W530 vs. IdeaPad Y510p ??

I'm close to ordering the Y510p but am also now looking at a refurbished W530 for about the same price. I'm a bit concerned about the flimsy keyboard & touchpad and feel the W530 will be a much more stable machine. I've used ThinkPads in the past and have been really happy with their build quality. Any comments?

Here are the specs on the W530:

i7-3720QM 2.6GHz CPU,
FHD 1920x1080,
4GB DDR3 PC3-12800 RAM,
500GB/7200RPM Hard Drive,
Quadro K1000M GPU,
9-Cell Battery,
Bluetooth 4.0,
HD Webcam,
Intel Advanced Wireless,
Fingerprint Reader,
Dual Layer DVD Burner,
Windows 7 Pro 64-bit OS w/ Lenovo Recovery Disks,
Warrantied till 7/2014

Any major processor issues between the newer i7-4700 & the i7-3720QM? How does the Quadro K1000M (2G) compare with the NVIDIA 750M in the Y510p? How do the FHD screens compare? Any wireless issues? Does the W530 provide an mSATA connection?

I'd increase the memory and add a large SSD in the near future.

I am not a gamer and will use this machine primarily for 3D CAD, video editing, programming & development work, and general stuff.

What do you think?

 

FHD screen on W530 is the best one on any of the current Lenovo offerings, bar none.

For someone who doesn't game, W530 will likely serve your purposes very well.

My $0.02 only...

 

Luck always plays a significant role in whether things work out, but I'd have to agree, the W530 seems much more suited towards your uses.

 

Any comments on how the Quadro K1000M (2G) compares with the NVIDIA GTX 750M in the Y510p? How about differences between the K1000M and K2000M?

 

The K1000M is significantly lower-powered than the 750M. Even on professional graphics applications for which the K1000M is optimized, I don't imagine much of an improvement over the 750M. I'd go with the K2000M upgrade, as it's roughly twice as powerful as the K1000M and much closer to the 750M. The K2000M should also be better than the 750M in professional graphics applications.

 

If you can, I'd definitely go for the K2000M as djembe says, as it'd be more powerful in CAD than either the K1000M or the 750M (even in SLI). As for your other questions:

1) The FHD display on the W530 has a higher color gamut than the 1080p Y510p display (something like 95% NTSC for the W530 and ~60%? on the Y510p).
2) Personally, I haven't seen any WiFi issues with either the W530 or the W520, both using the Intel 6300 card.
3) Yep, the W530 has an mSATA slot. IIRC, it also works for cellular connections, if you're interested, though you can only connect one thing at a time.
5) There's not much of a performance difference between the i7-3720QM and i7-4700MQ. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

Thanks for the info. Yes, my desire is to go with the K2000M if at all possible. The issue at this point is trying to find something at a reasonable price. Has anyone purchased from Computer Upgrade King in the past? They are offering the W530 for $1469 in the following basic configuration:

i7-3740QM
500G 7200rpm
K2000M
FHD (1920x1080) Display
4G RAM
DVD-RW
6205 Wifi
Win7 PRO
All the usual stuff: Bluetooth 4, Camera, 9-cell battery, etc.

This is quite a bit cheaper than I've found anywhere else with a K2000M. They will also do the basic upgrades at what seems like reasonable prices (with 3-year warranty):

4G to 16G (4x4G) 1600MHZ memory -- $65
500G HDD to 1TB 7200rpm -- $75
BD-RW with Supermulti 8X DVD+-RW + DL 24X CD+-RW -- $75

So, with 16G memory, 1TB 7200rpm HDD, and a Blue-Ray burner, the price is $1684. Sure, I could easily do these upgrades but I think their prices are lower than would I could buy the components for and they'll install, test, & warranty.

Any comments? Anyone know of anything cheaper?

 

Configure the exact same machine on Lenovo's website and see what the difference is.

If it's within 20% range, I'd call and try to haggle. You've got nothing to lose.

And yes, they *will* haggle.

Good luck.

 

For the kind of portable workstation that you need, paying >US$1,500 is not unreasonable.

I would configure a system at Lenovo that includes things that I could not easily upgrade myself. It should definitely include the i7 QM and the K2000M. I would upgrade the RAM and the SSD -- yes, don't forget this one!

Typically, the SSD is used for boot, OS, programs and critical files whereas the HDD is used for file storage. Either "SSD in main bay + HDD in UltraBay" or "SSD in mSATA slot + HDD in main bay." For the former arrangement, you need to buy an UltraBay HDD caddy adapter (with price ranging from $10 to $60 for basically the same part).

