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    Is this t400 setup good for college CS classes?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by benner410, Jun 11, 2009.

  1. benner410

    benner410 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I plan on upgrading to Windows 7 asap.

    Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2) 1
    Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 1
    Operating system language: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic US English 1
    System graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with vPro 1
    Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) 1
    Keyboard: Keyboard US English 1
    Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader 1
    Hard drive: 160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm 1
    Optical device: CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA) 1
    System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 7-1 Media Card Reader 1
    Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN 1
    Wireless card: Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5350 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology 1
    Mobile Broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable 1
    Battery: 9 cell Li-Ion Battery 1
    Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter 1
    Language pack: Language Pack US English 1
     
    benner410, Jun 11, 2009
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    That's a pretty wide path.
     
    ZaZ, Jun 11, 2009
    #2
  3. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    What screen??

    Resolution is usually the most important factor for programming (higher is better).
     
    jonlumpkin, Jun 11, 2009
    #3
  4. benner410

    benner410 Notebook Enthusiast

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    14.1 tft high-nit led
     
    benner410, Jun 11, 2009
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  5. Faruk

    Faruk Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah I agree with Jon.. except I think WXGA+ (1440x900) is a must on a 14.1" screen regardless of what you plan on doing :)

    Also, I have a habit of choosing the smallest hard drive and then buying my own.. It's usually (not always though) more economical than upgrading, and that way you know what you're getting :) And they usually come with 3-year manufacturer's warranty.

    Edit: I think the LED option is only offered with the 1440x900 screen? If so, then you're good :)
     
    Faruk, Jun 11, 2009
    #5
  6. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Wrong.
     
    ZaZ, Jun 12, 2009
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  7. useroflaptops

    useroflaptops Notebook Evangelist

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    yea a big screen and multiple screens is important for programming.
     
    useroflaptops, Jun 12, 2009
    #7
  8. 86 5.0L

    86 5.0L Notebook Consultant

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    As a CS student myself, I can tell you the 2 things that are essential are the fastest CPU and highest Rez possible
     
    86 5.0L, Jun 12, 2009
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  9. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    Unless you really want to use your T400 in direct sunlight frequently, I would recommend the WXGA+ model instead of the high-nit due to the extra real estate.

    The CPU tends to only be stressed during compiling. But if you think you will be working with large programs often you may appreciate a faster CPU due to the shorter compile times. Otherwise, I would recommend a P8600 for its balance of price, performance, and efficiency.

    You may also want to wait until the T400s is officially announced (should be soon). Because you don't require a dedicated GPU, the T400s may be a superior option than the T400 due to the lighter weight (rumor is that it will offer a WXGA+ LED display [not sure about the nit rating though]).
     
    jonlumpkin, Jun 12, 2009
    #9
  10. ooxxoo

    ooxxoo Notebook Evangelist

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    High resolution.
    Unless you're going to a tech school (more job training less academic/research) you're just going to be SSHing in to do your work anyway.

    And don't pay Lenovo for the extra RAM. Get one stick and upgrade yourself.
     
    ooxxoo, Jun 12, 2009
    #10
  11. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

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    As everyone has said, don't pay Lenovo for a large HDD or RAM. Buy 2GB of RAM in one DIMM, then buy another 2GB DIMM for cheap. Hard disks are also cheap; this weekend's deal at NewEgg offers a Western Dig. Scorpio blue 320GB for $69.

    The one thing I'd be tempted to add is the ATI graphics. I think it's worth the money. Also note --if there isn't WiMax in the town you're going to be in, save your money and step down to the 5300 wireless instead of the 5350.
     
    LoneWolf15, Jun 12, 2009
    #11