T400 or U330?

Hi all, I've been debating which Lenovo notebook I should buy. I've been considering the two, the T400 or U330, for quite a while, and would like some input. So far, I made a list of cons and pros for each one.

T400:
Pros - more powerful (CPU and GPU), longer battery life, larger, good screen, good battery life, better build quality?
Cons - larger, no display port, no flush battery, larger batteries (6/9-cell) increase the weight

U330:
Pros - smaller, display port, lighter, looks
Cons - poor battery life (in comparison to t400), glossy screen, less powerful

The price is not a factor because both are relatively in the $1000-$1200 range. From the current ongoing discussion of the U330, it seems that some people have reached the 4-4:30 hour plateau of battery life with some tinkering.

On a further note, it seems that with the U330 having an LED screen and it being smaller with a less powerful CPU and GPU, that the U330 with a 6 cell should have at least a comparable run-time with the T400 using a 6 cell, but this is not the case. Instead, the U330 has a shorter battery life, which seems all the more contradictory.

I'd like to know what people think, especially about the battery life on the U330 because that is one of the main reasons why I'm doubting the U330. However, the U330 is a 13" laptop that seems to be easier to carry around in comparison to the 14" T400.

Purpose-wise, I am a college student that has been lugging around a 15" laptop for the past two years and would like a laptop that can at least play some games that also can last through my classes (3-5 hours a day).

 

if you are even thinking about the t400, then you don't really crave for the boutique-look and can take the abuse from those who gawk at the ugliness you carry

get the one you'll be thanking yourself for after 6 months

 

I actually had the same debate as you but I ended up getting the t400 becuase all in all its a better bang for your buck

-more powerful
-cooler
-better build quality
-more than 2 usb ports (the usb port on u330 is on the lower right hand corner so it gets annoying if you plan to plug in a mouse)
-better battery life
-compared to a 15 inch a 14 inch is pretty light and convenient

I also heard that the U330 gets a little glitchy/overheats/doesnt sit flat on tables

 

I would say the T400, no question, especially since you are using it for college classes and need something strong. The machine is well built and is powerful, comes with a chassis and LCD rollcage. When you get the Thinkpad you feel like you got a real machine with some engineering behind it, not some piece of crap with fake brushed aluminum, oddly placed LED lights, glowing bars etc. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One of the things that I love about the Thinkpad is the all black serious and down to business look. I don't like the shiny plastic notebooks, they look like toys to me