T420 vs. T420s (Is Less Weight Worth It?)

Right now Lenovo has a 25% off coupon + 8% cashback, but it ends on the 17th. I am having a really hard time choosing between the T420 and the T420s. I will be going to university for mechancial engineering, so my main concerns are portabilty (which the T420s has), battery life (which the T420 has), and graphics power for AutoCAD (which both can have with the NVS 4200M).

It seems the main difference between the two laptops is that the T420s comes with an Intel Core i7-2620M processor instead of a i5-2540M, and it is about a pound lighter. The T420 is roughly $200 cheaper, so I would use this to buy an SSD. My question is, is the T420 that heavy? If you put it in a backpack with a couple textbooks, would you actually benefit from the T420s' lower weight?

This seems to be the decision maker. If weight does not seem like an issue, I will go with the T420.

 

Don't forget the T420s has USB 3 and the T420 has USB 2, I just ordered a T420s and had many of the same debates, but it came down to I wanted the lighter one, and if I need to add more battery life I can invest in more batteries, I already ordered a an ultra-bay battery pack to help out.

 

The i7-2620M is dual-core and is not a significant step up from the i5-2540M. You'd rather save the upgrade money here to put into extra RAM or an SSD.

Good thinking!

The T420 is not that heavy. The difference in weight between a T420 and a T420s is insignificant in the context of a backpack with school stuff.

You could get a 9-cell battery (which is not applicable to the T420s) and use the Ultrabay for a second HDD in lieu of the optical drive, or remove the optical drive completely. With the T420s, though, you have to add a second battery in the Ultrabay to the main 6-cell (but weaker than the T420 6-cell battery) if you want to manage the battery situation sufficiently.

I'd recommend you go with the T420. I use one, and it does not feel thicker and heavier than a T420s.

Oh, and remember to select the HD+ 1600x900 display option.

 

Ha, That's exactly what my situation is.
Going to study in Computer Science and have no idea which to get, t420 or t420s

Does the "s" look thinner on the desk?

Edward

 

Also consider T420s will be harder to find parts for down the line, T420s has a significantly weaker battery (44 WHr vs 55 WHr) and with the T420s you are forced to use 7mm 2.5" drives (harder to find). Also there is quite a premium on the T420s vs the base T420.

 

Yep, the battery life alone makes the T420 a much more attractive package to me than the T420s--the T420 supports a 9-cell battery, while the T420s tops out at a 6-cell (which already has less capacity than the T420's 6-cell). If weight is a huge consideration, the X220 would be a much better choice. If it's not crucial, then the difference between the T420 and T420s' weight likely won't be too significant either.

 

Well the main and only real downfall of the x220 is the limited vertical real estate (I don't want to be ruining my eyes by squinting at a 12.5" doing coding). At least with the T420 you get an option of 1600x900. But if you can live with WXGA IPS vs HD+ TN panel on a 14", all up to you.

 

X220 doesn't have WXGA resolution, it has HD resolution.

The Intel HD 3000 GPU are quite adept at AutoCAD work, so if you only use AutoCAD and not Solidworks, then you could consider the new Intel integrated GPU.

 

I think whichever one you get you'll be very satisfied. I have the T420 and I already think its light, I'm sure the T420s will be even better with its weight.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I think I'll go with the T420. I have one more question though: how does the 9 cell compare to the 6 cell battery? I'm wondering if having it stick out of the back an inch is an annoyance.

 

Hi, I always see some people with their t420 and 9 cell batt. Actually it is not awkward and you could use it as a handle.

Text books also not really add weight to your backpack. Not very often people move around with more than 1 text book.

 

In theory, yes. In reality, no. I've gone from an X201T to a W520 to a T420s, they're all noticeably different when carrying them in my backpack. Also it isn't just the weight but also the size that makes a difference - how it meshes with everything else even though it's in a separate compartment.

 

^^^ You haven't tried a T420 and a T420s. I've tried both in reality. Oh yes, there is a huge difference between a W520 and a T420 as you mentioned.

 

I have tried a T420 as well, just not as my everyday laptop. I deploy X, T and W series laptops everyday at work. My day to day use ones however, are the ones I listed and my personal one is on order that is a T420s.

And as I said, size matters in the backpack as well - bulk makes a big difference in addition to weight.

 

This only applies if you're a geek, but I think the T420s' CPU is soldered to the mainboard too, correct?

