Lenovo SL500 or Vostro 1510?

Hi,
I am looking to buy a notebook soon. Both of these priced out just under $700 customized and have similar features. I definitely want Windows XP, and a matte screen which limits me. I would also like bluetooth and a built in web camera. I upgraded the graphics card on the Vostro since it came with an integrated card. I am a little concerned about the fan/heat issues reported with Vostro, and I know that some do not like the SL500 and say that it is not a true Thinkpad so I am appealing to the Lenovo experts here for your thoughts and experience. I have pretty decent computer skills (but don't mess with hardware) and will be using this for email, internet, photos, word processing, no gaming. Which notebook would you recommend and why or is there another with XP and matte screen in this price range that you suggest? Thank you so much!

Specs are listed here:

VOSTRO 1510
Vostro 1510, Intel Core 2 Duo T5870, 2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 2M L2 Cache
15.4 inch Widescreen WXGA LCD
3GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 DIMM
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS Graphics
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
No UPEK Fingerprint Reader
WINDOWS XP PRO SP3 with Windows Vista Business LicenseEnglish,Notebook,Vostro
Dell Support Center 2.0 for Dell Vostro
Image Restore, Vostro
CyberLink PowerDVD 8.1 DVD Playback Vostro
Vista Premium Downgrade Notebooks
Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface,SMB
Adobe Reader 9.0 Multi Language,for Dell Vostro Notebooks and Desktops
8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R write capability, withRoxio
Roxio Creator Dell Edition 9.0for Dell Vostro
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card
Integrated 1.3 Mega Pixel Webcam and Digital Microphone
Web cam Software
6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Vostro 1510
Dell Hardware Limited WarrantyPlus Onsite Service Initial Y ear
Warranty Support,Initial Year No Warranty beyond 1 year
Dell Wireless 360 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)
Intel Centrino Label



Elite ThinkPad SL500 with discrete graphics
Intel Core 2 Duo processor T6570 (2.1GHz 800MHz 2MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Business with Windows XP Professional Downgrade****
15.4" WXGA AntiGlare
NVIDIA GeForce 9300M 256MB
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav without fingerprint reader
1.3 Megapixel Integrated Camera
250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
6 cell Li-Ion Battery ( 2.4 Ah )
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter

 

Perhaps the R400 might be worth a look. It's a more durable notebook. There's 25% off coupons, USPSTPATSSALE, that runs until the 17th. As way to keep the cost down you might want get the minimum memory and hard drive then upgrade it yourself. It's easy to do and Lenovo overcharges for the upgrades. I might suggest going with the smaller R400, which is more portable, since you're getting the lowest resolution screen anyway.

There's some good deals on the R61 or R400 in the Lenovo Outlet as well. I would also point out if you're not gaming, an integrated card is probably a better idea. They have better battery life and produce less heat, which are good things for notebooks.

 

I was able to come up with the following config of the R500 Series for $718.33*

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W1
Genuine Windows Vista Business with Windows XP Professional Downgrade****12
15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800)
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm4
DVD Recordable 8x Max Ultrabay Enhanced5
Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology10
No Bluetooth
6 cell Li-Ion Battery ( 2.4 Ah )60
2714: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSelle

Processor is much better and its not an SL...

Then use the coupon code USESTPATSSALE for an extra 10% off

Just something to think about...The R is based on a new platform than the Vostro so why spend the same money for old technology

 

How much is the SL500 and the Vosto 1510 costing right now, I assume under $700?

 

Hi Everyone,
Thank you for the great information! It is extremely helpful.
The SL500 was just over $700 and the Vostro 1510 was just under.

I really like the R series. It does say that the R500 ships in more than 4 weeks though! Not sure I can wait that long as my Dell Inspiron is dying!
I used the family and friends and St. Pat's code and came up with $764.23(no bluetooth and no camera included). Everything else is the same as your specs....how did you get that price? Thanks!
Here is what I have:

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W1
Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Windows XP Professional Downgrade****12
15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800)
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm4
DVD Recordable 8x Max Ultrabay Enhanced5
Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology10
No Bluetooth
6 cell Li-Ion Battery ( 2.4 Ah )60
2714: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller7

Subtotal: $1,284.00
Sale Price: $849.15
eCoupon: Apply
[USESTPATSSALE] -$84.92
Estimated total: $764.23*
Total savings $519.

 

I am also going to check the outlet....last I looked for the SL500 they all came with Vista. I am going to stick with the integrated card. I was worried about watching video and editing photos but since I don't play games, I would prefer to have less heat and more battery life.

 

I should add that I have also been looking at the Dell E6500 in the outlet. There is a coupon available off the outlet price. Do you have any thoughts on this vs. the Lenovo "R"?

 

I chose the higher optioned R500, if you chose the lower one and worked up that may be the difference. As far as shipping goes, mine was scheduled to ship the 18th after an order on the 5th and it shipped the 9th so you never know with the big sale there are going to be more orders in the pipe right now.

 

If there around the same price, I'd take the E6500. It's got a better warranty, it's lighter and Dell has more generous return policy. Any system with Vista Business or Ultimate includes the right to downgrade to XP Pro if you can find a disc.