 

Has anyone used Computer Update King (CUK) in the past? Any comments?

I'm not going to deal with the SSD at this point, I'll do that later this year. Does anyone have a BD-RW/DVD/CD combo-drive for the W530? What models will work & what is the price-range?

Getting the exact same machine configuration from Lenovo is difficult since they don't offer a 1TB 7200rpm HDD nor the BD-RW/DVD/CD combo-drive and I certainly wouldn't purchase RAM from them without knowingly breaking the bank. I'll look at this a bit differently. The basic configuration from CUK is $1469 (i7-3740QM, FHD, K2000M, 4G, 500G 7200rpm, 6205 wifi, DVD, Win7 PRO), a similar configuration (with an additional 4G & the 6300 wifi (just $20 more)) from Lenovo is $1669 (with their current 15% discount applied). So that puts the price from Lenovo about 10% greater (really about 25% off standard pricing). I guess I might be able to haggle with Lenovo to get it down close to that but should I?

So, for an additional $215 I can get 16G RAM, 1TB 7200rpm HDD, and the internal BD-RW/DVD/CD combo-drive with them installing, testing, and picking up a 3-year warranty on all the added components. I believe this also includes them doing a fresh install of Win7 PRO on the 1TB drive. All that for $1684 seems pretty good. Any comments?

Another approach might be to get the base configuration from CUK for $1469 and pick-up and install my own TravelStar 1TB 7200rpm HDD ($85), 16G memory ($120), and find a BD-RW drive that will work (cost?). This would be a bit more $$$ (but I could do it over the next few months) and it would give me an additional 4G of memory (for a total of 20G) and an additional 500G 7200rpm drive that I could put in with a drive caddy. I'd also have an extra DVD drive.

Would the W530 come with installation CDs for Win7 PRO? Or would I have to clone the 500G if I wanted to boot from the 1TB? Appreciate any help.

 

Neither.

You can burn your own recovery CDs/DVDs - once only - on every new ThinkPad.

 

Good price. Let CUK take care of everything.

(Extra info: Primitive But Effective: Lenovo W520 and a Replacement Blu-Ray Drive)

 

So today...while waiting for a refurbished outlet purchase (with a k1000m) to ship, I scored a new unit with the following: 3740, k2000m, 8 gb, 1080P, rest standard 500 gb hdd, no msata). Price < $1420 (excl tax)

The outlet deals lately have been really good, but all missing the k2000 (ive seen . My purposes are essentially mobile workstation (lightroom, vegas, matlab, development) and occasional gaming (BF3). Glad I was able to get this before my outlet order shipped. I gained k2000m over k1000m and i7 3740 over 3630. Yes it cost me more than my refurb with 3630 and k1000 and coupon(!), but not much more than the diff in adding the parts on a new build. Again, I bought new...computer upgrade king from what ive been reading is possibly refurb with upgrades. Nothing wrong with that. ... just understand what you are getting. If new, great. Otherwise, just be aware. If I didnt score this slickdeal this morning id probably be rocking a k1000m and 3630 next week, but would have regrets.

One of my Google searches turned up an NBR thread about CUK that is worth reading: http://forum.notebookreview.com/reseller-feedback-forum/675025-computer-upgrade-king.html Again....this site has really good prices if you are in the market, they have good feedback etc... so not trying to knock them but search is a good tool. If I couldn't score a new deal I would def consider CUK

Let the flames (or thanks?) begin.


Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

I made the decision to go with a NEW W530 from CUK. Ordered on Tuesday and it's due tomorrow (Friday). Here's what I got:

i7-3740QM
16G RAM
1TB 7200rpm HDD (Hitachi TravelStar)
FHD (1920x1080)
K2000M
BD-RW (DL) (Blu-ray/DVD/CD Combo Read-Write)
6205 Wireless
Win 7 PRO
3 Year Lenovo Warranty + 3 Year CUK Warranty on the Upgrades (RAM, HDD, & BD-RW)

Got it for $1684 (no TAX and $10 shipping) and they did all the upgrades. I read all I could about CUK and really didn't find too much bad stuff about them. I also talked with them directly and overall I feel pretty good about them. Hopefully I won't have to post back any problems.

Really looking forward to getting the new machine! Best of luck with your purchase.

 

Thats really a good deal, all things considered. Are you sure about that "Lenovo Warranty" though? Pretty sure that is one year = "up to one year" if you read their FAQ. Unless I missed something?

