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    Looking for a new 15" Thinkpad

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Supercujo, Aug 23, 2015.

  1. Supercujo

    Supercujo Notebook Consultant

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    I've been trying to find a new thinkpad and I am looking for some suggestions. I'll be using it for graduate school and mostly using it for statistical analysis and your normal school uses. This will be a dedicated work computer so I don't need to worry about multi-media, etc.

    My requirements
    -15" display
    -1920x1080 FHD resolution or very close to it.
    -Full keyboard with numberpad.
    -Quad core processor
    -4 hour minimum battery life of real world usage of internet, MS Office and screen lighting
    -Integrated graphics
    -Good cooling system
    -reasonably easy to upgrade.

    After having my last two laptops have overheating problems I am wanting something that's has low running temp, a good cooling system and not having a gpu to add heat.

    I was looking at the T540P as my best option but complaints about the touchpad has me double thinking. That along with the only 7 hour battery makes me question if it will be enough with real world use and its just over my desired weight limit of 6.5lbs for the laptop and power supply. I do use the trackpoint mostly but I get inconsistent reviews of using that on the T540P as well.

    I was also looking into the W541 to resolve the touchpad issue but it's only rated at 6 hour battery life, plus it's a little bigger and considerably heavier than where I want to be at.

    I liked the T550 but they don't offer it in a quad core processor which I consider important since it has to perform for the next 4-5 years

    I know Lenovo doesn't list all of their models on the website so I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on different lines not currently listed on their site.
     
    Supercujo, Aug 23, 2015
    #1
  2. ajkula66

    ajkula66 Courage and Consequence

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    The problem that you're going to face with all the machines that you've mentioned (T540p, W541, T550) is that the FHD panels on them are quite poor. You have to get the 3K Panasonic IPS LCD in order to be looking at a good screen.

    Unless you *must* buy a ThinkPad and right now at that, I'd suggest waiting for the next generation and/or looking into alternatives from Dell and HP.

    Once the P50 gets a few reviews it might become an alternative worth looking into. I can't speak about it since I haven't seen one in real life.

    Happy shopping.
     
    ajkula66, Aug 23, 2015
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