Which 16:10 machine to get?

After trying very hard to find affordable 16:10 machines, I have following two options to choose from -
1. ThinkPad SL410 2842-7ZQ : T5870(2GHz), 2GB RAM, 320GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1280x800 LCD, Intel 4500MHD, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn wireless, Bluetooth, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, DOS license

2. ThinkPad SL500 2746-Q7Q : T5870(2GHz), 1GB RAM, 250GB 5400rpm HD, 15.4in 1280x800 LCD, Intel 4500MHD, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, No Preload

I would like to know what seems to be a better option. The SL500 machine costs about 90$ less. My concern is regarding the build quality(keyboard flex, palm rest sag etc.) and heat issues in SL500 vs SL410 as both belong to different generations.
I also have an option of going with the very difficult to find G530, which was one of the last 16:10 value line machines. How does that fare in terms of build quality and heat dissipation?

 

The SL410 is the updated version of the SL thinkpads. I would choose the Sl410 simply because it has the updated hinge design, which is more robust than the one used in the SLx00 Thinkpads (i.e. SL500).

The build quality of the SL410 is better than the SL400, but it is still a bit off from the regular thinkpads.

I think Lenovo have mixed up some details here, the SL410 laptops should come with the 14.0 inch 16:9 LCD rather than the 14.1 inch 16:10 LCD, which is what you are describing (which is also what shows up on the Lenovo database)

I would try to confirm the information for you.

 

During my ThinkPad hunt, I found some SL410s with 14.1" LCD and some with 14". The specs I have posted here come from Lenovo's driver download page.
What is your opinion regarding G530. Reviews highly praise its build quality and heat dissipation. I am a tad concerned about the availability of Windows 7 drivers for this machine though, will check when I have a particular model number.

 

Not sure, about Lenovo's other laptops, i don't really use any consumer laptops.

The G530 hinge doesn't look very strong, and for a machine of this size, the hinge design used on the G530 can be its weakest link.

You don't need to get a new laptop, even a secondhand thinkpads can be a good option.

Try places like marketplace on forum.thinkpads.com or even the marketplace here, but you have to find some information on the custom rules with the import of second hand laptop from overseas (and whether tariffs apply for machine of certain value).

R61, R500 are all good laptops that you should consider (not sure what prices they are going at in your country).