Lenovo T400 for College/Gaming?

would the model with the discrete graphics be suitable for gaming? would it be able to run CoD4, SC2, and D3? or Should I look into the Vaio SR? Thanks guys

 

You could definitely game; it just depends how much of it is a priority to you? But it'd be happy with the t400 with discrete.

 

The T400 would be fine for College (as long as your defination of college doesn't include games).

As for playing the latest games, I would say no. For future games (SC2 and D3) I would say an even bigger no.

As for the Vaio SR, you're looking at a computer that has a discrete graphics card that is identical to the T400 (There is a typo on the lenovo site and its actually an ATI 3470).

If you want to play something like CoD4 at a nice resolution and high graphics settings you're better off choosing a gaming oriented notebook (something like a Sager). You will of course lose portability.

 

So both the SR and the T400 would not be able to run CoD4 or new games to come out? That is unfortunate.. :[

 

Sorry, I don't think it was very clear.

CoD4 will probably run, and you'd probably be able to run the other games like SC2 and D3.

The only catch is that you might have to set everything to the lower end of the graphics settings.

I don't have my T400 yet so I don't personally know, the T400 first look on this site and

http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-3470.9594.0.html

both would suggest that its not really meant for hardcore gaming

 

maybe look at the W500? I already ordered a T400 and i plan on using it for lighter gaming in college this year...proabbly not GPU intensive games like COD4 or anything. I save those for my 360.

 

Hm, I see. I guess I better go with the Asus for the gaming. With the CPP discount, would it be smart to go with the cheaper T400 over the Vaio SR with all other things being equal?

 

Blizzard does not make their games cutting edge with regards to graphics. They are meant to be approachable for most systems. A T400 with discrete graphics will be able to handle the games comfortably. COD4 will obviously be a bit more taxing on the high end but you could still play it. You just need to have your priorities worked out for yourself to make that end decision.

Edit: Also are you just looking at gaming as the only marker for your buying decision? Remember thinkpads aren't just about specs. I personally hate sony keyboards.

 

No, I'm looking at many things like durability, portability, reliability and warranty coverage as well. But gaming will ultimately be the most demanding activity required by the laptop.

Really? You hate even the new apple like vaio ones?

 

IMHO, playing more high end games on laptops not designed for them might present an issue in itself. Overheating is an example, as it would wear the laptop down. (Correct me if I'm wrong).

 

I have not seen any numbers regarding the cooling in the new T series...but if it is an improvement in clamping pressure (verse the old design) overheating should not be a problem.

And fruit45, I am not a big fan of apple keyboards/laptop hardware. I just do not like the feel of it at all.

 

If I remember correctly, there was a document where Blizzard stated that StarCraft 2 would be playable by the older Nvidia Geforce FX cards and upwards, and the older ATI 9800 cards and upwards. (not really official yet)

I guess that the ATI HD 3470 should be more powerful than the older 9800... but you never know, have to look it up somewhere...

But I think the bigger brother T500 with the ATI 3650 will handle both Diablo 3and StarCraft 2 very well at good details.

 

Honestly, for college I would just get a portable laptop with long battery life and then just get a PS3 or Xbox 360 for games.

 

T400 is only good for light gaming, so the latest graphic intensive games could only be played with lower resolutions.....if you are a gamer....you should go with 15.4" laptops with good graphic cards (at least a dv5t).

 

I'm on the same boat as the OP. But I wouldn't mind getting the 3470 in the T400 as I will be doing lightgaming. But the only thing I am worried about is the looks. The T400 looks horribleee!!! It looks like a thick black box. Someone change my opinion please? Style and looks is very important to me when choosing a laptop...

 

You don't buy a Thinkpad for style or looks, you buy it because it's reliable.

Although I personally like the retro look.

 

Yeah I understand, but it can still look decent. I mean, I didnt buy a Sager or HP because their looks are just horrible and thick. Is the T400 decent?
I was looking at some pictures, and it looks like someone took a picture of their laptop from 20 years ago...

 

Again snipeshow, as Aleman said you don't buy a thinkpad for looks, hah. If you really don't like how it looks and you care about that then look at another product.

 

You knew what you were getting into when you started to consider Thinkpads.

As a college peer, I would advise against performance-emphasized notebooks if you intend to take it around campus with you. Anything above 4 pounds becomes a growing annoyance to carry. I bought a Z61m two years back when I started college, and it only managed to leave my room a total of a dozen times.

 

I agree with PointZero. I was going to get an XPS1330 because it was so small and light to carry around to work and school but with the over heating issue and build quality, the T400 was the better choice. I use a desktop at night so portability was a huge issue.

The U330 is a good choice if you are looking to game. It's suppose to be a multi media laptop and it's small too. I'm not sure if you are a fan of glossy or not, I know I'm not

 

get a dv5t for gaming..

 

It runs too hot..

 

raise the back a few centimeters when gaming and temp will drop 10 C

 

Buying a laptop is about compromising and prioritizing.

I gather that gaming is your top priority, so you can pretty much forget portability (unless you consider 6 pounds + portable) and a laptop that runs cool.

 

i get about 20+ fps in CoD4
800X480 and low settings

 

I get 40 fps in Bioshock at 800*600 with medium settings set.

 

I think most games are playable (you're definition of playable may be different from mine) on the t400. If you're a serious gamer, then get a real gaming notebook like a Sager as other members have mentioned. Otherwise I'd think this will be find for your needs.

 

I bought a T400 for college first, gaming second. Battery life is the most important thing to me and if i can get 60% of what kevin got in the review I'll be happy. Get yourself a nice desktop for gaming, i just did:

Q6600 @ 3.2Ghz
Asus P5Q Pro
4GB DDR2-1000
Ati HD 4850
Thermaltake m9 case
PC&C 610w PSU

got all that for under $900CND thats including 13% tax and will kill almost every game i can throw at it up to 1680x1050! You could also swap out the quad and get a new E8400 and hit 4 Ghz easily(with good cooling of course) which would annihilate games...

 

I don't know anything about gaming, but I was thinking of getting Spore. Would something like that work well on my t400 (9400w/discrete)?

 

Spore will run without issues. In fact, T400 will run practically any modern game on the market as long as you are alright with lower settings.

As for the original question, this board (or any other board) will not be able to help you determine whether you should prioritize college performance/mobility or good gaming performance. If you believe you will be using your laptop primarily for gaming (and most likely you will, if you are even worried about that issue), then you should go for heavier game laptops. If you do believe that you will need to carry around your laptop on the campus for taking notes/mathematica/light CAD etc, T400 would be fine, though you might also want to look at X200. If you are looking for a portable and durable gaming device, go pick up DS/PSP (or if you somehow manage to find a laptop fitting that description, MSG me so I can get one too ).