Thinkpad T400 vs Ideapad Y450

I need a laptop for college, it will only be used for word processing, internet browsing, and light media. As you can see there is quite a price difference of $132.38 between the T400 and Y450 with tax included.

T400: $696.40 w/tax

14.1" WXGA 1280 x 800 TFT LED
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26Ghz
2GB DDR3 1-DIMM
160GB 5,400RPM
CD-RW/DVD-ROM
6-Cell Battery
Windows Vista Home Premium

Y450: $564.02 w/tax

14.0" 1366 x 768 LED
Intel Core 2 Duo T4200 2.00Ghz
3GB DDR3 2-DIMM
250GB 5,400RPM
DVD-RW
6-Cell Battery
Windows Vista Home Premium

 

I found myself in a similar dilemma a couple weeks back. I had been trolling these forums and been reading up on the y430/y450/t400.
Let me preface my choice by saying that I am a recent college grad and needed something that would get me through the next few years without much worry.

Last week I received my T400 that was spec'd very similar to the one you posted (7200rpm HDD, Camera, Basic 32-bit which is now Ultimate 32bit) and I couldn't be happier. I really enjoy the LED screen. I should have gotten the 7-1 card reader, just to use as a permanent readyboost device.

From what I have read about the Y4XX series it seems like it is one of the better media based laptops in the price range.

The reason I went with the t400 over the y450 is that I wanted a 7200rpm HDD, I didn't want to have Vista premium included in the price, and I wanted something I could take to an office. The price difference to me was worth it.

Josh

 

Thanks for your input, the T400 definitely does look a lot more serious than the Y450 and looks a bit more rugged.

Hmm, I'm still thinking about it but I think I might just go with the T400, it should hopefully last me through 4-years of college and finding compatible batteries/parts might be easier in the future.

Edit: Any idea how fast Lenovo is shipping out the T400's? I need to know whether to order now or later.

 

Mine was in my hand in 10 days from order. A good deal of people would say that it depends on the customizations you choose, and if they are in stock.

Josh

 

I had a t42p that lasted me 5 years through college. It survived many trips to campus as well as a few falls. I just recently picked a y450 as a graduation gift to myself to replace the t42p since I could spec it close to the same as a t400 for a few hundred less. I'm very happy with it as it is strictly a home non-business computer (I have a dell latitute for work). I would definitely recommend you go with the t400 for school though as it will take abuse much better.

 

That's good, reliability and durability are important factors for me. How long does the 6-cell battery last with light usage and dimmed screen? I'd rather get the 6-cell as it keeps me within budget and keeps the system lighter.