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    T520i vs T520

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by mythos1453, Sep 11, 2011.

  1. mythos1453

    mythos1453 Notebook Consultant

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    Hello all,

    I'm about to purchase another ThinkPad :), and thought of asking you for some advice. I'm not sure if I should go with the T520i or the T520. If I get the T520i I'll upgrade with the i5-2410, while if I get the T520 I'll leave it with the i5-2520.

    The difference is about $50, does anyone know if its worth it? I wont be using it for VM etc, but I'll be using MATLAB/Visual Studio etc.

    Is there any other difference between the two that I should know?

    Thank you!
     
    mythos1453, Sep 11, 2011
    #1
  2. talin

    talin Notebook Prophet

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    If it's a $50 difference it would certainly be cheaper to get the model with the i5-2520, because the i5-2520 runs for $250 if you bought it separately.
     
    talin, Sep 11, 2011
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  3. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    The T520i and T520 are identical in every way except the available processor options. The T520i is available with Core i3 CPUs and lower-end i5 CPUs, while the T520 has more expensive i5 and i7 options. If compile time is more important than price, the CPU options may be worth it, although the differences will be minimal. If not, then stick with the i3, you probably won't notice any difference anyway.
     
    MidnightSun, Sep 11, 2011
    #3
  4. mythos1453

    mythos1453 Notebook Consultant

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    I think I'll go with the T520i, any comments on this configuration? It sums up to $700+tax. Is Bluetooth worth it?

     
    mythos1453, Sep 11, 2011
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  5. edit1754

    edit1754 Notebook Prophet

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    You'll either want to upgrade to 4GB of RAM on the config page, or save some money and do it yourself ($20 for a kit, easy to install). But 2GB doesn't cut it for many things.

    Bluetooth is worth it if:
    - You do file transfer with a mobile phone
    - You plan on doing any Wii emulation and want to use real Wiimotes
    - You want to be able to use a dongle-less Bluetooth wireless mouse
     
    edit1754, Sep 11, 2011
    #5
  6. Trader05

    Trader05 Notebook Consultant

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    I purchased a T520 with an i7 2630qm cpu and my warranty says its an "i" version. Weird
     
    Trader05, Sep 11, 2011
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  7. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    warranty or the spec page that mentions the i insignia?
     
    lead_org, Sep 11, 2011
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  8. Trader05

    Trader05 Notebook Consultant

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    Both, 4239-CTO is my type number
     
    Trader05, Sep 12, 2011
    #8