Using the same ThinkPad w500 for 4+ years, running 1920 x 1200 resolution.

I'm utterly fed up with the consumerization of power notebooks at the expense of the needs of productivity workers.

The last few years have been an outright de-evolution of screen resolutions for laptops ... i'm still waiting for a clear upgrade path.

I'm a technology marketing specialist. I design graphics and develop software and websites using Adobe Creative Suite, Visual Studio, and various other apps that require lots of screen real estate. It seems like computer companies think everyone buys notebooks to watch movies.

There are a millions of power users that require high resolution notebooks including engineers, CAD/CAM designers, architects, graphic designers, developers, etc. These groups form the best litmus test for determining quality wrt high-end technology.

And these groups are being alienated by technology companies -- both software and hardware. This includes the latest Windows 8 craptaculous dr. jekyll mr. hyde release, along with the numerous laptop vendors all trying to shove consumer-focused technology down the throats of power users that primarily use technology to PRODUCE THINGS.

The most insulting and infuriating thing is that the ThinkPad brand in particular grew famous from the loyalty of power-users like me. And instead of listening to us and delivering products that meet and exceed our needs, Lenovo (and other manufacturers) blindly chase after new consumer oriented customers at our expense.

The marketing morons at these companies (i know their "work" very well) are focused on generating growth and chasing after new markets -- at all costs. That's fine. Create a new brand to do that.

My advise to manufacturers of high-end products for long-term success:

- Create new brands to enter new markets

- Deliver high-end products that meet/exceed the needs of your most demanding customers

- Evolve core brands CAREFULLY

- If you don't use the product as your demanding customers do, then you don't understand the product, so you should not make drastic decisions that affect it