Lenovo ThinkPad T410/T510. Need Long-Lasting and Reliable System.

I've previously owned a Toshiba and an Acer both of which had been giving me problems. I begin working soon and need a reliable work laptop. I want something durable and that will last me for a long time. Ideally 5 years. I don't do any gaming and my work doesn't require any really intensive animating software or things like CAD. Mostly just Office and perhaps some other software. I know 5 years is a long time so I want something that will be able to somewhat keep up. I won't be doing anything really high-end but I don't want it to just be a paperweight a few years down the road.

Because I will be spending a lot of time on it so I want a decent screen. I also love watching movies so the colors should be nice too.

Which do you think is better from these options?

Option 1: $970 - T510 15.6 inch
Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit
i5 Intel Core 2.4Ghz and up to 2.93Ghz with Max Turbo, which is included
4GB DDR3 RAM
LCD HD+ Screen 1600x900 Resolution
NVidia Optimus 3100M 512MB
250GB HDD 7200RPM
9 cell Battery
Extras: Bluetooth, 2 MP camera, fingerprint scanner, 90w powercord, SD card slot. 1 yr warranty

Option 2: $900 - T410 14.1 inch
Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit
i7 Intel Core 2.66Ghz Base, Max Turbo 3.33Ghz (not sure if included)
4GB DDR3 RAM
LED WXGA 1280x800 Resolution
Intel Graphics HD
500GB HDD 7200RPM
9 cell Battery
Extras: Bluetooth, 2 MP camera, fingerprint scanner. 1 yr warranty

The main difference I see is between processor, graphics card, and screen. I've read that the i7 isn't really a big upgrade over the i5. I don't know what Max Turbo means either. I've heard the Nvidia Optimus card is pretty powerful too and saves power battery life which is nicer considering the 15.6 screen sucks more power than the 14.1. Is the Nvidia gfx card a lot better than the intel one? Also, is the LCD screen a lot better than the LED? Does it make sense to pay $70 more for option one? To reiterate, I'm mainly looking for something that will last well into the future, nice screen, and has a good battery life.

There is a much cheaper T410 I can get for $580 but it has only 2GB RAM. 32 bit Windows 7 Pro. Intel HD Graphics. I'm worried that this won't be powerful enough for the future. It's only got a 6 cell battery too. But it's a lot cheaper. Is the deal good?

A few more general questions:
1. Should I stick with a min 4GB RAM? Or could I swing for 2GB and upgrade it later?
2. Is there a large difference between the i5 and i7?
3. is there a large difference between the Intel HD Graphics card and the Nvidia Optimus 3100M?

Thanks in advance!

 

1) It really depends on what you are doing. 2 GB is sufficient for most users, RAM is easily and cheaply upgradable after you buy the notebook.

2) Again really depends on what you are doing. The Arrandale i7 are basically clocked slightly higher, have higher turbo frequencies and have slightly more cache.

3) Again depends on what you are doing. You aren't doing CAD with IGP. Quadro 3100M isn't that powerful but better than integrated graphics. The Intel IGP is fine for normal usage.

 

It's impossible to make any sane recommendation without knowing what you'll be using the laptop for. The more information you give in this regard, the better our recommendation(s) will be.

If you're just doing the sort of office tasks that I have in mind, then all three systems are definitely overkill. Hell, most "office tasks" that I can think of would be just fine on a Core Duo!

If you can give a little more insight into what you're going to do, I might revise that... but as it stands, all three systems are definitely powerful enough.

My advice regarding the Core i series chips are as follows: if you have to ask what the difference between two models is, it won't matter to you.

 

The T410 is not a good at that price at all with a WXGA screen. I'm not familiar with T510's at all. You might want to look at systems like these in the outlet:

Lenovo Outlet - ThinkPad T410 Refurbished - Discounted Laptops, Cheap Laptops, Refurbished Laptops, Discounted Desktops, Cheap Desktops, Refurbished Desktops

 

For your needs, the Intel Integrated Graphics will be plenty powerful--you won't need the Nvidia discrete graphics. Out of the 3 laptops, the best screen will be the 1600x900 panel on the T510, however, it is a lot less portable than the T410. Personally, I think the best deal is the "super-cheap" T410--you can easily add more RAM for very little money (although for your usage, 2GB would work just fine) and/or upgrade to Win7 64-bit at no cost.

 

So then I should go for the $580 one? Is that good deal for that set up?

I will only be mainly using my computer to do work. Like I said nothing really high end. Although I do like to have music constantly running and several tabs open for surfing the web/researching information. I also plan to watch movies/tvs/videos often.

 

For your usage pattern, this one should be good. You can always upgrade to 4GB and 64-bit Windows 7 Pro (same COA) later, if needed.

 

Can you explain this? How is the Pro version the same COA?

I am looking to replace my desktop with a laptop+dock combo.

 

Meaning the Windows 7 Professional COA will activate with either 32 or 64 bit.

 

The OP stated that the $580 machine has Windows 7 Professional 32-bit. With the same Windows CoA, you can clean-install and activate Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, either by using ABR or by phoning Microsoft.

 

After doing a bit more research I see the X200 series also offers things like lid latch, roll cage, and a full 7 row keyboard. Are they as durable as the T series? Perhaps I should consider one of these?

How does this compare to the $580 option?

X201 - $680
Windows 7 Home 32 Bit
i3-370M (2.40GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
4GB (2 X 2GB) PC3-8500 DDR3 1067MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
500GB, 7200RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive (the $580 option has 250GB)
12.1” WXGA (1280 X 800) LED
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
9 Cell Bat
Extras: 1.3 MP camera, fingerprint reader, 1 yr warranty

Is it worth the extra 100 bucks?

 

If you factor in the mobility, then I would venture to say YES!

 

If portability is important to you, then the X201 may be a better choice. It's just as powerful and durable as the T410, in a smaller and lighter package. After all, you're actually not giving up resolution between the T410 and X201, because the T410 you're looking at also has a WXGA 1280x800 screen.

I've used a 12" Averatec as my primary machine for ~3 years, and really, it's not bad at all, although some people have trouble imagining using such a machine as their only laptop.

 

For T410 option, 128X800 screen resolution is too low. Since you are also considering T510 which have much higher res screen, better to look at T410 with 1440X900 res.