Thinkpad T500 vs T510, Considering new options.

I've looked at both models and put some consideration into it. However, I do have some questions before I begin the thought process. (Just so you know, I'm actually typing this from a Thinkpad T41, so I know about a Thinkpad's reputation, etc. But as we all know times have changed, and every model has their known flaws/flukes.)


1.) How is the durability(calling all the T500 users out there)? Has it held up structurally and aesthetically?

2.)Any issues/problems to consider/expect when getting a T500(software, drivers, common problems, design flaws, etc.)?

3.)Are you happy with your purchase, knowing what you know now, would you make the same decision?

4.)Does anyone happen to know if both the T500 and T510 have a roll cage for the monitor/screen? This feature is actually important to me...it's why I'm deterred from the T410.

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T500 pro's:

-Lots of cheaper parts available(ie: batteries, if I'm not mistaken it uses the same packs as the T61)
-priced lower right now.
-good user base knowledge(has been out for a while, no nasty surprises).

T500 concerns:
-supposed flexing keyboard(have they fixed this problem yet?)
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T510 pro's(It's basically a more updated version all around):
-faster and updated cpu+chipset
-allegedly more improved overall(improved keyboard, interface, plugs, ports, etc.)

T510 concerns:
-too new, not enough reviews or info

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final thoughts

I'd like to say that either way both machines seem pretty decent, that's why I'm considering the T5xx series. For either one I'd get the MAX resolution screen, as I do coding and web development work and would enjoy the extra real estate space. I'm also highly mobile, this machine will be on the go with me, in my backpack filled with papers, and books, hence why a monitor roll cage is highly desirable to me...I've had friends in the field with cracked screens, and I personally have had many cracks in my plastic laptops over the years.

I'd love to hear some input from T5xx users and your experiences with them.


Thanks in advance.

 

T400/410 is more suitable on the go but don't have higher res than WXGA+.

T510's 95% gamut screen option might be worth taken into consideration.

 

Yeah that's the problem, or trade off I should say with the T4xx, as a really high resolution would not be suitable on a small screen(I'm talking about WXGA+ and HD+).

But I'm not looking into getting a T410/400 anyways: smaller res screens, and no roll cage on screen. Not to mention for roughly 1lbs more of weight, I get the higher res+ bigger screen, and roll cage. Which I'm fine with since I'm going to be carrying it on my back anyways.

 

All the older T series have the Mg roll-cage on the screen. But if you are willing to pay a premium for the new CPU and the 95% gamut screen, you should go with the T510 which only has the roll-cage on the bottom.

 

You of all posters should know that is false,

" T510 / W510 has the next Generation Hybrid glass fiber/carbon fiber Roll Cage just like the T410s/T400s/X200s. In the bottom is our Roll Cage to protect the rest of the system. The T410 is a PC-ABS plastic top with the bottom Roll Cage inside."

source

You posted right after that comment on that thread, lol

The T510 has a roll cage on top and bottom, unlike the T410, unless you have the T410(s).

Not too sure about the T500 though, it makes sense to keep the roll cage for the T5xx series though, seeing that the screen is larger and has a larger surface area, it needs the extra backbone to prevent flexing.

 

I'll try to be crystal-clear in the future. You already know enough to make a wise decision...I'd still wait till the reviews come out though.

 

Appreciate it, I didn't mean to be picky or anything. In fact after reading your post, I had to research it because I was gray on the area, I thought it had the upper roll cage, but I wasn't certain, then out came the thread and I saw your post there.

Thanks for the help though.

 

I am really happy with my t500, most of its weaknesses are the "it would be nice if" kind
here are some things I wish it did better:
I got the wxga led backlit screen and the contrast isn't that great, but its still acceptable

The 3 usbs are too close together, 2 of the slots are barely useable together. Most newer devices have skinny enough usb connections, but if you have 2 devices each wider than 7mm, you will only be able to use 2 of 3 ports. I guess you can buy more ports, but I think this is kind of an engineering fail

The rubberized finish rubs off a little at the corners, a peeve but not really noticeable

The asymmetrical bezel gets on some people's nerves, but it never bothers me.
Recently it has been running a bit warmer in ubuntu
In a backpack its not heavy, but carrying it around on one arm can get tiring

otherwise, it gets great battery life for 15incher, has great ubuntu support, love the look, camera is adequate

I think the t510 will be a slightly better machine but of course it will cost more. I read it is a tad thicker, which is disappointing. The t500 was no supermodel, new refreshes should be slimmer or stay the same imo. Also, the gfx card didn't improve as much as it should have; since it has switchable gfx, lenovo should have put a 4650-level card in it, but the nvidia card is only slightly more powerful than the old 3650.
the core i5 does seem to be much faster than the core 2 duo clock-for clock, but I doubt you will notice a major difference in daily tasks.
however, the screen may be much better and there are now 4 usbs, one of which is a combo e-sata.

all in all, for my uses, it seems the t510 isn't worth the extra money. I would definitely wait for some online reviews before getting it. Probably the most important fact is that we don't know the real-world battery life of the thing.

 

The keyboard is not a problem for T500 anymore.

 

I've had my T500 for over a year now and it's been working like a champ. I carried it in my backpack to school along with a book, folders, and notebooks. As said before, the rubber finish will rub off at the corners, but otherwise everything is great. No cracks, bends, or deformities.

I got a replacement T61 NMB keyboard which doesn't flex at all. Lenovo has put in new supports under the keyboard, so flexing should have ceased. The T500 definitely has a roll cage, and it's been useful as I have accidentally stepped on it a few times.

If I could do it all over, I would have ordered one with a higher resolution screen and webcam. Then again, I probably would have ordered an x200 instead for its portability.

 

I also read it was supposed to be a tad thicker, I looked up the specs(which isn't loading for me right now), but I saw that it was thicker and was also disappointed. I agree, with newer platforms that are supposed to be smaller, faster, cooler, and all around more efficient, there shouldn't be much of an excuse to get thicker.


ps, thanks to everyone for the inputs

Hearing that the T500 is quite durable is very promising. But I guess I'll wait it out a bit, we'll see some T510 reviews out there first.