Lenovo T500 screen question

It has been suggested to me on a sub forum that I look at a refurb T500 rather than an SL 510.

The description of the T500's is very vague, so can anyone confirm what the lighting type is on a 39 cm (15,4") 1680 x 1050 Pixel (WSXGA+ TFT) screen on a T500. Would it be LED or CFL and is the screen likely to be reflective or matt?

Also, would most of these have a camera or not? I do occasional Skype sessions.

 

yes i recommended the T500.

These are the CCFL version. the LED only came with WXGA (these is also a CCFL model of the WXGA panel).

Not all comes with camera, my T500 didn't have camera. It depends on the customer whom ordered the machine.

 

I'm a big fan of the infamous T61 models, so when a good deal came along for a T500, I grabbed it, being it's very similar. I was lucky to get a webcam in mine, even though it wasn't mentioned by the seller. It's also nice in that it uses the much cheaper DDR3 ram, so upgrading to 8GB was about half the cost of the T61. My T500 has the lesser integrated Intel graphics, but that is a reliable GPU, unlike the nVidia that most T61 models have.

I'd say the T500 is a good system to buy if you can find a good deal on one in good condition.

 

Yep, the T500 came with three different display options:

WXGA CCFL
WXGA LED
WSXGA+ CCFL

I Highly recommend the WSXGA+ panel, as not only do you get a much higher resolution panel, but it also has the best colors and contrast out of the three, by far.

 

The T500 is a very nice machine, I would recommend it also. I have a webcam built in and it has a really nice, quality picture. It is no HD, but way better than the average notebook cams I have seen.

 

I too have a t500 and its been going strong for 2+ years. Runs ubuntu great if that's your thing. Quiet(with exception below), dependable, has withstood a few short falls.

Some minor negatives: I have p8700 and the cpu whines sometimes, can be annoying in a quiet environment. Also, my AC adapter gave out a few months ago. Plastic panels are beginning to creak, something I never noticed when it was new.

 

Thanks, everyone for the help, which convinced me to go for the T500.

However, when I went to place the order and check the actual spec of the machine, the sales rep suddenly had to "refer up to his boss" and came back saying the cashback offer was a mistake on the website.

This is a well known and established company, so I hope and believe it was a genuine mistake and not a bait and switch, but it put the machine just out of my price range. I was also worried about the screen font size, and my generation is one that doesn't believe in spending cash I don't have, so I've moved down and ordered the SL510 instead.

I'll dive back down into that forum, but thanks again.

 

If you're looking for a good deal, the prices of used t61 models are quite low due to the perceived likelihood of an nVidia GPU failure. It's very similar to the T500 and late production dates (if you can find one) and models with Intel graphics aren't effected.

I'd expect to spend 200-600 for one in excellent condition, and as low as 100 for one that is functional (usable condition).