T420 Final Specs

Ok, after getting opinions from the members here, I've concluded on the T420 due to the T420s' battery life being abysmal. Here are my final specs and would like some to review them and make suggestions as needed. Particularly need advice on the RAM as I'm still not quite sure.

I'm a budding software developer and use this notebook to read and write code (Java, C++, VB.Net, etc) and using IDEs.

SPECS:

Processor: Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.60GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.3GHz
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
Display type: 14.0" HD+ LED backlight Anti-Glare (1600 x 900), with Wireless WAN Antenna
System graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor graphics with dynamic frequency
Total memory: 8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard - US English
Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera: 720p HD Camera with Microphone
Hard drive: 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device: DVD Recordable
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot, 4-in-1 Card Reader
Battery: 6 Cell 2.6Ah Li-Ion Battery
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN

Thanks very much in advance. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

The specs look decent, I can't see no wrong as it should be more than adequate for software development work. For the RAMs have you considered buying the additional memory modules yourself as you may save a bit over Lenovo's prices.

 

I would just get lowest memory ram and will upgrade it myself. Other than that every thing seem fine.



.1 upgrade for $50 that's kind of high for me. Personally I would just get the 2.3 i5.

 

Same with the hard drive.

 

Great! Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll get 250GB HDD and swap later.

Also for RAM. Can I mix and match? Or do I have to get the brand lenovo uses.
I've heard though its better if they're all the same brand.

 

These will work for you ram needs.

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-DDR3-...PDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1302748370&sr=1-3

 

As a fellow developer, albeit not a budding Windows one, I've got two tips re: the T420:

1) Get the least RAM you can and upgrade it yourself. It's cheaper and is an easy way to save a buck or two.

2) Same the with the hard drive. You'll want to upgrade to an SSD as soon as you possibly can, as it's one of the best upgrades for a development machine that anyone can do. (Seriously, I can't emphasize this enough: when I first upgraded to an SSD, some of my build times were cut in half.)

Other than that, looks good. Oh, and don't forget to buy through the educational store/SPP/CPP/EPP as is appropriate (assuming you have access to one of those.)

 

^^Thanks for the reply. As for SSD what should I get? Does the T420 support Sata 3?

 

I would recommend the x-25m, 320, or the 310. Even if they are not the fastest or the most cheapest but what you get is a stable and a drive that does not have a lot of issues. I would recommend the Intel 510, if it wasn't for the sandforce controller.

 

If you haven't ordered already, I'd skip the fingerprint reader. After having it, I've found it to be more of a hassle; it slows down my actual logon.

I had it in my T61 and T400; I'm skipping it on my T420.

Tack on another recommendation for buying the cheapest hard drive and RAM options, and buying your upgrades after the fact. You'll save money, and get a lifetime warranty on the RAM, and a 3-5 year warranty on the hard drive depending on the model you choose.

 

Curious question. Why is the X-25M more expensive than the 320 considering that the latter is the third generation and the former a second generation?

 

Which two model are you comparing.

 

The intel X-25M G2 160GB and the intel 320 G3 160GB.

 

the 510 uses a marvell controller, the same controller that the c400 uses.

because they still have those on stock so they are trying not to sell it.

get the 320, its the same controller, the same type of memory ( I dont think that they made the transition to 25nm yet)

 

The T420 should only have 2 DIMM slots, so for the combination of 8GB you need 4GB DDR3 1333 Modules on each slot. On the Lenovo UK site it actually works out cheaper to buy the 1x 4GB DDR3 module from them directly then buy another 4GB DDR3 module separately rather than buying the whole 8GB kit yourself (or 8GB from Lenovo directly).

 

it is probably cheaper even to buy a 2gb RAM from Lenovo, and buy 2x4gb RAM from amazon or newegg. You will have a 2gb RAM for free (to be sold in ebay for exam) and it is cheaper still.

 

If I understand this right, the quote is wrong. Both memory slots are available for upgrade and easy accessible. The main slot is under the keyboard and all it's required is to remove one screw and push the keyboard forward and upward. I upgraded mine.

 

You wouldn't "never be able to" --you'd just need to remove the 2GB module, and populate both sockets.

Going by US pricing here (no discounts, standard Lenovo site)

Standard configuration T420 - 2GB (one DIMM)
Upgrade price to 4GB (one DIMM) - $80USD

Price of one 4GB module from Newegg.com - $40 USD
Price of an 8GB upgrade kit (2 x 4GB) - $83 USD

In the US (and probably Canada), for the price Lenovo charges for a 2GB RAM upgrade to go from 2-4GB, you can buy an 8GB kit and give the 2GB module to a friend of yours or sell it for a couple of bucks. Paying the Lenovo (or Dell, or HP) tax for memory is silly, considering that third-party vendors have a lifetime warranty on their memory.

 

In Newegg.com there are 3 types of DDR3 1333 Memory

10666 / 10660 / 10600

Are all of these compatible with the T420 or X220?

 

And thank you for your attempt to meet attempts to genuinely help you with sarcasm in return. It is much appreciated.