Ordered my T400 today.. any comments?

Hi all,

Ordered the following:

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
Genuine Windows Vista Business downgrade to Windows XP Professional
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight
ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
No Bluetooth
Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN)
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
2764: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller


I figure I can upgrade to a 9-cell later.

Did I get a sufficient warranty?

Is the 5100 that much worse than the 5300?

 

No need for a dvd burner?

other than that you got what i got.

You will be fine with the 5100, Wireless N is still not an official protocol so it will most likely change before its official. I just went for the lenovo wireless G

 

Better get 2GB 1 DIMM for future upgrade, other than that looks fine.....you may have to download drivers for the WIN XP though and the hybrid graphics may not work.....Pretty much same as my old order's config

 

Agreed, the tiny cost of 2GB 1 DIMM outweighs the limited upgrade path of 2 DIMMs

 

I believe, with XP installed, you have to go into the BIOS to switch between the two gfx cards...I think. Vista allows you to switch within the OS.

 

I have a question relating to the price of RAM in the Thinkpads - would it be better to buy the RAM separately from Newegg, or does it not matter?

I'm thinking I'll get a 1x1 GB then add a 1x2 GB from Newegg, but the prices on the Lenovo customization page don't seem much higher than the prices of the RAM on Newegg. I don't think I'll ever need 4 GB (I definitely don't need the 3 GB I've got in my dv9700t), so I don't think I need the upgradability of the included 1x2 GB.

 

I didnt get an extra warranty either. Nothing Ive ever bought has ever broken on me so I dont see a reason to purchase additional warranties.

Well one thing did break, my HDTV that I broke, and since it was accidental damage, most warranties dont cover that. Oh well.

 

Currently DDR3 ram is expensive so if you are buying now it may be cheaper to buy from Lenovo.

As to how much you will need, Vista uses much more RAM than XP so you may want more RAM.

 

Drooling...

High-Spec. but what for?

 

High-spec for software development and some minor graphics work. I run a lot of server-type things (SQL, IIS) and also run a lot of graphics-intense planning tools.

 

PS - What is "hybrid"?

 

In reference to the graphics?

The T400 can have the option of both the 4500 integrated chip and the standalone ATi chip in the same machine. This allows for you to use the integrated graphics when you don't need the 3D power which will save on battery or you can use the ATi card when playing games...or whatever else heavily uses 3D graphics.

 

So with XP - I can switch using the BIOS, right?

 

That's what I have read a few times from others with XP. I have not tested this so someone else that is 100% can come behind and clean up my mess if I am wrong

 

to caveatrob:

1:Bluetooth is needed then you wont be regret to save that $30 (like me now).
2 ersonally I prefer 3gb or 4gb(if you gonna run vista64) option. I got 3gb on mine.
3:Go either wifi 5300 or thinkpad a/b/g. Since 5100 is worse than both and 5300 give you the future. I went 5300 course I have a wireless-N router.
4:9 cell is very urgly 6 cell is a little bit better though.