This is a very well documented review. Although it does not completely cover the corresponding evaluation points, such as audio; audio is ranked really low and it's not even depicted in the test results. I've owned thinkpads since 1990 and I can tell that this machine has the best audio ever. Better than an apple. Configurations vary. Overall I agree with the report but there are points which I must stress:
1. New pointing device is good. Driver software not so much. This same scenario took place when the first TPs started coming out with the touchpad. Everybody hated them... I think it works fine, it just needs to be properly configured. Two finger scroll is the best.
2. The CPU throttling is a Windoze problem. It can be minimized by disabling the device under Batteries: Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery
3. I've got the Windows7 downgrade as I think win8 sucks... Will wait to see if MS comes with something better. In the meantime, I've installed XUbuntu and it works fine with all devices... Need to test ports and color calibration if available.

I just switched from W510 to W540 FHD about two weeks ago. Still trying to get used to the shifted keyboard. Cannot use the touchpad, but then again I never could. Function keys are a joke. This is supposed to be a workhorse. I need direct access to F1-F12 most of the time and the rest of the stuff only occasionally or need dedicated buttons. The machine has nice specs and performance. However, the screen is undeniably awful. I can't describe what it is but I can't look at it. No colour calibration helps as the viewing angles are so poor my two eyes see different pictures.

The trackpoint without dedicated buttons is not well supported with the Touchpad.  I love the machine otherwise but will return to my 530 and not purchase a Lenovo again unless i see the 'classic' trackpoint and buttons return

Is 48 degrees not way too warm for the left palmrest? Any reason why there is no warning by the reviewer?

I said the same years ago about my w520 vs w530. I still have the w520 and I guess it will be my latest "serious" thinkpad ;D

Will never swap my W530 for this