Questions about graphics and optical drives from someone who doesn't get this stuff

I am looking to buy a Lenovo laptop, and I have found the following on different models that I am considering. I was wondering if someone could explain the difference between these or which is best (if one is best?) I am not a heavy gamer, if that makes a difference.

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator x4500HD with vPro
NVIDIA GeForce G 105M 512MB
ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB with Intel Advanced Management Technology
ATI Radeon HD 3450 256MB

Also, for the optical drive, if it just says DVD Recordable, does that mean it doesn't have CD-RW/DVD-ROM/DVD-RW capabilities?

Thank you!

 

If you are going to do graphic intense stuff, get the 3650 as it is a lot better card than the 3470, the 105 and the x4500HD. Basically it goes like this x4500HD<105=3470=3450<3650. As for the DVD drive, it should be able to to burn CD and read dvd as well.

 

OK, with reference to the GPUs; they kind of go in this rank (worst to best):

Low class: Intel GMA 4500HD
Low-Medium class: ATI 3450
Low-Medium class: ATI 3470
Low-Medium class: Nvidia G105m
Medium class: ATI 3650

You say you don't really play games, but what games do you play?

I'd probably advise against the Intel GMA 4500HD if you play any 3D games at all. It can manage some, but will struggle with many.

If you are on a budget, then any of the next 3 will be fine. Keep in mind that you wont be able to play games at highest settings with any.

Finally, my choice would be the last one.

Well that's not strictly true. I'd probably be going for an ATI GPU that begins with a 4; something like the 4650 or better. However, the 3650 will be able to play quite a few games at medium / high settings; just don't expect it to play Crysis at high settings or resolution.

With reference to the optical drive, yes that means it will be able to read and write both CDs and DVDs generally. You might want to confirm that with the sales people; but I'd be very suprised if it didn't.

Regards

 

Another question...

The T400 models that I've configured say "CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)." My school's minimum specifications are DVD-ROM/DVD-RW. Does the above configuration meet the DVD-RW specification?

 

I don't think so. It says DVD ROM rather than DVD RW. Check with Lenovo on this one for sure; it could be that it has been mislabelled. DVD ROM typically means read only, whereas DVD-RW means read & write.

Why you school needs you to be able to write DVDs is beyond me though

 

"CD-RW/DVD-ROM" is not DVD-recordable/writeable; just DVD-readable. Pick the "DVD Recordable" option.