Optimus or Just integrated

I'm planning to buy the T410. I was wondering if it was worth it to spend the extra $100 on Nvidia optimus 3100m graphics. I dont game...Although i do watch a lot of movies/tv and also I will be CADing ocasionally. What way would the Nvidia card be better for me?

It boils down to this...For the $100--> (webcam + N 6100 wifi + 9-cell battery) vs Nvidia Optimus.
Also, how much life do you guys get with the 6-cell?


Thanks a lot for any input!!!

 

If you want to play 1080p smoothly go with the Nvdia. Especially if you are playing 1080P flash.

 

GRRRRR. I hate seeing saying stuff like that. IF you don't game then you don't need any 3D graphics card PERIOD. Even the older Intel x3100 can do 1080P video no problem. On the Intel 965M without HD Acceleration and a good Core 2 Duo you can play 1080P just fine. Simply put, ANY Core CPU can play 1080P without even getting warm!

I played 1080p (Microsoft 1080P WMV9 Showcase) on a Pentium M 1.7ghz. (Thinkpad T42). Surely it was stuttery but that's to be expected. Probably even a IDE HDD problem keeping up but ok fine. Ever since i got the T60 with a Core Duo and the ATI x300 GPU i played those same videos no problem. With the T61 and a Core 2 Duo and Intel integrated it played just fine still. I then got a T400 with integrated again and that can play it fine. That was a Core 2 Duo P8600.

With the T60 since that was SATA i figured that had something to do with it as well but i don't know for sure. You most definitely do NOT need a 3D graphics card to display 2D high resolution content. The CPU can do all the work itself (2.0Ghz and higher) and the crappiest integrated chip can output it over VGA at 1920 x 1080 as it's just a output tech then.

 

You don't need discrete graphics to play 1080p. Integrated graphics have been able to do that for a short while now. I have Intel 4500 graphics and can watch 1080p easily while doing other tasks (output to a monitor), and new generation integrated graphics can perform the task even easier. For 100 extra dollars, the webcam, intel 6100, and 9 cell would add a lot more usable functionality - in my opinion and usage. If all your doing is movies and TV integrated will be fine. I can't comment on the CAD.

 

On the other hand, the extra $100 lets you drive four LCD panels if you have them and want to with a docking station. You also get to decide if the NVIDIA or Intel GPU runs cooler. And you get better game perf. And you get better perf on Flash and Silverlight sites. And the overall experience in Windows or Linux is better.

If you are going to make the argument for one side, please show the other and let the potential owner decide.

You certainly aren't flushing the $100 down the drain.

 

I would go for webcam + N 6100 wifi + 9-cell battery over Optimus. Integrated works great for everything I've thrown at it.

I don't game, but do watch video etc.

 

I'd get the webcam+N 6100 wifi + 9-cell for the extra $100. If you decide later on you want to drive multiple LCDs or play games then consider a US$200/$220 GTS450/GTX460 x1.Opt DIY ViDock via the expresscard slot. It will outperform the NVS3100M.

 

I am just posting what this guy experience with the t410 is like with 1080p video.
YouTube - Lenovo ThinkPad T410 Review: HD Video Playback (Integrated Graphics)

and on 1080p flash

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/491866-can-t410-play-1080p-videos-smoothly.html

 

I downloaded and tested the AVATAR 1080p (1920x800) trailer from apple.com

My T410s plays it perfectly fluidly when set to Intel integrated, or NVIDIA discrete (as does my W510). Interestingly enough, the Quicktime player doubles the strain on Windows 7 when compared to playing the exact same file with Windows media player.

The 1080p knife video also plays under both GPUs very nicely but it's mostly a stationary object video.

I wouldn't really draw a conclusion from some isolated testing like this but I was curious to know if my machine showed any jerkiness like the dude testing the T410. I didn't see any.

I rarely make decisions on isolated tests. I prefer to decide over the course of several weeks so I can get a more holistic view of a machine. I have not tested a T410s with just the Intel integrated GPU. I did however test and return a T400s because I didn't like the performance of that machine. Sure looks like Lenovo and Intel addressed the problem or performance. Now about that cooling...

 

Thanks for the replies...

Just one quick question though....i saw this
Leaked: refreshed Sandy Bridge ThinkPad T420, T520 coming February | Thinkpads.com - News, Reviews, Coupons, Deals on ThinkPad & IdeaPad Laptop computers
Dont know If i should wait for the sandy bridge T420 or should just go for the T410. What do u guys think?

Also, if anyone's thinking of purchasing, there's a 15% off coupon on all T-series (USPWEEKEND)
http://www.thinkpads.com/2011/01/22...g-free-4gb-upgrade-on-customizable-thinkpads/

 

You can always wait and see whether new ThinkPads will fit your needs much better than current lineup and make up for price difference or you can then drop Sandy Bridge upgrade from your wish list and buy T410 for perhaps even lower prices
If you sont need your laptop urgently then wait for month or two and see.