Thinking about returning my E6400 for a T400

So I got a E6400 a week ago because it was a significantly better deal than a T400 (new).

My E6400 is refurbished and here are the specs:
P8700, 2.53ghz
3 gb ram
Intel 5300 wifi
160gb 5400 HDD
14.1 WXGA+ LED backlit screen
Windows Vista Business w/ XP downgrade
Bluetooth
DVDRW
Intel graphics
3 year depot warranty

So I got this all for $650 (not including taxes). Which is a pretty good deal.

However there are some issues I have with this thing:
-There are too many driver issues. For example, if I don't disable the webcam driver, I cannot put my computer into standby or hibernate. Also, if I put it on the wrong power setting in the Dell Control Point software, it would fail to log-into my user account.
-It doesn't feel like it can take a beating, especially the lid. The protection around the LCD feels very weak.
-The WXGA+ LED screen is not very vibrant, colorful, and the blacks seem washed out. The vertical viewing angle also isn't the best.
-The touchpad is clumsy.
-It gets warmer than I'd like around the palmrests.

The thing, though, is that I do not want to trade these set of issues for another set of issues with a T400. I kinda just want a reliable and durable tool for working on homework and using the internet at home and at school. I want something that will last and take a little abuse such as being crammed into a backpack with heavy books.

What do you guys think?


As a side note: I was thinking of getting a T400 off the outlet, but I'm a little hesitant after this experience from the Dell outlet.

 

A couple thoughts:

First, no notebook is perfect. While people in the Lenovo forum generally prefer Lenovo, I think most of us also have respect for the Latitude series.

Secondly, the issues you noted above do not sound like outlet specific issues.

Do you consider any of the issues you mentioned to be "make or break" issues ? Have you updated the drivers ? Talked to Dell tech support ?

 

I have used an E6400 for work.

I found the build quality to feel heavy duty, but would not want to knock it around because of Dell's "brushed" look. It feels sturdy but doesn't have the nice rubber coating or muted looks of a Thinkpad that wouldn't might getting some bumps and scratches.

That being said. I disagree with the screen protection. It felt solid to me and did not flex very easily. Very solid, just not something I'd want to bump around as I said because it looks "too nice" (I don't like the looks, but it isn't black and rubbery coated ).

The screen on the thinkpad are not going to be great either. I had a WXGA screen on my Dell, and it was nothing to complain about for business use.

I agree that the touchpad doesn't feel great and the "trackpoint" is no where near thinkpad quality of course. The keyboard also felt bouncy and was annoying to type on over a long period of time for lack of tactile response. The E4300 felt much more solid, but nothing spectacular.

So that being said this is a tough choice for sure. But I definitely like carrying around a thinkpad that I don't mind bumping around and scratching (because the rubber coating doesn't really scratch very easily). The dell is too flashy in my opinion.

Sorry I didn't help .

 

if you don't like the screen on your e6400
you are going to hate the one that comes with the t400

 

Ignoring the other differences between these two notebooks, I just want to mention that the 14.1" notebook displays are of extremely low quality in general and you should avoid them if you really care about this aspect. I'm saying this as I saw your thread in the .Dell section, you aren't going to improve the display on the E6400 in any way. It has horrible contrast ratio, black levels, color gamut and viewing angles, none of which are really fixable with any sort of calibration. That's been the case with these displays for ages.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Latitude-E6400-Notebook.12875.0.html
http://www.notebookjournal.de/tests/dell-latitude-e6400-641/4

The 14.1" WXGA+ displays on the T400 (or any other notebook for that matter) will be similarly bad or worse (yes, there is worse) depending on the manufacturer. The "High nit" panel that Lenovo offers is one of the very few exceptions and is supposed to be of much better quality (contrast ratio, black levels, and viewing angles) than the rest, but it's only WXGA if that works for you.


Also, if you want to have a notebook with at least decent display, you should do your homework. Below are the two sites that provide objective measurements.

www.notebookcheck.net/
www.notebookjournal.de/

 

Thanks for that reply.

I know that I probably won't get a improved display with the T400 but will I get improved durability and just a generally better engineered product?

 

Yes, if you don't mind its looks.

 

Thinkpads ar very durable machines.
I have owned several of them and none of them failed on my, the LID hinges do not loose over time as other brands including Dells.

I agree with the 400-nit panel being nicer than the stanard led display, but the machine cost will be higher.

BTW, I love the looks.

 

I actually really like the looks of the Thinkpad.

 

Unless you get the high-nit low res screen, it won't be better than the one you currently have. If that's not a concern, then pull the trigger already.

 

I'm gonna peruse the outlet and find a good deal. Of course I gotta contact Lenovo and find out which screen exactly is with each computer which is one downside of the outlet.