I like knowing I could upgrade my processor in a few years if the prices drop (something I did with my T400). I'm very happy with my T420.

 

If you dont' mind, where did you find the 25% off + 8% cashback deal from? I'm interested in getting a T420s also.

 

t420s looks sweet but i went with the t420 because im tight on cash

ive been used to carrying a t61 w/ 9 cell, t420 being slightly lighter im ok with

 

The weight difference isn't so noticeable, but the thickness is. It's something that doesn't come through in pics, but that fraction of an inch difference between the T420s and T420 is stunning when you handle them both. If 5-5.5hrs battery life is enough for you on light usage (much more with the ultrabay battery), I'd definitely go for the T420s. If that isn't enough, then the decision to get the T420 should be a very straightforward one.

 

Redflagdeals.com

You have to order from Lenovo Canada for it to work. And it ends tomorrow, so if you can get it, order soon.

 

The T420s is very light and portable. A pound is a big difference if you are officing out of a bag like I do. Also, I think battery life is over blown for most users in my opinion. I for one am always near a power source most of the time. I will take a smaller battery any day versus the weight (which is a lot) difference. Of course, depends on the user. Couldn't really comment on upgrades. Not sure what hard to find means but I find it more economically efficient to just replace the laptop every couple of years anyway - then everything gets upgraded!

 

Get the T420s. A pound is a huge amount of difference, especially if you have to carry it around all day. Plus the thinner body makes it easier to handle overall. The money you save on a regular T420, you'll blow on some other event anyway like a bar tab at some club or a pair of shoes you didn't really need. The laptop will be with you for years so don't skimp on it.

I had T4xs, T6xs and am now on an X301. I sometimes handle my older notebooks and am surprise at how "unwieldy" they were.

 

If that isn't enough, you should also get T420s, but with additional ultrabay battery

T420s is slim and cool and (almost) sexy. With mSATA SSD it is also really fast, having 320GB internet HDD as a second storage.

 

When I was debating on the T420 vs T420s a few weeks ago, I was heavily influenced by my then-laptop. It was a Dell Inspiron 640m which is ~1.5" thick and 5.3lbs. Going to ~1" and 4lbs on the T420s doesn't seem like much, but when I first picked it up, I was stunned.

It's like when you first pick up a macbook air. The 2lb difference is trivial compared to what you probably have in your bag, but once you pick that thing up, you can't help but wish all your future laptops will be that light.

 

Rather than buying a Ultrabay Battery, you could swap in another HDD for greater productivity. If you really wanted battery life, then get the slice battery.

 

Why, do you need three hard drives for some reason? I'm not a fan of the ultrabay battery because of the way Lenovo handles the charging strategy with that installed. If I had one of those models I'd rather just carry an extra 6-cell in the bag.

Try picking up a 3lb X220. (I mainly only had T-series before this)

 

I was not talking about the internet storage (unreliable like hell if there is a blackout), the Ultrabay HDD adapter allows you to use 2 HDDs on the go.

 

Thanks for that Electric Wolf! But that code isn't working right now

I currently have a T420 but its defective I've called up tech support and they shipped me a UPS label and all it's on its way back for a full refund

I'm thinking between a x220, X1 or another T420/T420s

I'm a Geophysics student at the University I'll be using the machine EVERYDAY for around 3-4 hours without a power source and around 3 hours max with a power outlet beside me.

What would you guys suggest for me?

(Don't really need the nVidia Optimus I have it on here I've disabled it in the BIOS never used it again!)

Hope you guys can help fast fast fast!

I'm really intrigued by the X1

I need a laptop that I can use 3-4 hours down the road keep it in mind please!

 

I ordered the T420, although now it seems like everyone says to go with the T420s. The difference in price was around $250 - $300, which I am still not sure is worth it for 1 pound less. It is too bad I learned about the sale so late, otherwise I would have had more time to figure it out.

Anyways, I'm happy with my purchase. It will be nice to have a good, solid laptop for university. Thank you everyone for your help!

 

just bought the T420s
to me that extra pound and the thinner version is worth the money. my main concern was weight and size since I take it with me everywhere in campus. i've been carrying around a dell inspiron 6400 :S

 

Slice doesn't fit the T420s

 

My T420s arrived today (ordered early Monday morning arrived 10 am Friday via UPS), I paid the extra $10 for 3 day shipping. Before it arrived I had been having some second thoughts about the whole T420 vs T420s issue, but so far I think it is worth every penny, we will see how the battery does over time, I also bought a cheap used ultra bay battery off ebay, it arrived in the mail today also (the battery tool says it has 76% original capacity and is good, not bad for 1/10th the price Lenovo charges).

