Thinkpad W500 or W700

Hello!

I am trying to decide between W500 and W700. Can someone help me understand the main difference between W700 and W500? is the price difference between the two justified?

Thanks
/Ray

 

One thing the W700 has built-in Wacom digitizer. If that's something you'll need then go with the 700. Both of them are really nice and I think you get a lot of good machine for the $.

 

The W700 will soon have quad-core processors and a secondary screen.

 

Ain't this laptop (W700) a little overpriced for what it offers?

 

If you just want to go on the Internet, then probably yes. The Wacom digitizer is optional.

 

The W700 is NOT for price sensitive consumers.

It is designed for CAD/Graphics professionals that want a mobile (luggable) workstation with performance on par with a desktop. This class usually doesn't care much about price, and instead requires maximum performance, resolution, and features (e.g. digitizer, color calibration, workstation GPU).

For most users I would recommend either a T400 or x200. Both of these will give you a light package with superior battery life, good performance, and a competitive price point.

 

I am looking to buy a laptop for mobility (desktop replacement) preferably a thinkpad. I will be loading multiple real time trading applications. I noticed the w series and was curious if the w700 was more of a cad designing/mac counterpart.

 

I wouldn't call the w700 a Mac counterpart (it is much different from the 15 or 17" MBP), however it definitely is focused on CAD/Graphic design.

The W500 is also slanted towards graphic design, however the ultra high resolution screen (up to 1920x1200) may be very useful for running multiple real time trading applications (lots of screen real estate).

Display output is probably your limiting factor as I doubt your trading applications require that much processing power.

 

Well there are 2 things that would turn you away from the W700. Its size / weight and its price.

There are 2 kinds of notebook users. Those who primarily keep their notebook in one place, but from time to time move their notebook. For example, you may keep it in your office but take it with you when you travel, or you may take it with you home at night. Generally the size and weight isn't as big of a problem for these "desktop replacements".

Then there is the folks who are constantly moving their laptops and using them on the go. Size and weight will be very important to you.

The W700 is probably the most powerful laptop on the market. It is excellent for CAD and photo work. I considered it but I ended up purchasing the W500 because it offers plently of power for CAD work (which I do extensively) but it also gives me the mobility I need (I move around a lot too).

Hope that helped.

 

Thanks for all the help! I am convinced on the W500, putting in my order right now. I have owned the T series for many years and love the Thinkpad brand!

 

Congrats on your purchase, I hope you enjoy your new power beast!