T410 or T510, taking the screen out of the equation

Hi,

This is more or less a "what should I buy"-post, but since it's between two Thinkpads only, I thought I'd ask here.

Basically I'm wondering, if the screen size/resolution doesn't matter, are there any specifics that differentiate T410 and T510, like build quality, heat and noise, handling etc.? (screen/color quality would matter)
Also how much bigger is the T510? Does it feel significantly bigger and heavier than, say a 15" T42?

I'm looking into replacing my T42p but am not sure about the size. I'd like my new laptop a bit more portable but don't want to make too many sacrafices coming from my current model.

Inputs would be much appreciated, thanks!

 

well, just from simpler details, both the t410 and t510 are probably going to be bigger since they ratio is 16:9 (or 10 depending on which model). the t510 is 1 pound heavier than the t410.

i too am still considering which one i should get. but i think i prefer the larger space.

for the t510 size, i tihnk its weight of (i think) 5.7 pounds, its with the sacrifice.

(im also planning to get the bag for it... so i hope that helps against the issue of weight)

 

The T510 will be quite a bit shorter (depth-wise) than your T42, but it will also be quite a bit wider, as it has a 16:9 screen.

The T410 will likely be a tiny bit wider than your T42 and a fair bit shorter, as it has a 16:10 screen.

Specs-wise the T410 and T510 are very similar, with the T510's main advantage being its available FHD 1920x1080 screen - that said, that screen is on backorder and has been removed from the customization website at the moment.

The T510 may run cooler and quieter than the T410, as it has a more robust cooling system.

 

Yep, it seems like there's a global shortage of LED screens. W510 also was stripped of that option...

 

What will you be using the laptop for?

If you need it for coding and web development, definitely go for the T510. The bigger screen is priceless. Otherwise, the T410 might be big enough for you.

 

T510
Pros:
- t510 FHD gives more screen real estate (less scroll bars , more windows open simultaneoulsy, can play 1080p content at full resolution). Also t510 and w510 FHD support much better color detail -95% ntsc gamut- than any screen avalible for the t410
-support for switchable graphics (though not nvidia optimus!)-t410 does not allow any switching afaik
-possibly superior cooling to t410
-possibly quieter than t410

Cons

- T510 uses 16:9 displays only-t410 still uses 16:10-loss of vertical real estate
-does not support ultrabay battery any longer-this is a big 1 for me-t510 only supports the horrible new slice battery. T410 on the other hand still supports the ultrabay slim battery-nice!
-heavier than t410
-fewer usb ports than t410
- much thicker than t410 and even t500-hence the use of ultrabay instead of ultrabay slim
-More expensive than t410

All in all- ithink it comes down to what your specfic needs are. If you need something to carry around with you all the time, then get the t410 or even something smaller. If you need the real estate that 1080p provides, and you can live with tiny font, the t510 with FHD is your baby.

Bear in mind, if you choose the t510 with FHD, that there is a huge shortage of the FHD screens at the moment and this will likely delay your order significantly.

 

Thanks for the replies.

@fanATIc Nvidiot
You sure that the T510 has the wide gamut display? Isn't it only for the W510?

Resolution is not my biggest concern really...

Work-wise, I'll be doing Flash and Unity, 3D graphics, other design stuff with the Adobe suite. But those stuff I'd normally do on my desktop display (23" FHD). The reason I want to have less of a brick is my plan to do text work on the road.

Can anyone confirm the better cooling/silence on the T510?

 

The t510 does NOT have support for switchable graphics.
But yes, it does have a 95% gamut display. That will be irritating unless you use colour managed applications (including your web browser). If you don't need 1080p, don't buy it. 95% gamut is useful if you do print design, though.

 

Switchable graphics by Lenovo has been pretty bad, so I'd recommend waiting until more reviews come out or updates to their drivers are released.

 

yeah that's too bad about the switchable.

I don't do that much print, but am afraid that the normal display sucks beyond hell, especially compared to the MacBook Pros I'm also considering (but reluctant to like due to the keyboard layout). At least HD+ has slightly higher res than MBP. (edit: plus I want VGA AND DisplayPort w/o adapter)

But seriously. Besides the screen, what's with cooling, maybe build and other stuff? It seems most of what I'm able to find on the net and on youtube is about T410. Why? Are people avoiding T510 or what?

 

enjoy
10 char.....