 

A little question, hope you won't mind.

Can t420s be opened with one hand easily? (without having to hold the body while opening the lid)

Thx!
Edward

 

The hinge tension on the T4x0s laptops are not very high, and they can be easily opened with one hand if you so desire. But usually it is better that you open the laptop with 2 hands, to ensure that the force are distributed across the LCD equally and prevent the display bezel and screen from cracking.

 

While I do like the T420s myself, there's other thin-and-light options that might give a better overall solution than the T420 or T420s for you. Consider the 14" Toshiba R840 or 13" Vostro 3350, both offering a 9/8-cell option the former with a HD6450 and 900P option. There's even the consumer-orientated Lenovo Y470 with a GT550M which is often on sale.

Code:

13" Sony SA	  3.71lbs (1.69kgs). 0.95" thick. HD6630M/900P option.
14" Lenovo T420s  4.03lbs (1.83kgs). 1.05" thick. NVS4200M/900P option. mSATA.
14" Toshiba R840  4.20lbs (1.91kgs). 1.00" thick. HD6450M/900P opt *HD6450M isn't switchable gfx*
13" Vostro 3350	  4.70lbs (2.14kgs). 1.17" thick. HD6470M option.
14" Lenovo T420	  4.84lbs (2.20kgs). 1.20" thick. NVS4200M/900P option. mSATA.
14" Lenovo Y470	  4.85lbs (2.20kgs). 1.20" thick. GT550M. mSATA.

 

that is probably more similar in specification, but in actual use there is no way Y470, vostro 3350 or are in the same class as the T420s.

 

To answer the question about opening the T420s one handed, I just tried it and yes, it can be opened one handed fairly easily with the left hand anyway (palm across the top, and thumb on the release catch), although there is some flexing of the screen. Doing it just right handed might be a bit more tricky due to the direction the latch slides.

Ike

 

That's a useful table. I wanted the lightest notebook with minimum 14" display and 900 vertical pixels and it seems that the T420s is the best fit to those requirements. I also only need the intel graphics. Thicknesses are indicative unless they are measured in the same way. For example, I measured the T420s thickness as 0.95-1.05" but excluding the feet.

I recall looking at the Toshiba R840 but didn't follow it further, probably because the display option I wanted wasn't available in UK at that time. Also, I have the R700 which can get somewhat noisy under load. It was unclear whether the bigger R840 would be OK in that respect. Also, the R700's keyboard isn't one I would want to use for many hours per day (perhaps the R840 is better in that respect).

At the moment I've got a bay battery (new, but previous edition so less expensive) on board so that will take the brunt of the power cuts and hopefully extend the working life of the main battery. I've also got another bay battery (ordered with the T420s) in reserve and will only get used when I'm a long time away from the mains socket.

John

 

Thx for the reply, my point was not whether to open the lid with one hand or two, I'm actually concerned about whether I must press the body(palm set) with one hand and open the lid with another in case the hinge is too tight.

 

This. The construction isn't in the same league, nor are the keyboards. They're okay laptops, but they don't match a ThinkPad T-series in any way.

The Latitude line is Dell's fair comparison. I'm not sure Toshiba has anything to match. And the IdeaPad is more comparable to Dell's Inspiron line (maybe Studio in some cases), also not a match.

 

For me, no brand line has come close to the Lenovo Thinkpad. I can't stand typing or using any other laptop line.

 

Having handled and used a Vostro 3350, I can definitely say it's not in the same league as an X-series Thinkpad, which is at a similar quality level to the T-series. The Vostro is fine for sure, but feels and handles like a cheaper machine, imo, and didn't cost a whole lot less then either .

 

My point exactly.

I usually purchase Vostro systems from the Dell Outlet for people who want an inexpensive laptop that will last several years Certainly better than consumer laptops, but not in the league of a Latitude or a "true" ThinkPad (e.g., T, X, W-series), which are what I purchase for myself.

 

Vostro 1510 and 1520 are all pretty low rent in terms of quality. The hinge design on the Vostro 1400 is pretty shoddy too. Not sure how the later Vostro laptop stacks up.