Questions regarding the T530

Hello guys,

I was almost dead-set on getting the X230, due to the T430 having a bad screen, but then I started looking into the T530.

I am going to be buying a laptop that is essentially going to become a desktop-replacement, my main computer I use. I will not be lugging the laptop around too much, as I am already done University, but I will be taking it to the library almost everyday as I am studying for my CFA exams.

If my main use for the laptop is going to be either sitting at my desk at home, or in my bed watching movies, should I just buy the T530 with the FHD screen over the X230? Also, from personal experience, can anyone tell me how heavy the T530 is really with the 6-cell/9-cell battery. I was wondering why not a lot of people buy the T530 in comparison to the X230 and T430, I'm guessing it's the weight?

Oh and before anyone suggests getting the W530, I will not really be playing any games, so I don't need the high-end GPU, and I will probably be sticking with the i5 processor.

Thanks.

 

Your need and preference point to a T530 with FHD 1920x1080 screen.

(I sometimes watch encoded movies on my T510 FHD in bed. I also carry it in my backpack.)

 

Yeah that's what it seems like. I'm curious if the T530 would feel heavy using in your lap, or while laying in bed though. I also heard it gets really hot.

 

To be quite fair, my XPS 15 feels heavier and runs hotter (and the fan is noisier). The T510/520/530 is actually compact with a 6-cell battery.

With Ivy Bridge you can configure a rather cool system with the integrated HD 4000 GPU, which is quite capable in terms of video encoding/decoding. Put in at least 8GB RAM.

 

So you would definitely recommend the T530 over the X230, based on my uses? Also is there any other laptop at a similar price-point that compares to the T530 that might be a better buy?

 

Yes.

I would take a close look at the newly released XPS 14, XPS 15 (mine is 2011 model) and Inspiron 15R Special Edition by Dell.

 

Thanks a lot for your help.

One last question, do you think the T530 FHD screen trumps the X230 IPS panel. I'm asking in terms of watching videos/movies, not in terms of video editing.

 

Yes. One of the main reasons I bought the T510 in 2010 and XPS 15 in 2011 (still have both) is that FHD screen by AUO. The two models share the same screen, except the former is matte and the latter glossy. That's also why I recommend T/W510/520/530 with FHD screen. This screen is awesome, and is considered one of the few best TN screens on the market right now.

Not all IPS screens are great: there are different grades at various price-points. Plus, the X220/230 is on the small size, especially in the context of what you intend to do.

 

Yeah I agree. I think I might might wait for the price to decrease a bit. I was comparing the EPP pricing on Canadian sites with Barnes and Noble(US) site and there is a huge difference. I want the 3 year onsite +tpp warranty, and this is much cheaper in the US, also tax in the united states is also much less.

Do you happen to know a way to get the T530 cheaper in Canada than just using EPP?

 

That's the only "best" way I know of.

 

I might just order it to a relatives house in the States, perhaps in Detroit, and then just drive over and pick it up.

 

Do you guys think upgrading from i5-3320 to i7-3610QM (6M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz) for a $140 premium is worth it? both 3.3ghz

 

It depends on what you're doing, which you didn't say anything about.

 

If you do end up deciding that you want/need the quad core CPU, see what your identical build costs when configured as a W530.
(with exception of K1000 graphic card included as a basic option in the W530) possibly might save some money/get more for your money.

 

I decided on:

Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel HD Graphics 4000
4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav without Fingerprint Reader
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
6 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70+
720p Camera
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
Mobile Broadband upgradable
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

78Y1652 3YR Onsite NBD + 3YR Priority Support + 3YR TPP

which comes to $1327.70 before tax, and $1500 after-tax (Canadian)

Is this a good price, or do you guys think the price will fall in the near-future? I recall the warranty being cheaper in the past, it now costs $327

 

If I order the laptop to Michigan from Barnes and Noble, it comes to $1177 with tax (US), and even after the currency conversion, its about a $300 saving. Would it worth ordering it to my relatives house in Michigan, and then having them ship it, or picking it up?

 

I got the 3360M, 5400NVS, Fingerprint Reader, Bluetooth, Backlit Keyboard + Your specs for $1203 without tax, base 1 year depot warranty. I used the USXJUNESAVINGS2012 which boiled down to about $1300 final price. I'm not sure how good your price is for being in Canada though

 

Yeah. U.S pricing is much better. How come you didn't upgrade the warranty?

 

The price looks reasonable. A Canadian friend of mine recently purchased a similarly (identically?) spec'ed T530 for about $950 before tax, using EPP. Of course, that's without the 3+3+3 warranty.

If you live near the border (like Windsor) and it's not much of a hassle to drive to your relative's place, you can consider placing a US order.

 

deleted Insprion reference as it is not fun

 

It might be funny in the way you spelled "Inspiron" (twice).

 

haha I'm 4 hours away from the border..lol. I don't if the hassle is worth the $300, I think I may wait a month or so and see if the price drops and then pull the trigger.

 

why not plan something to do with your relatives and make the trip? if you get along with them it would be well worth the trip to pick it up.

 

The huge disparity in price comes from the 3 year onsite + TPP warranty. It is much cheaper in the U.S. In Canada the warranty is over $300, is this really worth it if buying in Canada when the laptop cost is around $1000 before tax without the warranty. It is almost paying a 30% premium just for warranty. The difference from buying in the U.S and Canada without the warranty is <100 before-tax.

 

The warranty dropped on the Canadian Lenovo EPP site. The same configuration I posted earlier comes to $1213 CAD now, which is over $100 cheaper than what it was before. Now my question is, is a $200 premium for the 3 year onsite warranty + TPP worth it?