Either way...let us know how your new toy is tomorrow. Cant wait to get mine!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

Running the laptop's serial against Lenovo's database will quickly reveal the truth...and if doesn't come back with a 3-year mark, time for a call to the re-seller...

I do hope that OP paid with credit card...

Good luck.

 

I talked with CUK directly about the warranty. Their latest batch of W530s have Lenovo warranties running till 9/4/2016. My CUK contact will certainly hear back from me if my machine turns out not to have this warranty. But, truthfully, I would have made the purchase with only a year, since that's what you'd get directly from Lenovo anyway (without purchasing any extensions). Will post back tomorrow.

 

Gaming laptop vs Workstation laptop?

Oh boy, apples to oranges

 

Not sure I understand your point. I started this thread to get some help on comparing the W530 & Y510p to help me make the best decision for my needs. For what I need now, I think the Y510p would have performed OK and would have met my basic needs (at least as known today). I really don't view the Y510p as simply a gaming machine, it has strong processor options, the ultraBay for some level of expansion abilities, and although the 750M GPU is more focused on speed then precision, it should provide reasonable performance for basic CAD & engineering work. With help from the various posters, it became clear that the stronger construction of the W530, better keyboard & touchpad (and addition of the trackpoint control), better battery performance, greater ability for expansion (i.e. RAM, mSATA, ultraBay, etc.), better FHD screen, and stronger engineering-focused GPU made it pretty clear that the W530 was the "right" choice for me. But, of course, that decision came at a price but I believe it was worth it. I'll post back info when I get the machine later today.

 

The new machine has arrived! It showed up well packed and with all of the installed hardware. Fortunately, I don't have much negative to report yet. The only minor issue I've found so far is that it only has the ThinkLight, it does not appear to have the backlit keyboard. I expected the backlit keyboard but I'm really fine without it. I'll check with CUK about it on Monday.

It certainly looks new and has the new-smell (I know, I'll try to NOT get too technical!) and I'm pretty happy with the overall W530 build quality. The manufacturing date on the box is 07-05-2013. The new chic-let style keyboard is a bit of a change from the old-style but it has a very nice positive & solid feel and I'm actually liking it. The TouchPad is a little jerky but it's not flimsy in any way and I'm pretty sure it will be fine once I can get it re-adjusted for my likes. I've installed the updated Lenovo drivers and the Win7 updates.

I haven't done much with software installs yet, only managing to get my video editor installed and have spent a few minutes viewing some HD video and the FHD screen is absolutely beautiful! The processor seems to be humming along well (I'll do some benchmarking later). The Wifi (6205) appears to be working really well with overall wifi speed is much better than I've seen from any of my other machines.

Unfortunately, I can't verify the 3-year warranty yet since the Lenovo warranty check site is down until Sunday.

I'll continue my explorations and let you know if I find any other problems. And I'll post back on the warranty confirmation once I can get it.

 

Awesome...what video editor do you use? I use Sony Vegas that has gpu acceleration....works well on my desktop, curious how the k2000m will perform. I'm also a lightroom user, so looking forward to that use as well.

As for the backlit keyboard....is there a function key or bios setting that toggles it?

Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 4

 

Everything appears good with the W530 from CUK. I haven't come across any other issues other than the lack of a backlit keyboard. I also confirmed the 3-year warranty via the Lenovo site. I've still got to play around with the BD-RW drive and do some more formal benchmarking but at this point I'm really happy with my purchase. I'll post back any other things I find.

As far as video editing software, I use PowerDirector 11. It is screaming fast on this machine!

 

So what is the verdict guys? I am in near the same situation I know minor programming and game creation, going to start school for it in a few months should I go with the more unattractive (out of date to due to a new W580 model coming) or the new dual GPU Y510p they both seem great 16GB of ram fast i7 GPU
seems to be even with a $300 price difference: I am leaning now away from the W and getting the Y to save money I want it to last a few years then upgrade to the (2014 or 2015 W580) is that a good call.

Any and all help would be great thanks my fellow experts!

 

I'm still very happy with the W530. It does everything I need and then some and the speed seems really good. It has held up really well even with the fairly rough handling I give my laptops. No complaints. I absolutely love having on-board blu-ray writing capability. Really have not watched how the Y's are fairing, so can't provide any guidance on that. However, if you are only looking fora machine to tide you over for a couple years then maybe saving the cash and going with a Y makes some sense. Unless you're really pushing the envelope with what you see yourself doing, the Y will probably perform well enough to get you by for a while. See what others say.

