T61p recommendations

I'm planning on getting the 14.1 WXGA+ T61p. There are a few things I am unsure about...

Intel Turbo Memory
- I like the idea of increased performance, but I have read a few horror stories around the internet with regard to system stability with TM installed. Is the performance increase worth the troubled wait for stable drivers?

Integrated Graphics
- I always swore that my next laptop would have discrete graphics, as this seems to be a pretty big bottleneck on my current machine. However, if the X3100 has improved enough to where it can handle somewhat intensive tasks without ramping the fans up, I would be happy to have it. I also care a great deal about battery life. I won't be playing games, but I watch a lot of videos (xvid usually) while I work. Again, as long the fans aren't ramping up for this, I'm fine with it.

Some other specs I have already decided on:
- 14.1" WXGA+
- Intel A/B/G/N Wireless
- 160GB 7200RPM HDD
- 3GB RAM
- 9-cell battery
- 3yr depot w\ ADP
- T9300 Core 2 Duo
- Vista Business (w\ XP downgrade disc just in case!)
- Advanced Mini-dock (can the X3100 drive two screens well?)

Thanks in advance!

 

There is no 14" WSXGA+ screen AFAIK. The T61p is now only offered in 15.4" screen size unless you can find a 14" on eBay or elsewhere.

Turbo memory probably won't make a huge difference either way. You can always add it later if needed.

If you're playing games or the like get the integrated Intel card. It runs cooler and gets better battery life. It will have no trouble playing videos.

 

Sorry, I meant WXGA+. I got it confused with my current laptop's screen res.

 

I decided to stay away from turbo memory. I don't think it is worth it. There were a lot of driver issues with it and a whole huge issue with it and BSOD. I think this may have improved with a new driver. I didn't want to deal with it. Other things to consider is that it only works in Vista not XP or Linux. I don't think it gives that big of a boost and I have also heard that it isn't very useful if you have higher amounts of RAM. I have heard there is a version 2 coming out that might be better.

If battery life and heat are the most important considerations than an x3100 is good. If you play games or do CAD or other 3D content definitely go for a discrete vid card. From what others told me, the X3100 can drive videos/movies just fine.

 

I agree with the other posters as well. Turbo memory isn't all that Intel said it would be, and I think it's a waste of money. The integrated card will be more than enough for you to watch xvid videos, including h264 encoded ones. The dedicated gfx card will only help you with 3D (CAD or games) performance and in your case will most likely just sit there draining your battery.

 

I might just wait for the new Tx00s... it's so hard to decide!

 

1. Turbo Memory (1st Generation) is crap, doubtable performance gain. That's why Intel is releasing 2nd generation Turbo Memory next year.
2. Discrete Graphics is always good choice, but it will drain your battery more quickly. I recommand Ultrabay II Battery for additional battery time, well worth of the money. If you are using power from the outlet on the wall whenever possible, you could even remove all the batteries from your machine saving recharge cycles for your batteries.

3. Vista is good for normal use, but for program developer, migration job is there. I hate microsoft on this! viva Open source!!

4. 802.11n network is not in its maturity, G is fine. go to IEEE for standards, if interested.

3G Main RAM is enough for most of the applications. For some critical image and video processing 4G or larger is needed, but for my part, this kind of task should not be carried on laptop, it should be run on workstations with memory pool with over 16G Memory.

BTW: Alienware is good for multi-media development too!

 

Video card has no effect on video codec decode, unless you run specialized codecs. For example, Nvidia Purevideo HD enabled decoders will be able to decode H.264 video a lot faster, at some quality loss, when compared to the pure-CPU x264 implementation of h.264. For xvid, there is no difference between running it on a integrated or discrete graphics card.

Also, if you really want to save money, buy the RAM and hard drive yourself. Lenovo jacks up the prices on these like hell.

Get the N card. You won't be able to upgrade your wireless card later without some hassle, so you might as well get it. The draft-N is pretty much what you're going to find in any final standard, due to all the companies pushing out draft-N equipment. They won't make substantial changes now. At worst, they'll push out a change that is a firmware or driver update.