of other laptop brands is in substantially the same location so I don't consider that a valid complaint, anyway.

I am severely disappointed by the lack of a restore DVD in the package. I installed Linux immediately after goofing with Windows for two days to decide if I liked the new version (7; no). If I sell the laptop later, though, I would like to be able to sell it with its factory configuration. Without restoration media, that is not possible. One-touch restore is great, in principal, but I also want that 50gb of drive space that I was robbed of because of it. Give me media. Really.

I also am somewhat disappointed by the use of Broadcom wifi components since the proprietary drivers are almost never included by default in non-proprietary OSes such as Linux and BSD. This complicates the install of an alternate OS. On the other hand, the wired LAN port helps, here, but it does require that the machine be "plugged in" to make an install and get working wireless.

Mostly, I am pleased. It's a good value purchase and could probably see me happily using it for the next six to eight years. It's biggest flaw, IMO, is lack of restoration media.

I've had this computer about a month now. It was easy to set up and meets all my basic criteria. I do wish it had an HDMI port, but it does not. One other thing - the track pad is very sensitive. I find that often when I'm typing, I inadvertently brush it and the cursor moves off to parts unknown. Good long battery life. Keys are a little stiff. Overall a good product.

I've had this laptop for less than 2 months and it's been very well treated. Without any physical abuse or a "good reason", the touchpad died. Cursor movement is erratic at best. Tried re-installing the touchpad driver...no go. My only other real complaint at this point would be that the plastic case is pretty flimsy. Otherwise it's ok, but what good is a laptop if you need to use a mouse with it? The answer is "no good". Google this bad boy, you'll find lots of people with this same problem. Wish I did before pulling the trigger.

Purchased this for a college student and set it up and configured this with extra features and applications. The laptop despite previous previews of poor sound quality and people with lazy hands that touched the mouse pad the laptop is great. It is fast and comes with the right amount of memory from the start. Sound quality is good and loud too. I wouldn't hesitate to buy or recommend this to friends, family, and clients as a good buy for the money and quality laptop. I plan to buy a few more of these. Lenovo did a good job on this one. It is made in China but everything is made out of USA anymore thses days.

My name is Rui Chen, I am a student from UC San Diego. My email address is 52033948@qq.com. I swear to god that following story is truthful.
During Sep, 2010, I bought a refurbished notebook from lenovo. I found out my computer has a dead pixel on the LCD screen when it first arrived. Therefore, I called lenovo and reported them about the problem. The lenovo agent told me that I should send my computer to IBM for repair. Then I called IBM department. However, because of a agent who wrote my address wrong, the box for return didn't arrive until a week later. Still, I sent my computer for repair. However, couple days later, after I sent out my computer to IBM. IBM told me they can't fix my computer, because the LCD problem is not covered under the warranty. Moreover, because it is a refurbished item, i should send my computer to anther department for repair. IBM people told me I should call lenovo about this for a return and exchange. However, after I called lenovo, they told me that, they have a dead pixel policy.

That is, if a LCD screen that customer purchased has 2 or less dead pixel, it is acceptable to them and lenovo is not responsible for it. They only return or exchange the product if it has 3 or more dead pixel! I believe this policy is not fair for customers, and I believe most of the customers are not aware about this policy. It's stated in the related url:[...]

The result is, they don't wanna fix my computer for me, and they ask me for restock fee if i wanna return it or exchange it, and if I wanna return it I will only have 85% of what I paid because it is already 21 days after they shop the product to me. I think this is like a bluff. I buy the computer, and I have to pay to fix the computer for preexisting problem? I never agreed or awared about this dead pixel policy when I purchased the notebook. Moreover, it is partially due to the agents' faults that cause me not able to return the product in time. Why did the agent still tell me to send for repair if they can't fix it under warranty? PS. The day IBM received my notebook it was still in the 21 day period.

I love this computer! I'm a full-time web student, and I needed something that was quick and portable. This laptop came with Microsoft Student Starter pre-installed. I only needed Word for my assignments, and this way I didn't have to pay for a bunch of programs I didn't need. The keys are quiet; which is a plus for me, personally, since sometimes I need to do work while my son is in bed. It's the perfect size: not too heavy, but with a nice wide screen. The set-up process was quick and easy. It runs smoothly. I can't comment on the battery life, as I have never had to use it. The only thing I have a problem with is the sensitivity of the mouse. This is my first laptop, so I may just not be used to it. I am actually going to check to see if you can disable it, and just buy a wireless mouse to use with it. Oh, and it has a built-in webcam, so my son and I have a great time taking goofy pictures. This PC is most definitely worth the $485 I paid for it, and then some!

I don't know what the rules are here with plugging other products, but I just wanted to add that I bought one of those Table Mate laptop trays online from tvtraysetc for $40 (including shipping), which has three angle settings, and seven height adjustments. For anyone who buys this laptop, you have to get this tray to go with it! I sit on the couch, put my books on the cushion next to me, stick my computer on the tray, and slide it right over. So comfortable!