T510 vs T410 - which do you like better?

Hey everyone, I'm looking at a second hand laptop for work and was wondering which of the two mentioned is better in terms of:

1) Screen quality
2) General quality

I understand the T410 will be lighter but 1 lbs. lighter won't be a big difference.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the T510. I already have a T530 and I seem to like laptops with bigger screens. I've tried some smaller sized Thinkpads and they just don't do it for me. Maybe I don't give them enough time but I seem to get tired from viewing them for long periods of time. This is one reason I'm kind of wary of the T410.

The laptop will stay in one location but will move around quite a bit there. From one spot to the other; therefore, something super light won't be required. I just need it for surfing, watching movies, streaming, etc.

Thanks everyone.

 

If you like the T530, chances are that T510 will fit your needs better.

It goes pretty much without saying that the FHD panel found in higher-end T510 machines is vastly superior to anything that you'll get to see on a T410.

With all of that said, I've owned numerous T410 units and was very happy with them, still have several in daily use. Some of my customers have T510 quad-cores which have been about as reliable.

To me personally, T410 won on size/weight, battery life and the fact that it was the last 16:10 ThinkPad - but your needs/preferences are likely vastly different from my own.

In closing, both of these are decent choices, especially given the today's price range, and the fact that a lot of them still have warranty. There's no shortage of supply either, so shop wisely and you'll end up being a happy camper.

 

Are you considering T510 because of lower price? A T520 looks and feels just like a T510, but the former is, of course, has better technical specs. I've been using a T520 with i5 Sandy Bridge and FHD screen, and loving it. For your needs, i5 and HD 3000 integrated graphics are plenty.

 

The 15.6" Thinkpad with the FHD, of course. One pound won't make much of a difference, especially since it'll be sitting on the desk. But anyway, the T510 feels just as sturdy as the xx20 series as well as the xx30 series (comparing my girlfriend's dad's T510, my W520, and a review unit W530).

 

Quite true. I still hang on to my T410s 1440x900 (upgraded to mSATA SSD + 1.8" SATA adapter board).

The 14" ThinkPads would be hugely popular if Lenovo decided to complement the "size, weight, battery life" advantage with superior screens.

 

For 900p, I'd actually prefer 16:9, seeing as 16:10 is 1440x900 whereas 16:9 is 1600x900.

 

Yes but in OP's scenario it's 1600x900 on a 15.6" (T510) or 1440x900 on a 14" (T410)...I'd choose the latter, but that's my set of circumstances.

In all fairness, I'm as unimpressed with non-FHD offerings on T5*0/W5*0 as I am with T410's LCD...

 

I am trying to keep the cost to under $320 or so since this is a secondary laptop. The T520 and T420 tend to cost a bit more, usually. I just want something with a good screen. The T420 kind of scares me in that regard.

I really like my T530's FHD screen so I would love for a T5xx with a FHD as well. I'm just wondering how much of a downgrade would a 1600x900 be.

Also, how is the 1600x900 on a T420? Specifically, the LG panel. I've read various things, mostly negative.

I've received an X301 and I love it in every single way except for the screen. I just can't seem to get used to it. It is straining to look at it. Hopefully any of the above mentioned laptops will offer a significant improvement.

ajkula66, you mentioned in the X301 thread that the T410 has a much better screen than the X301. Is it better than the T420 as well?

Thanks everyone.

 

Until the Farmer returns to offer his insight, I just want to say that the T410/410s, having 16:10 display aspect ratio, had different parts for their screens. These are better than the ones used in T420/420s and T430/430s. I like the Samsung 1440x900 screen in my T410s.

 

Since the T510 has the same aspect ratio as the T520 and T530, I would assume it has generally the same quality screens.

It is interesting that the T410 screen is better than the T420. This seems to rule out the T420 then. Good, less choices. Kaso, how are the viewing angles on your T410s? Also, is there a likelihood that this panel will be found in the regular T410? Thanks.

So I guess now it's time to find good deals on T510, T410 or T520. I'm leaning towards the T520 but finding one with FHD for under $350 will be a challenge.

 

Same FHD AUO B156HW01 V.4 screen. I can't comment on the ThinkPad 15.6" HD and HD+ screens.

Pretty wide for a TN. Most likely same for both T410 and T410s.

I'd stretch the budget and get a T520. (I've helped a friend upgrade the screen from HD to FHD on a used T520. The genuine AUO panel was about $80. My fee: a home-made burger and a cold beer.)

 

Yes, I think you're right. If you're going to get something, might as well get what you really want. After using this FHD, I don't think the other Thinkpad screens will look so good. I will look around for a deal.

That's very nice of you to do that. Maybe I can send some of my veggie burgers your way

 

Agreed. Likely the best offering on a 14" ThinkPad in recent memory.

A very sound piece of advice.

 

T410/510 Intel graphics driver is not WDDM 1.2, which is native to WIndows 8.
T410/510 lacks UEFI BIOS.
T410/510 has only SATA II (3.0Gbps)

I'd go with the 520/420.