Trying to decide between E6400 and T400...

I'm a graduate student about to start a master's program in a field of engineering. I need something that is sturdy, dependable, non-intrusive, quiet, cool (temperature), light and compact. This is why I'm interested in the T400 and E6400.



For around $750 (incl. tax) this is the T400 I want to get:



P8400

2gb, 1DIMM ram

250gb hdd

14.1 LED WXGA w/camera

CDRW/DVDROM

Intel 5300 Wifi

Intel graphics

Media card reader

6-cell battery

Vista basic (will buy vista ultimate and upgrade with student discount)

1-year warranty



For less, I can get this refurb'd E6400:



P8700

2gb, 1DIMM ram DDR2

160 gb HDD, 7200rpm

14.1 WXGA+ LED backlit

Intel 5300

Intel graphics

Vista business

6-cell battery

DVD/RW

3 year warranty



I'm really torn between the two. I like the T400 for its understated design, rubberized outer surface, and rollcage. I like the Dell for its value and offering more (and often better) features for less.



I havn't been able to see them or try them in person I and probably won't be able to.



So I'd like to here from owners why they prefer their E6400 over other notebooks, and if you're tried both I'd like to hear about your experiences.



Thanks.

 

the only advantage i can see the T400 having is the switchable graphics which gives it a better battery life and cooler operation.

 

If you don't play games, I would go with the E6400 since I would prefer to have the WXGA+ LED screen, eSATA, DP, and backlit keyboard. Also, if you need all day power, there is the slice battery option.

I have used both for a short time and though it's only one user experience (I don't know if this reflects the average users), I find the build quality, keyboard feeling and weight to be about equal to both. I'm not really all into the Lenovo look either, but some people love them.

 

Well, you didn't tell us whether that refurb unit has a backlit keyboard or not.

But, I will say I believe the T400 is probably better built overall compared to the e6400. That's not to say the E6400 isn't tough, but I don't think I'd step on mine just to prove how tough it might be. I don't think it could take that. So, that's an interesting thing to keep in mind.

 

its interesting you say that, because i hopped on my M4400, which has similar construction and it survived fine.

Disclosure: it was a unit that was being exchanged because the technician broke the wireless card, however the screen was undamaged, and it booted up fine, also i weigh about 56kg


might also be worth mentioning that latitudes/precisions, while being perceived to be less rugged, have proven in independent torture tests to outsurvive the thinkpads

there arnt tests for the latest generation yet, but for the D series if you google it you can find it

 

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/solutions/en/roadready_test?c=us&l=en&s=gen


found the link

 

Well, I don't personally believe my E6400 could endure more than a T400. But either way, both notebooks are pretty strong. And with the E6400 you get a better warrenty anyway, that's important.

 

yea, i agree, its a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. i reckon the major ones are

T400: Battery life, cool, quiet
E6400: Cheaper, better warranty, better specs

 

Yeah. I don't think my E6400 can outlast a T400 in torture/abuse. You can't go wrong with either laptop but I would go with the E6400 for its screen and warranty.

Both of them should run relatively cool. In terms of noise, the E6400's fan is pretty aggressive and can be loud. Hopefully Dell's new BIOS will correct this.

 

When I was considering my options just over a year ago, the factors which pushed the decision in the E6400's direction were (i) LED backlit WXGA+ display; (ii) eSATA port and (iii) backlit keyboard.

I have found all these very useful. The lack of switchable graphics didn't worry me. The Intel GPU meets my needs.

John