W520 .vs. T520 Comparison and a few questions

So, I have been getting some great feedback from this forum, and am/was leaning towards the T520. So, almost ready to pull the trigger on the T520 when I got distracted by the W520.

The primary tasks performed will be running one or more virtual machines through VMware workstations.
From the Virtual machines I perform most of my daily heavy lifting for work, which includes large file and database manipulations, as well as some web design.

When I go to the Lenovo site, it appears the W520 to be a much better deal than the T520, see also below.

Also, with the W520, I am spec'd at 8Gig for the comparison, but I like that I'd have to open slots to add 8 more Gig when needed.

16 gig and lots of drive space is really useful when running multiple VM's.





Questions:


What are the general T series versus W series impressions not seen on the web site and other Lenovo materials?

Should I have concern with W series on Size or Weight versus T series?

How do those graphic cards stack up?

Specific to the W520 and drive set ups:

Initial thought is to get the 320 GB, and then upgrade at home.

Ideally, I'd like to put my Momentus XT in place of the 320, and use a MSSD for a system drive, and be able to put the 320 in a bay adaptor, but;

No Micro Solid State Drive config option shows on the site? Can I still add an Intel 310? any other MSSD thoughts?

Bay Adapter: Should I opt for a Lenovo Bay adaptor(OEM), or is there a good alternative?


Basically, it appears to be a slam dunk for the "w", but when things appear too clear or too good to be true..... post a question!



4239CTO ThinkPad T520 - $2,044.00
Processor Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20GHz, 6MB L3)
Display type 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics NVIDIA NVS 4200M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory 8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Camera 720p Camera
Hard drive 250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
Battery 6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 135W AC adapter
Bluetooth Bluetooth 3.0
Integrated WiFi Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)

Subtotal: $2,435.00 Sale Price: $2,044.00 Total savings $391.00





270CTO ThinkPad W520 - $1,879.00
Processor Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20GHz, 6MB L3)
Display type 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics NVIDIA Quadro 1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory 8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Camera 720p Camera
Hard drive 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
Battery 9 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55++
Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 170W AC adapter
Bluetooth Bluetooth 3.0
Integrated WiFi Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Subtotal: $2,790.00 Sale Price: $1,879.00 Total savings $911.00

 

We've answered most of these questions in the W520 owner's thread. I know it's approaching 50 pages but it's worth a glance.

 

Correct!/ Thanks! and I did! Sorry for the duplication!
I think I am about to be the proud pappa of a W520!

 

There is no comparison at the upper end of the T520 range.

It is all "go to the W520" Same size and wt and a lot more capable for the same price.

Perry