LF a used T420 -- any sweetspot in terms of value/performance when comparing?

Hello,

I am looking at purchasing a used T420 from ebay for my parents. The primary reason is the reliability of the unit combined with its' excellent keyboard. I am also fine w/the 1366x768 display vs the 16x9.

I was wondering if anyone would have a recommendation on a minimum hardware spec that would work for the next three years or so. I am would like to get a unit w/a SSD, but I am not sure if they came in only certain versions like i7 types vs i5 types.

I am primarily looking at different variations on Ebay, but if there are any other sites that sell quality refurbished units, I would definitely check them out.

Finally, are there any utilities that will help w/the fan speed/noise issue that is a common concern? **looks like TPFancontrol is the app I would need**

 

I would recommend this one.

Like new. Good specs (for your parents). Fantastic price.

You might want to consider SSD upgrade later. It is not an absolute requirement right now. The swap is relatively easy, as is the software transfer from stock HDD to new SSD.

No huge concern over noise and heat.

Get that T420, then come back here with specific questions. I'll be one of the first to offer you some help.

 

Kaso,

Thanks for the link. It's a nice laptop, but the 16x9 display would be too high of a resolution for my parents. I would definitely prefer the lesser 13x7 display. Based on the data sheet I read, it looks like any of the i5s would be just fine in terms of performance.

I have also been looking at outlet.lenovo.com for other models, but I am not sure what would be comparable to a T420 in terms of keyboard and reliability, possibly a X220? There are some nice X230s but they have the island/chiclet keyboards I think.

 

The X220 screen would be physically too small for your parents.

The 1600x900 resolution would be too high a resolution for your parents? I can't comment on that.

If they're going to use the notebook mainly on a desk or table, perhaps you should consider a T520: the screen is larger.

 

Do keep in mind all outlet purchases in the Lenovo Outlet have a one year depot warranty that cannot be upgraded via normal means. You must buy a post warranty extension, which is considerably more expensive.

How picky are mom and dad about the keyboard? If they're not, the Dell Outlet is tough to beat from a value perspective. Something like the Dell E6430 might be worth a look. While I prefer ThinkPads, the Dell is solid and will get you a three year warranty, which you can upgrade to on-site fairly inexpensively.

 

Kaso,
Thanks for the info, so what you are saying is the 12.5" HD WXGA (1366 X 768) resolution on the X220 is similar to the 16x9 display on the T420? I have seen some of the X220(s) with the IPS 13x7 displays, I would almost be interesting in buying one of them for myself!

The laptop would mainly be used on on someone's lap while sitting on a couch watching tv, etc. Lighter is better in this respect.

Kaso/Zaz, are there any models in the current T/X series that still use the older, non-island keyboard? I don't mind buying new if there is that option. A good keyboard with a good D-key setup is the primary reason I am looking at Thinkpads, especially the non-islands variants.

 

I refrain myself from talking about "screen resolution." (To lend you some perspective, I have a MacBook Pro Retina and an iPad Retina, and I don't need a magnifying glass when using them. Ditto with the 15.6" FHD screens on ThinkPads.)

The older keyboard? You'd better look at the previous generations, like T410, T510, T520, W520 and so on.

 

Understood, so bottom line, a T420 w/the 1366x768 14" screen or a T520 w/the 1600x900 15.6" screen are the best alternatives in the T series. I will start looking at Ebay for those types. It also looks like the T520 is about 3/4 of a pound heavier than the T420.

*edit*
Here is a Ebay T520

I am not sure if this is a decent price, but the reseller appears to have quality feedback.

Oh, is the HD3000 fast enough to play WoW? I know that the HD4000 is a big upgrade in graphics power, but there does not appear to be a Thinkpad w/the HD4000 and the older style keyboard at this point.

 

As long you don't use the very high settings then WoW should be playable on the Intel HD3000.

 

Your parents play WoW?

 

At this stage, I suggest you post your purchase advice request at the "What Notebook Should I Buy?" forum. There is a form that you should fill out to explicate what you want to buy, budget, applications, etc.

 

Kaso,
Yep. My dad plays WOW. So, when they take a trip to spend time with the relatives, the laptop might be pressed into light gaming duty. He uses a trackball and he mainly does crafting, questing and AH stuff-never 5-man's or raids. I'm only interested Thinkpads right now. As you said I want to look at slightly older units.

In case it is used for gaming, it seems like a 410 will be as old as I should go, with 420s and 520s being the best bet. I have eBay, lenovo outlet and craigslist as sources right now. I'll also keep checking that thinkpad forum you originally linked. If you have any other thoughts as to where to look, please let me know. Thanks again for your help and advice.