Laptop for college, X220 vs. T420

I don't really need an i7 to be honest. I just figured I'd get top of the line everything so I'd be satisfied with the performance even four years down the road when they have even faster processors out. But if money becomes more of an issue I might just get the 2.6ghz i5

 

True but with a higher resolution screen you can also zoom out and see that much more at once.

 

So you'll then zoom out a bit more with the lower res and end up seeing the same thing.

 

Check out the CPU benchmark section of notebookcheck.com. You will find there is some overlap between i5 and i7 speeds and some of the big price jumps don't bring a big speed jump.

 

Within limits. There comes a point where things are just too darned small. Naturally, that point comes earlier the smaller the screen is. I can only speak from my own experience and say that I was perfectly happy doing consultanty things in Excel on a 1440x900 14.1" screen, but not so happy the few times I had to do them on a 1024x768 12.1" screen.

 

Different people have different capabilities. Just because you do not find the size and weight burdensome for your use case does not mean that others shouldn't. Best to avoid statements like "unless you are a complete weakling".

 

I originally got an Asus G73JH-A1 for college because I got a sweet deal on it this summer for $1100. For some reason I thought I would be fine with carrying around 10 pounds of laptop on my back but alas, I want a portable laptop.

I ended up going with the x220 for its battery life, portability, computing power, and ips screen.

 

excel really does need the resolution, i struggle with it on my X201, its much more comfortable on my precision M4400, with WUXGA. Some of them can be really vast, like the one my business uses for pricing information. But then again, when i'm working on board an aircraft or in the local coffee shop, its so much more convenient to bring the X201, and that convenience makes up for the low res.

i stick by the recommendation of X220+External monitor. A full HD external monitor dont cost much these days unless you go for those colour accurate ones professionals use for proofing. plus it'll make for a good movie watching monitor while you're at school

 

I was in your same situation a few weeks ago, as I needed a computer for engineering school. I'm glad I chose the T420. I really wouldn't be comfortable with a smaller machine; I literally pulled it out of the box and was shocked with the size. I said aloud, "I'm glad I didn't get the X220." The 14 inch screen is small. Plus, at just under 5 pounds, I find the T420 very light and portable. There seems to be an obsession with weight, but 5 pounds is light to me. The keyboard is perfect and comfortable. I did a clean install of Windows and it runs very well. I would consider getting SSD. I may opt to install that a later date if prices fall.

The battery life is good. However, you will have to optimize performance for longer battery life if you choose the 6 cell. I imagine that could get you through most of the day. Alternatively, you could roll witha slice or a 9 cell, but I don't like the added bulk, personally. The slice or 9 cell would easily get you through the day.

Good luck!