Lenovo Thinkpad T420 spec suggestions

Hi All:

I'm buying my first Lenovo product, which is the T420. I've been using a Dell XPS M1330 for about 3+ years now, and it worked great.

I saved a quote from 04/12, which gives me a few days to confirm if I should keep the config. and price the same. Here are the specs:

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 6412
14.0 HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA NVS 4200M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
No Bluetooth
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000

The total quoted price of the notebook is $840 (after B&N discount and 10% off deal from last month).

Questions:
1. I have a similar configuration for $710 that has the i5-2410M processor and the Intel HD Graphics 3000 card instead of the options above. Is it worth the extra $130 to have both of those upgrades?
2. Is it worth buying the 2x2 AGN wireless card instead of the Intel Wireless-N 1000 card? I'll mostly be using it at home, with occasional light travel.

I will mainly be using my computer for Microsoft Office, watching/streaming movies via HDMI, music, and surfing the web.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Ankur

 

1. You don't mention playing games, in which case the Intel graphics should be fine for your requirements. It's well into last year's dedicated GPU performance territory. Similarly, the 2410 CPU will feel a lot faster than whatever you had in your M1330. Keep your money ready for an SSD. However, one tip I will offer is that two RAM modules gives better performance than one.

2. The 2 x 2 wireless should give a better connection under difficult conditions. If the cost differential is small then it may be a worthwhile investment. You won't know if you need it unless you don't buy it and then encounter connection problems!

John

 

I just ordered a T420s with the Intel 3000 instad of the NVS, but for me it was a $300 difference. If you're going to be using it for gaming, go for it, but it seems like the 3000 HD is a champ when it comes to everyday usage.

 

While I am not a gamer, the idea of being able to support multiple monitor displays with NVS is an interesting feature to me. I, however, go for the Intel 3000 as I expect the NVS being more power hungrey could lead to reduced battery life, hotter chassis or louder fan which I all don't like.

 

For the record, the Intel graphics can support two monitors.

John

 

Do two RAM modules give a noticeable boost in performance is it just slight? I received a T420 yesterday and only ordered it with 1 module. It does seem a little slower when opening apps than I would have guessed, but maybe I am just imagining things.

 

The main boost is the performance of the Intel graphics, which uses the system memory. It is unlikely to impact on the application loading unless you have only 2GB RAM in which case Windows may be having to use the swap file.

John