128mb X1400 vs 256mb FireGL V5250?

How different are these two graphics cards offered in the Thinkpad T60 and T60p? I really want a 15" screen, but if the 256mb FireGL V5250 is immensely better that might sway me (I realize it's better, but 1 - I don't know by how much and 2 - I don't know if it's just better in terms of CAD or better in terms of everything)? Also, if anybody has ever used either of these laptops, I'm interested to hear comparisons between the screen quality of the 14" 1400x1050 T60p screen and the 15" flexview 1400x1050 T60 screen.
Thanks

 

The FireGl card is based off the x1600 core, so it is more powerful than the x1400. That said, the firegl card is optimized for CAD as you mentioned, and there MAY be some driver issues when trying to play games on it. Some may not be supported. The firegl card is ~2x as powerful as the x1400. What will you be using the laptop for? Gaming? CAD? 3dStudio work?

Also the Flexview screen is much nicer than the regular screen-colors are more "true" because it does not use dithering as the TFT panels do.

The viewing angles are much wider, also.

14.1 is more portable than the 15" screen, so bear that in mind when making a decision.

I have no complaints about my 14.1 sxga+ screen, but I don't use it for photo-editing or other color-sensitive work.

 

The biggest uses for this laptop will be photo-editing and schoolwork - two things that don't use the video card at all. I currently have an old 15" HP laptop, and 15" portability hasn't been a problem (though definitley anything the least bit bigger would be).

I will also want to play CounterStrike, Madden, and some FarCry (not necessarily at highest settings on FarCry) though.

BTW, howd you get your thinkpad so cheap? I think I have decided to go with a T60 15" flexview 2ghz T7200cpu, 1 gig ram, the "free" upgrade 100gb 5400rpm HD, x1400 vid card, 9 cell batt (free upgrade) and Win XP Home...mine works out to $1809.

 

I do some 3d work (Cinema 4d, Studio Max and Maya) nothing HUGE, but, I got an E1505 with X1400 and don't really expect too many issues.

It's stronger than my current FireGL V3200 desktop card.

With CAD cards, I think most of the $$$ goes into better drivers and openGL support, which, I don't really think is an issue for typical users. I think it's for corporate customers who pound CAD all day long and need to outfit an entire digital design department.

That's my take anyhow and I put my money where my mouth is and got an X1400. I wish it was an X1600, but, hey...

A decent video card that can play games, can do CAD and 3d for the typical user.

 

Often discussed topics...

However, the FireGl cards are very similar in hardware to the Radeon cards but the BIOS is different (allows professoinal drivers). As far as I know, the standard Catalyst drivers can only be installed in a soft-modded version which would make the FileGL perform as well as the Radeon equivalent. Otherwise, the professional drivers reduce the performance in games.

As regards the V5250, it's just a relatively new card (refreshed version) and you probably won't be albe to find how to do the required modifications right now. Otherwise, there are some guides about how to convert a FireGL into a Radeon or a Radeon into a FireGl.

Event though, I would not recommend this card If you're not gonna use it for what it's designed for...as you know there is no such thing as a guarantee.

 

I was able to get my computer through a university. Academic pricing.

If you are student, check out www.universitycomputers.com I don't go to BU, but I was able to get the price anyway. I did have to prove my academic affiliation, though.

 

Consider the HP nc8430 if you are interested in a business-class gaming notebook.
As posted, you may run into compatibility issues with the FireGL card and gaming.

 

I don't see you needing the FireGL card for your uses. And although the Flexview screen is very good, I agree with Chaz that the HP nc8430 is worth consideration.

 

I ended up with a T60 and I got a pretty good price (here's a hint: a phone call might be worth your time because sometimes specials don't get updated on the website as soon as they are effective). 2.16ghz core 2 duo 4mb cache, 1 gig ram, 120gig 5400rpm sata150 hd, 128mb X1400, flexview screen (a big plus for photo editing from what I've read), some other stuff

 

You should be fine for your uses. The v5250 may be better, it may not. ATi isn't known for their great drivers, and CAD cards in general have driver problems. Plus, like I said, everything you said doesn't really require a heavier GPU, so I don't think it'll be a problem.

 

I got mine for under 1500. If that is a consideration for you.

 

It is based on the X1700 core, so it is even faster then the X1600.

Great videocard, also for games but it is not designed for games. Still great for gaming.

Charlie