T430s - NVIDIA cheaper - Any reason NOT to get it?

I will try to keep this short and simple.

As the title asks, my configured system is coming to $819 with the NVIDIA NVS 5200m discrete graphics card and $855 if I choose the integrated Intel 4000 HD graphics card.

Is there any reason at all why I would be better off paying the higher price to avoid the NVIDIA card? I do not have any need for discrete graphics, this would only be about saving money. But if there are downsides to the NVIDIA card, then I'll pay the extra $36 and skip the NVIDIA.

Can I turn off the NVIDIA and use the integrated graphics? Any downsides?

While I'm here, am I stupid to be trying Windows 8? I can't decide if I will like it or wanna kill myself when using it.... Seriously considering ordering Win 7, but thinking I'm getting stuck in that "its new and scary!" trap and I just need to try Win 8 a bit more.

 

Both questions -- about NVDIA and about Windows 8 -- boil down to real needs. Do you need them? Or they are just part of the bargain-driven sense of getting something for cheap?

If you don't really need discrete graphics, count that $36 as your premium for peace of mind: one less thing to worry about.

If you don't really need Windows 8 and all the (stupid) pastel-color tiles and menu ribbons that dumb down your computing experience, why jump when Steve Ballmer tells you to? Life is much more interesting than "trying" some "new" OS.

 

My advice would be to get the nvidia based t430s and get windows 8. The only reason why you shouldn't get the T430s is because of the T430u.

 

All else equal, the only issue with the NVIDIA equipped machine is that the discrete card is tied to all external displays. In other words, yo'll need the discrete card enabled whenever you attach an external monitor.

 

more for less? I wouldn't say no. the NVS isn't that much better than HD4000, but will let you drive multi display with ease.
Windows 8 is more personal preference though.

 

Actually that appears to be incorrect. I need to do more testing next week, but it looks like the T430s supports a maximum of two external displays which is really odd.

 

you mean 2 external +1 internal? That is normal I believe. I read HD4000 have problem driving 3 display.

 

Well, the T420s and T420 Optimus machines would drive 4 external + the laptop LCD so it's a step backwards for some people. I know a lot of people that use four monitors all day every day.

 

I would....I really would, it is exactly what I would like in every regard....but I just cannot accept the 1366x768 screen resolution. When I use laptops with that resolution it drives me completely bonkers.

Only other consideration is the X1C....but I think it is too much $

 

T430u with Intel 4000 can drive 2 external monitor + internal monitor at the same time.

 

I feel your pain. A great innovative tool with one flaw that would break the deal for me and many others. The X1c doesn;t appeal to me because is nothing is CRU.