T510/Switchable

I've read conflicting things here and also on the Lenovo website as to whether the T510 has switchable graphics.

Some parts of the website quite clearly say it does (like here: http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...4A0011B825513BCED&tabname=TechSpecs#tabstart),

and others say it doesn't (like here: http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...4034A0011B825513BCED&tabname=Compare#tabstart)

Does anyone know for sure?

And if it does have "switchable", is that something you see when you configure the computer, or is it just a system configuration that applies to any computer purchased with discrete graphics? For example, does the T510 currently available for configuration with the NVIDIA NVS 3100m 512MB chip have switchable graphics?

 

If it does indeed have switchable graphics, all discrete graphics models will have switchable graphics, just like the Tx00 series and the W500.

Lenovo's website is notoriously unreliable when it comes to solid information, but the Tabook seems to indicate that the T510 and T410 in fact do have switchable graphics - however, nothing's certain until someone gets a unit in their hands.

 

tabook doesn't say anything about 'switchable' for either t410 or t510. At least not in the same clear way as for the old models?!

 

I had to go dig this up on a Japanese written website, because Lenovo's link is down.
However, the service manuals of both the T410, T410s, and T510 list "switchable" components for the heatsinks. The T510 manual goes so far to distinguish the "workstation" model, which I assume is the W510. There appears to be more thermal pads on the T510 versions than the W510. I think Lenovo assembles laptops based on a parts list an those service manuals list them. That makes me think it's the definitive source, and written by those knowledge of the Thinkpad design in the most detail?

So all you gamers can rejoice with your T models and nvidia graphics
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/63y0536.pdf
http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/63y0536.pdf

 

Lenovo GPUs aren't really any good for gaming... the W510 with quad core CPUs definitely won't have switchable graphics but with dual cores, hopefully we'll find out shortly.

 

if people are really serious about latest games then they should just get a desktop or a game console...... Business laptops top priority is not really about running the latest games. Many companies specifically order laptops with only integrated GPU to prevent people playing games on their laptops.

 

Yeah, I'm in total agreement. I've been saying that for a while. It's not like you'll get a stellar gaming experience with the T series anyway...

 

I'd expect at least a decent mid-range GPU for a 15" T-series. They are as big and heavy as a W510, so they should be able to easily cool a bit more TDP (than a T4xx). T5xx have to be able to drive higher resolution as well.

 

How do you know?

 

" Business laptops top priority is not really about running the latest games. Many companies specifically order laptops with only integrated GPU to prevent people playing games on their laptops."

"Business" is as good excuse as any. Lenovo's goal, like any company is to earn and maximize profit. If you really remember that, there will be no dissapointment.
Renee

 

What does that mean exactly? Lenovo is maximizing by targeting business users who don't game?

That being said Lenovo has made a big push to try and capture more market share in the US using its consumer brands.

 

Which it does a horrible job publicizing (outside of Microsoft Windows 7 commercials, in which every machine seems to be either a VAIO or an Ideapad)

I don't think it makes much sense axing the switchable graphics feature, especially seeing as the integrated GPU is now built into the CPU, but again, with all the conflicting information, you'll have to wait for some official review to pop up to quell the flying rumors.

 

Because it's not possible. In fact, that blue and red spec chart that someone released is all wrong. Because if the W510 has only quad core i7s (I have yet to see a config that doesn't have quad core for those), none of those chips also have integrated graphics. The "INT 5" therefore is an erroneous mention. If the CPU doesn't have integrated, your core i7 laptop won't have integrated. It's as simple as that. The 5 series mobile chipsets are the first generation that universally does not include any integrated graphics option what so ever.
So at least with every configuration that I've seen, you only have your discrete graphics chip. So what would you switch to? And I doubt you can cram an Arrandale chip in there in a futile attempt to add it, as they would almost certainly leave out that functionality in the BIOS.

 

Well, I'm not sure about that, But Lenovo configuration page shows otherwise.

 

That's not a quad-core i7. It's dual-core, based on the same Arrandale core as the i5s. So it has the IGP.

 

These confusing marketing names were brought to you by

*** INTEL ***

 

the intel wireless card and new CPU range is seriously confusing...... marketing nightmare.

 

Oh, and I thought core i7 is only for quad...

Well, thanks for the notice.

 

Hear Hear!

 

Eh, at least the quadcore chips have the 'Q' or 'E' in their model numbers... as if that made it any better.

Also, when it comes to switchable graphics, or the lack thereof I was referring specifically to W510, not the T510.