The Business Edge. First introduced at Computex 2011, the ThinkPad Edge E125 is one of the smallest and sleekest Edge notebooks around. Find out here if this 11.6-inch, Fusion-powered ThinkPad can stand up to its business potential and high workmanship expectations.
As part of the Edge series of ThinkPads, the E125 is roughly related to the Edge 11 in terms of size and design. This specific model under review includes AMD’s Fusion chipset with a 1GHz “Ontario” dual-core C-50advanced processing unit (APU). As a result, the netbook provides an integrated Radeon HD 6250 GPU. While not exactly high-end hardware, the Edge series of notebooks have always been marketed towards mainly small to medium-size businesses on a budget. As such, we will assess the E125 in its ability to provide adequate performance and usability for the average on-the-move business user in this review.
Case
The Lenovo Edge series is relatively new to the ThinkPad family and has always been quite stylish even from a business standpoint. The 11.6-inchEdge E125 is no exception. At only 2.2cm (0.86 inches) thick at its thickest point, the model retains the overall matte build and soft, velvety feel. The upper lid in particular feels soft to the touch yet sturdy enough to prevent finger depressions if pressure is applied. Surprisingly, the lid is not a huge fingerprint magnet and any grease on it could easily be wiped off. The overall classy look of the notebook is mostly attributed to the gray lining around the perimeter of the lid, otherwise the notebook would have been jet black in color save for its chrome Lenovo and ThinkPad logos. As with other notebooks in the Edge series, the E125 lacks the signature ThinkPad roll cage, but the build is nonetheless quite rigid given its small size. The frame seems to provide the laptop with above average pressure and torsional tautness all around.
As is usual for smaller notebooks, opening the lid will take both hands, but the user will immediately notice the solid workmanship inside. The twohinges that attach the monitor to its base are quite firm as well, although the screen can only be opened up to 135 degrees before the laptop base prevents further movement. Unlike the Edge 11 (K345), there are no touchpad keys at the front edge of the base, so users will not have to worry about accidentally pulling up on the keys each time before opening. Surfaces around the trackpad and keyboard are also built robustly and cannot be depressed with a finger. While there is no latch between the lid and base, the monitor still closes shut regardless. The notable concern here is the smoothness of the monitor edge, which could make opening the lid more difficult than it should be due to a lack of grip.
What the user may notice missing, however, are status LEDs. Blinking lights such as for caps lock, power, hard drive, WiFi, and Function are all either missing or relocated. The power light, for example, has been moved to the right edge next to the 20V power input while the caps lock indicator is now onscreen instead. The WiFi and Working lights, unfortunately, are nowhere to be found. The “i” on the ThinkPad logo glows red when the notebook is powered on and will blink slowly if sleeping or hibernating.
Still, the build quality and portability of the E125 is certainly worthy of the ThinkPad name and is a highlight of the notebook.