Pre purchase T400 Questions

Hey Iam basically sold on a T400, I am just waiting until windows 7 comes out and then Iam going to order it I just have a few questions that I would like to know before I order

1-Express Card & PC Card Slots
-Express Card & Smart Card Slots
-Express Card & Media Card Slots
I am not really sure what these various slots are? The one card that I would like the computer to be able to read would be my SD and SDHC cards so whichever selection that would be would be mine.

2-ThinkPad b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe
Intel WiFi Link 5100
Intel WiFi Link 5300
I have read up on these and gotten alot of mixed reviews about the 5100 and 5300 some saying the 5100 is not very good and some saying the 5300 has various driver and connection issues and Iam not sure about the thinkpad card so any tips on if the 5100 or 5300 is worth the price or if it is better to stick with the thinkpad card. What is the differance in the three cards?

3-Bluetooth PAN
Iam just wondering what the PAN means? I would like bluetooth to be built in and not just a card or plug in device that they include with it.

4-6 and 9 Cell Batterys,
From my research it looks around 4-6 hours of life with the 6 and 7-10 hours of life with the 9cell, each battery would sattisfy me, Iam just wondering the size and weight between the two, I would prefer the 9 cell, but if it sticks out alot more or adds a significant more ammonut of weight I would probobly prefer the 6 cell anyone with expierieance with both would be helpfull.

5-Intel Turbo Memory 1.6, 2GB
All my research has basically said that this doesn't do very much, again just wondering someone who has used it or compared it to a similar computer without it if there is any noticable differance or if it does anything

6- What are my options on connecting this computer to a HD tv?

Thanks for all your help in advance!

 

Hey I just got mine, so here's my advice. (take it or leave it )

1. I got the media card slot, it's the one that can read memory cards etc... the other two options, one I think is nothing, the other is smart card whatever that is. the media card slot (7in1) should be able to read your SD cards.

2. I got the 5300. It was kind of a last minute decision for me. The impression I got was that the 5300 has more antenna's than the 5100 and the intel are probably better or more reliable than the other.

3. No idea. I opted out of bluetooth for my own reasons.

4. I got the 9cell because battery life was important to me.

5. No idea. I didn't get it.

6. VGA is all I can find.

 

Personal Area Network

The six-cell sticks out too.

Overrated.

Best option is the DVI connector on the Mini or Advanced Docks.

 

TurboMemory is worthless unless you only have 512MB-1GB of RAM in the first place. Since you're far better off buying more RAM (or actually, saving money buy configuring with one 2GB module and then buying another module from NewEgg), TurboMemory is worthless no matter what.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless protocol, and can be used for a number of things. As ZaZ said, PAN = Personal Area Network. You can transfer files over Bluetooth between computers, or your computer and a smartphone that supports it. There are Bluetooth mice and keyboards. Also, you can use Bluetooth headsets for Skype, or (if you have a stereo one) as a wireless way to listen to your MP3 collection.

I set up my Plantronics bluetooth cell phone headset for Skype last night with my T61 --it actually works quite nicely.

 

The express card and media card slot is what need.

The 5100 I have in my t400 works great when you remove the access connections software(I personally think vista has more then good enough tools for wifi and LAN). So it is a great choice imho, and no I cant comment on the 5300/5350.

The bluetooth is built in, so no dongles or anything like that.

The 9 cell does stick out ~1.5in give or take a tenth of an inch, and yes its going to be heavier then the other options. But the benefit of being able to work all day on battery power and go home with time to spare is very nice. Personally i think the 9 cell should be the only option as its what makes the t400 really stand out from the crowd.

 

My setup will be: Express Card & 7in1 CardReader, Wifi 5100, Bluetooth,6-cells battery and no Intel Turbo Memory.

 

Express Card & 7in1 CardReader, Wifi 5300 are my choices.