Questions concerning the T420s

I'm considering selling my x220 and buying a T420s instead because I just can't get used to the screen. Have some questions.

1. What's up with all the Rapidboot Extreme stuff? Does it support all T420s or is it just the factory configured.

2. Is USB 3 only available with i7, as is the case with X220? Couldn't find relevant info on the web.

3. Is the separate display card worth it? I learnt that the NVS 4200 only gives a 3dmark06 score of 4800, while the intel hd 3000 already achieves 4000, so is it worth the upgrade? I'll be playing games on an external monitor, preferably at high resolution and detail. Is the difference noticeable at all, or is it worth the price?

4. What are the improvements of the T420s over the T410s? I actually treatsure the 16:10 ratio a lot. I understand that the T410s doesn't have the mSATA, uses 1.8 inch disks, has a weaker card and processor. It is heavier and have a bigger screen. Is that all?

5. Is it a good time to buy a T420s? From the Barnes and Noble gold link + current coupons I got this config at $1487 + tax. There were a few free upgrades like RAM.

Intel Core i7-2620M Processor (2.7GHz up to SC 3.4GHz, 4MB L3)1
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 6412
14.0 HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Antiglare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA NVS 4200M Optimus Graphics 1GB, Intel Core i7-2620M Processor
6 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
DVD Recordable5
6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 66+60
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)10
4170: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

6. Warranty. What warranty would you guys recommend? In the past year or so I've been on the quest of getting my dream laptop and I've gone through a T410i, an X220 and now possibly a T420s. I feel that this machien would stay with me for quite a while. I'm choosing between the 3 year warranty or the one with 'thinkpad protection'. Which one is better?

Thanks a lot!

 

1. If you want the extreme boot, you have to order it from the factory.

3. If you plan to use more than 2 external monitors you must get the Optimus config. Personally I can't stand the Intel GPUs and code so I would opt for the NVIDIA GPU anyway.

4. You pretty much nailed it. I really like the 1440x900 screen on the T410s over the T420s but the 1600x900 T420s screen grows on you over time. Especially if you have to respond to a lot of email or work with widescreen apps.

6. I always get a 3 or 4 year warranty on my machines. It depends on the EPP price I get. I don't always keep the machine that long. It's a great resale point to have a warranty for a potential buyer.

 

2. All models have USB 3.0. (It's a shame that the T420s doesn't also have eSATA since USB 3.0 is still evolving - no BIOS support, for example).

3. I'm happy with the Intel graphics. Given that 2 CPU-intensive threads can get the CPU up to 95C (when it starts to drop its speed), I wonder how the cooling system can handle any extra head from a dedicated GPU. I believe that there's an option in the BIOS to disable the dedicated GPU if you don't need it.

4. The T420s is slightly wider but less in the front-to-back dimension compared to its predecessor. It lost eSATA but gained USB 3.0. I still don't like the 16:9 screen but moved the Windows Taskbar to the left side to make some use of the extra width.

6. I upgraded to the on-site warranty so that, if I do get a problem, I don't lose the use of the computer while it goes to the depot.

Also, note that main battery has a relatively low capacity so you may need to add a bay battery. The UltraBay II batteries work fine and are more affordable (but have slightly lower capacity).

John

 

Thanks Thor and John!

Can someone answer question 5, namely, if the price I quoted above is a fair one?

Thanks again!

 

As soon as you define fair, I'll answer your question.

 

Well, Lenovo throws out coupons once a while and prices fluctuate over time. Just wonder if my config would be considered as a low price.

 

I don't know if anyone realized but the link found on google to buy a T420s with rapidboot extreme is now active (it was a dead link before).

Lenovo - RapidBoot Extreme

Also, it has the upgraded Intel i5 2540m which does not appear available yet on any of the stock models. Seems like a decent deal. It comes with the Intel 160gb which i confirmed is the 320 series. Though i still don't undestand the usefulness of rapid boot extreme when the extra startup speed is achieved by disabling key components like usb, internet, and others.

If you're thinking about the T420s, I recommend it. Excellent build quality. Runs cool (avg 43c) and quiet as the fan is usually off/ in the lowest, inaudible mode on mine. I got mine with i7 + SSD and it doesn't slow down no matter how hard you try.

 

They change prices constantly and Lenovo is not sharing that information with anyone here. It sell for less at some point. It's only a matter of when, but no one can tell you that with any certainty. About the best you can do is watch for a while so you'll know when it's relatively low. When it is, be prepared to move. It seems like a decent price, but I'd suggest doing the memory upgrade afterwards.

 

My EPP price is nearly identical. Looks good to me.

 

Yup, I noticed that but it seems that the RBX laptop cannot be bought through the Barnes and Noble discounted link so it's quite expensive for what it offers. I would also want the discrete display card + i7 so I think I'll just buy the regular one.

Incidentally, how fast does your T420s boot with i7 + SSD? Is it possible to achieve <10 (just like the RBX)?

Thanks for your helpful advice

I certainly know that, but I was looking for more meaningful contribution, e.g. from a person who has observed pricing of the T420s for some while

Ugh... It's so hard to decide whether I should wait out for a while or just buy it before 27/7 when the offer ends... I think I'll wait

 

Make a quote. Then you've got 30 days to see if a lower price comes along.

 

So I have the T420s with i7 and the stock Intel 160gb SSD (320 sreies) from lenovo and my startup time using the fingerprint scanner is about 20-25 seconds. I don't have rapid boot enabled.