Lenovo T420 - I think I made up my mind but I'd like your feedback

Hello everyone, newbie here.
I've been looking for a notebook and browsed this forum for a while - almost decided for the T420 (please see below for my needs and specs of the model I'm considering) but would like your informed feedback - lots of experience around here.
I am a software developer for embedded circuits - I'm looking for a Windows laptop (most environments and tools runs better or only under Windows), good but not top processing power, don't need high resolution or wide view angle but I do need a screen where I can easily read code and menus (clear and bright), good built and reliability. Basically - a meat and potato, "all business" laptop.
Here's what I'd choose - does it look consistent? Any advice?
Thanks! Erminio

ThinkPad T420 - 1 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty
Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)
Operating system: Windows 7 Professional 64
Operating system language: Windows 7 Professional 64 US English
Display type: 14.0" HD (1366 x 768) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics: NVIDIA NVS 4200M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory: 4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Hard drive: 500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device: DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter
PCI adapter: IEEE 1394a port
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: ThinkPad b/g/n
Integrated mobile broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language pack: Language Pack US English

 

I would opt for the HD+ resolution, you can view more code or text with it. Though 1366x768 is passable, I use that on my X220.

 

I just ordered a T420 myself.

I got the same processor as you, the better screen (From what I've read it is worth it.), Webcam, and the 9cell battery. You may as well go for the 9cell since it is only 20 bucks more.

Word of advice, upgrade the ram on your own. You can buy 8gb for the same price that Lenovo charges for going up to 4gb.

 

Like the person above I've just purchased a T420 with similar spec to yours. I opted for the 9 cell battery upgrade, 1600x900 display and upgraded intel wireless card. I've been getting around 7 hours of office type usage (MS office apps, Netbeans etc.) an excellent upgrade if you're going to be spending time away from a power point.

The wireless card upgrade is also a good idea as they have an extra one or two antennas (depending on whether you opt for the 6205 or 6300, respectively)
The display upgrade I feel is also very worthwhile as the extra screen realestate can certainly come in handy. Definitely a better idea to upgrade the hard drive and RAM yourself as the cost usually isn't justified when configuring on Lenovo's site.

 

There are three things I'd change:

-Upgrade to the HD+ display. If you cannot for eyesight reasons, I probably wouldn't go with Optimus graphics unless you plan on a multi-monitor setup, as Optimus is overkill for the standard display.
-Upgrade the wireless to at least the Intel 1000-N. The standard Realtek is not as well supported. To further up performance, consider the Intel 6205.
-Finally, pay the $25-30 to upgrade from depot warranty to onsite service. If you have a warranty issue, you're far better off.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback -

> How is the higher resolution screen better? Real estate wise or quality wise too?
> I'd stick with the 6 cells battery since it doesn't add footprint to the laptop, if I'm not mistaken; I'm usually not away from a power strip for too long.
> RAM and HD upgrade were free when I went through the options on the Lenovo website.
> LoneWolf, thanks for the tips about wifi and onsite service: I'll follow them; no options offered about graphics, though.

Regards
Erminio

SO now is:
Description
ThinkPad T420 - 1 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty
Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)
Operating system: Windows 7 Professional 64
Operating system language: Windows 7 Professional 64 US English
Display type: 14.0" HD (1366 x 768) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics: NVIDIA NVS 4200M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory: 4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Hard drive: 500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device: DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter
PCI adapter: IEEE 1394a port
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated mobile broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language pack: Language Pack US English

Accessories and options:
1Yr Onsite Warranty Next Business Day

 

Hey Erminio, I'm also a programmer/code monkey/software engineer and based on my experience, more screen space is always better. More importantly, you want vertical space but I don't think the T4xx series provides a 4:3 ratio.

Vertical space is important because it increases the number of lines of code you can view (because code grows from vertically; not horizontally if you're indenting properly).

When using large IDEs e.g. Eclipse, Netbeans, Visual Studio, you'll have at least 3-4 extra panes open alongside your code window (Project Manager, Console, Debugger, etc.) so it's always important to view as much code as possible when debugging.

 

Hydrotoast,
I understand your point but I've never had the sight of an eagle...with a 14" screen I'd feel uncomfortable above 1366x768 resolution; I hope the screen quality is good anyway.

Erminio

 

The screens aren't going to please a Photoshop / Illustrator pro, but they're good for your needs.

At a higher resolution you can still adjust the Windows default to have larger yet crisper text. The 900x1600 resolution gives you a significant capability for more screen real estate. On smaller resolutions, you'll constantly be reminded of how frustrating this can be - especially in widescreen. With the higher resolution, you'll be feeling a lot better about everything.

 

• For software development, an i3 CPU will suffice -- i.e. ThinkPad T420i.
• For software development, the i3 integrated GPU will suffice -- no need for NVIDIA/Optimus.
• I would suggest the HD+ 1900x600, but you seem adamant about the HD 1366x768, so I respect that -- I wish I could say the HD+ was better in terms of quality, but no luck in this sad department.

 

Silly me, didn't notice the 420i
So here it is now:

Description
ThinkPad T420 - 1 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty
Processor: Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.10GHz, 3MB L3)
Operating system: Windows 7 Professional 64
Operating system language: Windows 7 Professional 64 US English
Display type: 14.0" HD (1366 x 768) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Total memory: 4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Hard drive: 500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device: DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
PCI adapter: IEEE 1394a port
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated mobile broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language pack: Language Pack US English

Accessories and options:
1Yr Onsite Warranty Next Business Day

Thanks!
Erminio

 

^^^ Yeah, that would be "my" T420 for software development. Good luck!