T520 HD+ Screen different with Intel vs Nvidia Optimus

I am in the process of preparing to order myself a T520 with a HD+ (1600 x 900) LED screen. However I was reading a post here on the forums where one T520 user stated that you get a better LG screen when you add the Nvidia discrete graphics to your system. Is there any truth to this. I need to know this is very important to me since I prefer to get the best screen possible for my Thinkpad.

 

What about stepping up to the 1080p? It's going to have better specs (Higher brightness, better contrast, 95% color gamut, etc.) than the 900p and you won't waste your money on a GPU you won't use.

 

Not possible, I hate the 1080P resolution on 15inch. 1600x900 is just perfect

 

1400x1050, best resolution ever. I doubt there's any truth to the rumor. In fact there's no way to know what you're getting until it ships. Perhaps if you buy on eBay you can ask the seller to do the parts look up, but eBay presents it own set of issues.

 

I haven't heard anything of the sort, personally.

 

I am in a similar boat; buying the T520 and getting the 1600x900 display but staying with the Intel graphics 3000. I am not a gamer and using the machine primarily for business and home. Is there any need to upgrade the graphics (if not gaming)?

 

Not at all. The integrated graphics is way more than enough.

Unless you're doing AutoCAD or movie editing or something

 

Side Note: Why is there lno love here for the T520. It seems people here either want the 420(due to it's smaller size) or they immediately jump to the W520.

 

Most people who need a larger 15" workstation also need more powerful GPU options, which are offered on the W520. Also, given Lenovo's strange pricing schemes at times, a W520 model specced nearly-identically to a T520 model may even sell for less. Historically, this pattern can be observed through the 15" Thinkpad segment's history (W510 v. T510, W500 v. T500, T61p v. T61, etc).

Regarding why people usually choose the X220 or T420 over the T520: two reasons, firstly because portability is becoming a much more valued criterion in recent years, secondly because Lenovo has had more deals for the X220 and T420 than for the T520.

As for the original question: as the connectors for the screens are the same for both the integrated and discrete GPU models, I see no reason why Lenovo would favor one screen versus the other for either GPU option. There's probably no truth in the rumor. As far as I know, though, the screen manufacturer doesn't matter too much for the T520 screen as they're all fairly good--it's more of a concern for the T420 1600x900 displays.

 

I love my T520.

I can't comment on the display brand question though.

 

If you want quad-core and FHD on T520 then better go for W520.

I got i5 and FHD on T520 and it is cheaper.

I think FHD is wonderful, I put text at 125% and in Chrome I set zoom to 144%, it is easy on my eyes.