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    T500 with integrated graphics

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by new user, Mar 14, 2009.

  1. new user

    new user Notebook Enthusiast

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    Won't be gaming on the notebook, mainly for programming and some photo editing, and perhaps watching video/dvd on odd occasions. Can the integrated Intel X4500 handle all that with ease? Or should I get the switchable graphics "just in case"?

    Is it worth getting the integrated camera? There's no details about the camera, so not sure if it's any good. Also have some doubts about the fingerprint reader, do most people get it?

    How does the current P8xxx processor compare to E6600 (what I have in my desktop)? Just wondering if it's going to be a lot faster.

    TIA.
     
    new user, Mar 14, 2009
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  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Get the integrated card. It offers better battery life and less heat. You should have no trouble given the usage.

    The fingerprint reader is a waste of $30 in my opinion. It's a gimmick/convenience feature nothing more. The camera only has value if you plan to use it. It's a 1.3MP camera, which is pretty average.

    The CPU is only one part of the equation in overall system performance. Hard drive speed and amount/speed of the memory play significant roles as well. I don't think you're going to have any performance issues. You might want to upgrade to a faster 7200RPM for a bit more peppy performance.
     
    ZaZ, Mar 14, 2009
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  3. new user

    new user Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's good that you mentioned hard drive, should I upgrade to a 7200 drive? Will it be noticeable? What about the Intel turbo memory cache, is it another "gimmicky" kinda upgrade?

    I will be opting for the WSXGA+ screen, can it output to an external WUXGA screen simultaneously? Can the Intel X4500 handle both screens at native resolution?

    Apologies for many questions, my last notebook was like back in the late 90s, things have changed a lot.
     
    new user, Mar 14, 2009
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  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I would get the cheapest hard drive and upgrade it yourself, the same for the memory. Lenovo overcharges for them.

    I would say the turbo memory is unproven at best. Some manufacturer's don't offer it.

    x4500 is more than capable.
     
    ZaZ, Mar 14, 2009
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  5. new user

    new user Notebook Enthusiast

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    new user, Mar 14, 2009
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  6. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Only that they cost more. Don't was your money. I think they use multiple suppliers for memory.
     
    ZaZ, Mar 14, 2009
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  7. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    I suggest you get cheaper memory from somewhere else. This is what I got:

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148192
     
    pacmandelight, Mar 14, 2009
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