Please help me choosing t400 notebook

Hi,

I am about to purchase my first lenovo / ibm brand new notebook from eBay.

Can anyone help me choosing which are of the following notebooks in your opinion is best?

http://cgi.ebay.com/LENOVO-THINKPAD...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Lenovo-Thin...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300297317372

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad...0|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:2|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Thinkpad-T400-T...0|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1308|301:0|293:2|294:50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Thinkpad-T400-T...|240:1308|301:1|293:2|294:50#ebayphotohosting

Thanks

 

This one
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-T400-P8400-320GB-7200-4G-D3-9-Cell_W0QQitemZ150330069812QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLaptops_Nov05?hash=item150330069812&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A2|294%3A50

because it has 4GB of RAM, although there's only integrated graphics, so if you plan on gaming.

On general if you don't need a much powerful CPU get a P series with less TDP or wattage use to get a cool operation and less fan noise.

It all comes down to what needs you have. None of those auctions offers a LED screen which IMO is the sweet spot of the new T400.

 

Are you going to be gaming with it?

 

Mainly use for cad (catia v5). Game is absolutely yes.

 

Of the options you have listed I would definitely go for THIS ONE.

Reasons:

• P9500 - 2.53 GHz w/ 6MB L2, but only 25w TDP
• 1440x900 (albeit CCFL)
• 3GB DDR3 (max usable w/ 32-bit OS anyway [T30 Powers recommendation will see 3.25GB at max])
• Switchable Graphics (x4500 for battery, Radeon 3470 for games)
• DVD Burner (most of the others only have combo drives)
• Wireless N (Intel 5100)
• Bluetooth
• Webcam
• Wireless USB (You'll probably never use it, but why not)
• Fingerprint Reader
• Vista Business 32 (solid OS w/ good features)
• 9 Cell battery
• 160GB 7200 RPM HDD

That is the most loaded config, and it's still reasonably priced.

However, if gaming is "absolutely yes", you may want to consider the T500 as it has a much stronger GPU.

 

I agree with Jon regarding the t500. If you are absolutely going to game...the weight and portability difference between the t400 and t500 isn't enough to warrant having less graphic power if you could use it.

 

I'm going to have to say go with the T500, the graphics card in this thing rocks. I do have the 6 cell battery and I get about 4 hours on wifi just browsing, and about 2 hours gaming on it. I'll be upgrading to the 9 cell as I'm away from my desk alot.

 

I personally would not have a 14 incher.

-Renee

 

I also agree with Jon. The first one has the best overall specs.

The amount of RAM is practically irrelevant and would not factor into my decision at all. It's the cheapest and easiest upgrade there is. Besides, 3GB vs. 4GB isn't even worth debating because all of those laptops come with a 32-bit OS.

 

Care to elaborate?

 

Have you considered ordering one directly from Lenovo? That way you can configure it to your needs and preferences. One of the ThinkPad's best attributes is being highly configurable!

A very well equipped T500 can be had for around $1200 from Lenovo. Take a look below-

ThinkPad T500 "Elite" - $1,374 minus 10% discount (thru 3/9) = $1,236.30
2.53GHz Intel T9400
Windows Vista Business 32 or 64-bit; or XP Pro downgrade
15.4" WSXGA+ CCFL-backlit display
256mb ATI Radeon Mobility HD 3650
2GB DDR3-1066 RAM (1-DIMM)
No Fingerprint Reader
No Webcam
160GB 7200rpm OR 250GB 5400rpm hard drive
DVD RW
Bluetooth
Intel 5300AGN wireless
No Mobile Broadband option
6-cell Battery
LINK

 

Thank you very much for the response.

After this and that now I'm thinking to t500 and w500.

Actually w700 is magnificent but my budget is not close to there.

 

The W500 might be worth considering if your CAD software supports OPENGL as the FireGL card perfromans quite well here.