Need help with first Thinkpad purchase (T420/T420S or W520)

With all the helpful info at this forum, my research skill has become a double edged sword.

I currently own a Dell 2005 15" Inspiron 6000 .

With the current deals in place, I'm planning to purchase a TP before 4/20. I started with the T520, then explored the W520, with its same chasis, appears to be a no brainer with configs less expensive than the T, 4 DIMMS, better GPU, etc?

Then I considered the T420S and thought I found a winner. I love the low profile, weight, etc, though I realize currently no discrete graphics(hopefully this will change in days). Then I read the unfavorable reviews/posts regarding the display quality...on all T420 models.

1. Is the 14" possible/apparent lack of display quality evident enough to affect decision compared to T520 or w520? Would I likely not notice coming from the Dell 6000? Anyone with actual experience?
2. Is there enough difference in size to warrant lack of GPU and higher price in the T420S versus T420with 9cell, GPU?
3. Is there any reason to choose T520 over W520? I'm not seeing it.
4. Finally, i7 2620M much of an upgrade? or on W520 going quad core?
I've never fully understood whether performance gains are only seen with multithreaded apps when using quad core (W520 i7), or if the everyday user can benefit? Or another way to ask is, will this become the norm as with 64 bit OS vs buying x86 now? (single thread apps thing of the past?)

 

I'm in the very same boat, right down to owning an Inspiron 6000, with a 1680x1050 display. This old display is still much better looking that my wife's HP DV4 - which has led me to wanting either a full-on IPS or at least an RGB display with a reasonably full gamut.

1. Which display on your Inspiron? What you're used to may flavor your thinking. I'm yearning after the R+GB FHD myself, but never having compared all the options it's kind of hard to decide. I think the T420 is going to be to small resolution wise for me even if I order it with the HD+ 1600x900 - I don't want to give up that vertical resolution!
2,3,4. If you want a 15 inch FHD, I don't see it as much of a contest. W520 w/quad-core lets you load in 4 SO-DIMMs, where the T520 just 2. T520 ends up being more expensive thant W520. IMHO the amount of memory and W7 64 bit is going to make it more future proof than the choice of processor. But more and more apps will be able to take advantage of quad-core.

- Post number 2.

 

It would help us to help you if you specify your purpose for the computer and if you do graphic intensive work (CAD, video editing, etc). For example, the T series is a great choice for people who need performance to do some basic work. The W series is the choice for people who need performance and the dedicated graphics card.

Also, from what I understand, the discrete graphics card offered in the T series is not worth the cost because of the little performance gain over the intel HD 3000.

 

Inspiron display is identical to yours. I basically agree with your way of thinking. Optimus will help balance, real time, between the possible GPU overkill (at times)? I hear ya on the resolution. The only reason I'm considering the 14 is besides the portability, I can overlook the resolution while at home. I plan to connect to my 1920X1200 26" Samsung T260.

I know very little about the Intel 3000 integrated graphics. Anything beyond solitare is basically useless for the 6000's integrated graphics, but maybe my perception is unfair and the Intel 3000 will easily outperform my old Dell 530's 8600GT?

 

Sorry, I should have mentioned -

No CAD work, video editing. I'd say most of the time I'm doing heavy multitasking (on my Dell 530 Q6600 8600GT 3GB), which includes simultaneously - Outlook with huge pst's, Word, Excel, multiple PDF's, a few Firefoxes with multiple tabs each, Itunes, Thunderbird. Occasionally this will include proprietary software for viewing large pdf drawings. I mention the dwgs because I have noticed the desktop hesitate when trying to pan.

I'm giving you the full load, understanding that I may need to cut back on that when mobile. If a Thinkpad can handle all that, great. But I don't want to "scare off" the 14" necessarily because of the entire load above.

At some point I plan to attempt my first build to replace the 530, allowing me to do some gaming if I choose etc.

 

my T400 can handle all of that easily so I'm certain the new stuff can do so as well.

 

The T420 is the logical choice. The T420s is over priced and the W520 is overkill.

 

In your opinion, are the screen/resolution concerns nonsense?

 

There is a thread I believe that states the contrast ratios and differences between the T520 and the T420 screens. Ill put the link here if I find it.

As for the laptop, Thor's suggestion is viable (but I have read a lot of his posts and he is bias towards the 14" size, nothing wrong with that) but you may also want to look into the T520. The extra 1" may look a bit weird but with all the documents you have you may appreciate it more (unless of course you do a lot of traveling). Also I am not sure you will notice any hindrances between the two screens other than the resolution with the work you do.

There are also some T420 review you can look up and ask the people who have them or if you can go to a store that has the t520 and the t420 and have a real-world impression.

Lastly, there is a sale on the 14" laptops until 4/20.

 

Ouch, that's going to leave a mark.

For the record, I prefer the W520 and the FHD screen above all. But the chassis and 15.6" screen aren't small or light. Most people aren't looking for a beast, nor do they need one.

 

No need for the link, I've read it top to bottom and have it bookmarked, but thanks. As crazy as it may sound, I was asking that question despite the scientific evidence (more "in the field" experience). Your post was helpful nonetheless.

 

So basically if the beefier hardware isn't absolutely necessary, you would choose the 14, in spite of any lost real estate/resolution?

