Thinkpad T520 vs. Ideapad Z570

IdeaPad Z570 Laptop - 1024DDU $575.23

System components
2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2450M Processor ( 2.50GHz 1333MHz 3MB )
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
Intel Integrated HD Graphics 3000
8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz
15.6" HD Glare with integrated camera 1366x768
Integrated 2.0MP Camera
Industry Standard Touchpad
500GB 5400
DVD Recordable
6 Cell Lithium-Ion
Intel 1000 BGN Wireless
Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR
HDMI (Out)
None
One Year


ThinkPad T520 laptop $817.78

System components
Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
15.6" HD (1366 x 768) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel HD Graphics 3000
8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
720p Camera
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD recordable multiburner
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable

How much different are the processors?

The only major differences I see is the WiFi card. -

Ideapad has Intel 1000 BGN Wireless that can not be upgraded.

Thinkpad has Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)

If I want this system to last 6-8 years, will I notice a difference in the internet connection speed in the future?
Can the WIFI card be upgraded in the future?

The Ideapad does not have Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader. Can they be added somehow if wanted?

The system will be used for business use (Word, surfing, presentations)

Which is a better deal?

Is there a difference in the screens?

Which will have the better battery life?

The deal on the Ideapad will expire on 01.25. If I create a quote, will that deal still be honored in a week?

 

It's glare vs. matte. Be sure you're ok with glare (and low resolution) in case of the Ideapad.

 

The resolutions are the same according to the specs.

What exactly does glare mean? Will it be more difficult to see?

 

You can't add an expresscard to the Z570. If you're trying to get a T520 grade system at the Z570 prices then suggest look at Dell E6520/E5520 at the Dell Outlet. There were recent 25/30% off coupons so worth following Delloutlet Twitter .

 

Glossy vs Matte. Glossy will reflect more, and personally I think it shows fingerprints more as well, but I'm pretty picky about not touching the screen. In an office environment I find glossy to be annoying because of the bright lights and reflections. Matte is my preference overall, but especially more so in office environments.

If this system is going to sit on a desk or only travel occasionally, the ideapad is a good deal. A lot of what you're paying for with the T520 isn't 'on paper' so to speak. Durability, support, software solutions, things of that nature. Both will accomplish what you need them to as far as business productivity goes.

According the the tabooks, the 6 cell in the Z will provide approx 5 hours, the 6 cell in the T will provide approx 7 hours. YMMV but it's a good relative comparison.