W500 vs. MSI GX630

I am getting closer to deciding on a laptop I think, and would like some opinions on above mentioned laptops (if you have any).

I have so far chosen the W500 over the T500 for one reason...with the current sale on the lenovo website I can get the W500 configured like I want for barely $100 more than the T500. I may do some occasional CAD work on the laptop and the graphics card in the W500 is certified by Autodesk...i know the T500 is based on the same chipset I believe, but this eliminates any guesswork.

The MSI GX630 graphics card (Nvidia Geforce 9600 GT) is not certified, but it is on the recommended list...the only thing that makes me lean towards the MSI is the price is $200 or so less than than the W500. My concern is the build quality though.

I wouldn't be doing much if any gaming, but this will be my desktop replacement. Any comments/thoughts appreciated.

 

Dear OC,
When are you going to consider that there is a computer in there? Yes, its true that egineering teams work to stay competitive but money is not a criterion for determing the quality of a machine.
-Renee

 

Thanks for the response Renee.

I did re-read your post again Renee...a lot of the reviews on the GX630 I read commented on some build issues with the laptop....that is my main concern...not that price is directly related to quality.

 

Dear OC,
Thankyou for the quick and most courteos response.

I've read a variety of comments on the machines. There are as many predominant accounts as the are machines.
The consensess is on whether on not you will be an aggressive graphics user or not. Agressive graphics users are pushed toward the w500 instead the t500. To be honest with you I think way too much emphasis is placed on the graphics, instead of the processor especially for people who wont be able to update. So, once again it's up to you but for slightly different reasons than stated.

 

If build quality is your primary concern, then the W500 makes the most sense for you. I found this review just now via Google:

http://techreport.com/articles.x/16211/2

I don't know if you'll be using an external monitor (though you did say this would be a desktop replacement), but for a CAD user, I would rule out the GX630 for its low-resolution screen alone.