 

That's really the crux of it - if it needs to be transportable the T420 is a better choice, although I've heard the screen quality isn't there compared to the FHD (no personal experience there). Although if you really want it small, wait a few days and see how the X220 prices out - with IPS if viewing angles and display quality are important. But with a 12.5" HD screen that external monitor is going to turn into a necessity.

Most people don't need a beast, but I want one! For me lots of windows, lots of tabbed browsing, occasional photoshop type work (I only have 2GB ram now, and it isn't too practical for HDR). Once in a while a little CAD homework (I am an EE by profession). Rarely games. And the desire for a good enough machine to last me 5-6 years. A person just gets spoiled by high end machines at work, and you can't stand too big a home compromise. Do I need a W520 for home use? No. Do I want one?

 

Fortunately I don't need to make that decision. I have several machines.

If I was locked into deciding on a single machine, I would go with the W520 and not look back because I can always use the power (for HD encoding) and memory (for virtualization). I also like 15" resolutions at or above 1600x900.

Nothing beats something thin and light for travel. X301, T410s, Samsung Series 9, MacBook Air, rumored X1, etc.

 

Fortunately for me, I am provided one-line's and elec. specs via pdf or as I'm sure you're familiar with dodge, isqft etc, via proprietary file types/viewers. But even those can become cumbersome with inadequate hardware.

You guys are both right on the money. I love the idea of the slim&sexy when away from home, it's just difficult to knowingly handicap my self with a lack of graphics, DIMMS, etc - and possibly the subpar display, which would be unacceptable.

For the W520, is quad core i7 a smart, dare I say it future proof upgrade? As mentioned, I'm looking for 5+ years.....or is that irrelevant (2540M plenty)?

 

There is no way to "future-proof" beyond a year or so with these wonderful things. The machine should remain as good as it is at the beginning for 5 years (even 10!); but by year 3 it will also be decidedly old-hat. I love my W500 (almost 2 years old) now as much as when I first set eyes on it. Do I look longingly at the new 520 series? Of course I do...But I also know that the 520 series will also look old hat in two years time, just as my 500 series does now compared to a 520...Whatever you buy it is soon to become outdated. But each generation are functionally good for many years...one just has to decide on how often you feel the need (or can afford...) to have the newest technology...

 

To the OP:

One thing to consider --your best comparison in many ways is to your current Inspiron 6000. I've worked on quite a few of them (not because they are bad systems or unreliable, more because they are aging, upgrades are needed, plastics sometimes crack over time, etc.). The Inspiron 6000's I've seen over time have had relatively poor brightness compared to newer LCD screens --both the 1280x800 and the 1680x1050 displays. Contrast on the 6000 has been average IMO -not horrible, but not incredible, either. I'd say that when you compare a T420/520, being six years newer, you will probably find the display to be just fine, even if it isn't topnotch. I can say that my earlier T400 isn't perfect either, but its display is noticeably brighter than the i6000 systems I've used.

As for graphics on the new systems, the Intel HD graphics is actually quite good. Note that if you are doing video encoding, Intel has a new technology called Quick Sync that uses their own GPU to greatly speed up encoding or transcoding with programs that support it.

Intel Quick Sync Video

If you aren't planning on playing more than a few basic games, standard graphics may be just fine. Intel has made great strides with their new graphics setup. I admit that I ordered Optimus switchable graphics on mine, but it will probably be overkill for anything other than my desire to play Torchlight II after hours when it comes out (which probably will run fine on the Intel graphics as well).

 

@LoneWolf15 - thanks for the very helpful post. I'd rep, but notebookreview tells me I've exhausted my handout allowance for this 24 hr period.

The 6000 comparison certainly provides me with some perspective and graphics info, reassurance.

 

To me, future proof means take care of the hardware and it will last a long time. The upside to the W520 is that it's roomy and breathes well. It's also cooling very well. I feel confident it should last quite a long time if you treat it right.

I have a T60p that is going on six years old. I don't use it anymore, but it still runs just fine. I have a 4 year old T61p, too.

5 years is stretching it for most people but it can be done.

 

I've been researching a laptop for graphic design and sound engineering. At the moment, I'm basically drowning in info. So I'd like some specifics to grasp on to. I'd be thankful for any advice, especially regarding sound engineering, since I can't seem to find much on the subject regarding the '20 series.

I want to get a laptop that will be able to handle the Adobe suite, as well as sound engineering programs such as Pro tools. I hear that the T series, at least the 510, are really reliable machines, especially for sound. I'm wondering if the same could be said for the T520. Also, can the Intel HD graphics 3000 handle Photoshop CS3?

Thanks!

 

Yes.

Yes. Yes.

I don't know where you fit in the spectrum from student to professional, and how demanding your projects are or will be. Toward the high end of the spectrum, you may want to consider a W520 with quad-core CPU. Nevertheless, in my design firm, the T510 notebooks handle graphics, video and sound editing tasks quite well.

Keep this CTO option in mind: FHD 1920x1080 display.

 

You can get the T420/W520 pretty darn cheap through AMEX's Daily Wish site:

http://slickdeals.net/?sdtid=284234...11/Amex_T420_W520_Y460p&home=adw&affinity=adw