 

Thank you by far most helpful unbiased thing I have gotten in terms of info, I hear the W is better for creations but right now in school even the Y is the most powerful laptop in my classes, I think after school ill go with the top top end stuff but for now lets see what cyber monday wants me to get... You think for programming learning and maybe making an app or so will be just fine on the Y?

 

Based on your intended use, I would say the Y should work fine for you. And since you are only looking to get a couple years out of it, it should be fine. The only real differences between the Y and upper-level W are a bit better build-quality on the W, the integrated higher-quality FHD screen & Nvidia Quadro K2000M GPU, a bit better WiFi connectivity, and the ability to go to 32G memory if necessary. But the GPU difference is marginal since the W530 is certainly older technology but the K2000M is certified and does help with many engineering-related applications & CAD.

I think you should be happy either way but will have a bit more $$$ in your pocket if you go with the Y.

 

Both laptops are roughly the same size and weight, and for pricing, refurb W530's hover around the 1200$ mark, Y510p's in new condition are in the 1000-1200$ range. They both use the same size power adapter so portability is pretty equal. Though the W has probably 2x the battery life, due to having Nvidia Optimus not working on the Y due to SLI.

The twin GT 755M's of the Y will output a GTX 775M in terms of performance, whereas the K2000M is similar to a single 650M in terms of gaming performance.

If you are doing DirectX compute (Premiere/AutoCAD/Video games), the Y will bow away the W. However, when doing OpenGL (Solidworks, AfterFX, Photoshop), the W will be the clear winner.

For both laptops, keyboards are pretty much the same (same chiclet keys, slightly different layouts), but the W has the famous trackpoint. Also, the W can use a nice docking station, whereas the Y is limited to USB 3.0 docks.

Build quality is obviously in favor of the W. Gotta love ThinkVantage. For customer support, it's basically the same as long as you use the online chat, bottom line you are dealing with Lenovo. I generally recommend anyone to avoid using phone support, online chat is so much quicker and clear.

The Y has been upgraded to the 7260 Wireless recently, so the poor Wifi is basically gone.

Both laptops have stunning FHD displays, however the W has 95% gamut out of the box. However on XoticPC you can order the Y510p with 95% gamut screen. If you never heard of color gamut, chances are you don't need it.

Finally the W has 4 memory slots, so you can get 32GB of RAM. However 8GB is more than enough for gaming and college engineering. 16GB+ is only recommended for higher-than-1080p video editing, enterprise level CAD, advanced simulations, etc. And frankly, at that point, you would be better served by a desktop.

 

ThinkPad Chiclet keyboards are way better than the IdeaPad "Accutype" keyboards. Much better key shape (Smile-keys), better materials, better mechanisms, more travel ect. IdeaPad keyboards are really bad in comparison. The keys are not nearly the same.

 

Having typed on an L430 recently, i probably do not agree with this. But then again the T/W/X series are probably better in that regard.

All of Lenovo's keys are smile shaped.

 

Again your guys rock ^ I called support and changed my order from custom w to the Y with dual GPU! Again thank you guys soooo much!!

 

Whatever floats your boat. Feel free to try the laptop and return it if you don't like it. Gotta love Lenovo's hassle-free 30 day return policy.

 

Hello,

So my work gave me a W530 to use in the field with 16GB of RAM. I also went with a 256GB Muskin MSATA boot drive, and a 1TB data drive in the 2.5 bay. This unit works great, and I also had the docking station.

I wanted a personal laptop, something I could use if I ever lost the job. So, I looked around and wanted to get a new Alienware (had a M17xR1 before). While I didn't want to drop $2k on the M18x, I saw the Y510P at Microcenter for $999 on sale (which is the reg. price). So, I liked the lighted keyboard, and the fact that it has 2 GPU's and 1 is removable.

I can say that the Y510P seems faster all around. I know that in World of Warcraft (only game I play), it is 100% better in all areas of this game. I also like the ability to remove the 2nd GPU to save power. My only gripe is that I didn't find 1 of the Windows 7 drivers, but it is a non-essential device so I just leave it be. (wonder what driver is missing?).

Considering I got the Y510 NEW-NEW for a little less than $1k (I haggled), and I can only get a used-refurb W530 for that price, I think I would make this choice again and again. I do LOVE the lighted keyboard on the Y510 (I know the W530 does this as well), and I just prefer the overall feel of the Y510. The keyboard seems sturdier and is bigger and has more keys, I like the arrow keys which were not on the W530.

Just my opinion, but cheaper seems better in this case.

David