Lenovo T410 For Gaming?

I don't do much computer gaming, as most games I play on XBL. Anyways, I put together an i5 T410 for around 1200 CDN and was wondering if the 512MB Optimus graphics would be enough to handle World of Warcraft, Counter-Strike Source, and League of Legends. The computer would be mostly used for work purposes, but I plan on slapping in a Vertex 2 and 8GB RAM as soon as the funds become available. Any suggestions? Comments? And also, is the lid Matte like the x301 or is it somewhat glossy? Just curious.

 

The T410 with Optimus should be able to handle those games. No problems with upgrading the RAM and replacing the drive with SSD. Also, the Ultrabay, typically fitted with an optical drive, can take a second drive. Go for XWGA+ 1440 x 900.

The lid is pure ThinkPad: matte. Watch for coupons, sometimes up to 30% (or more).

 

So could I in essense have a RAID0 SSD setup if I remove the ultrabay optical drive and insert a second SSD? This could be a whole new level of Lenovo for me

 

Only as a second drive. RAID (0 and 1) only supported in the W510.

 

No, RAID is not supported in any form for the T410. Only the W7xx and W510 support RAID.

The T410 with Optimus discrete graphics is not too shabby of a performer in the 14" segment (it's definitely more powerful than the T400, gaming-wise, and it's a tad bit behind the T500). It'll play pretty much all modern games, albeit on medium-low settings, depending on the resolution.

 

At the moment my desktop is a game killer, but I'm looking for something that can perform well on the road. I like the general feel of Lenovo and have gone through a few (T60, T61, X301). I have never bought a NEW Lenovo, so I thought I'd start with a T410. Is it as solid as the T60/T61? Does it have the Magnesium frame? I am looking for a 3 year lifespan, and need the durability while on the road. Also, so the 1300 or so price with the discounts, I'd prefer this over a Macbook Pro (Which I have also owned). Just hoping for some insight as to what I can expect. Also, is the Lenovo Protection Plan worth getting for the three years?

 

I haven't used the T410/510, but the T400/500 that I use are pretty much like the T60 I used to have. They're solid, and in some ways the build quality has improved. Durability-wise, the T410 will have the mag rollcage for the actual chassis, but lacks the rollcage in the LCD lid. In my experience, a ThinkPad's hardware will far outlast its useful lifespan; I've got a nearly decade-old T21 that runs flawlessly and an even older 380ED that works just about as well.

GPU-wise, the Optimus will handle everything you're wanting to throw at it and then some. It's about on par with the HD3650 in the T500 I have, and I'm able to play MW2 on it at native(WSXGA) res, mostly high settings. I haven't tried Crysis but my assumption is that it'll run on medium settings fairly well.

 

Wait, what? Hardware RAID may not be supported, but you can definitely do software RAID-0/1...