external solid state hard drive lenovo w530

The processor is supported by 8GB DDR3 1600MHz memory not a massive amount for modern CAD workflows, but there is the option of 16GB or 32GB for those who work with larger datasets. It has a clock speed of 2.6GHz (turbo boosting up to 3.6GHz) plus four CPU cores and eight threads, which gives a welcome boost when rendering. It is not the highest spec CPU on offer, but offers good price/performance. Inside the machine the Intel Core i7-3720QM CPU provides a good solid foundation for CAD. For larger capacities, Lenovo offers a range of SATA drives.

The W530 is limited to a single 2.5-inch drive - a workstation quality 240GB Intel SSD 520 Series in our test machine - but the 34mm ExpressCard Slot can support an additional SSD. Serviceability is good with the hard drive enclosure standing out for the ease with which drives can be replaced. The 15.6-inch backlit LED display is full HD (1,920 x 1,080), clear and bright and boasts a wide viewing angle and a 95% colour gamut. There are 2 x USB 3.0 (blue), and 2 x USB 2.0, including a permanently powered port (yellow) which is useful for charging a phone. There is some good attention to detail on the chassis: the USB ports are colour-coded for easy reference.

The keys are backlit and can also be lit from a light at the top of the screen - perfect for those late night emails. The island-style keyboard, which has spaces between the keys, is solid and responsive but lacks a numerical keypad, a popular feature with designers. In traditional ThinkPad style though, there is also a TrackPoint nestled in the middle of the keyboard and, of course, an external mouse is always the best option for serious CAD use. Some liked its tactile feeling others found it harder to point accurately. The Touchpad has a dimpled surface, which gained mixed reactions from our testers. There are some functional differences: the curved chassis sports an off centre catch, which makes single hand opening possible. While this new model bears little resemblance to the angular chassis of old it does manage to retain the robustness that has become synonymous with the brand over the years. ThinkPad comes with an impressive pedigree, going back to the days when it was owned by IBM. Microsoft Windows 8 Professional 64-bit (Win 7 downgrade).

240 GB Intel 520 Series SATA3 Solid State Drive (SSD).

Intel Core i7-3720QM (2.6GHz) (Quad Core) CPU.

External solid state hard drive lenovo w530