Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
Looking to get a T61, maybe T61p.
No games, no 3D. No page layout, photoshop, etc. (use a MacPro desktop for those). Nothing exotic.
I'd use the ThinkPad for:
--Heavy Web browsing and Web site reviewing.
--Viewing videos, mainly business presentations. Looking at dozens of CDs and video downloads each day.
--Email.
--Word.
Speed and image quality are the main thing. Fast Web downloads, fast CD/video loading.
Whichever ThinkPad I get, will go with
--9300 2.5ghz processor
--Windows XP (maybe Vista later)
--Will add ram later to max. usable
--7200rpm drive
So...as far as the GPU, goes, will I notice any speed difference between the X3100, or the nVidia 140 or 570 graphics cards? And will videos run any better?
Penny for your thoughts.
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Me too.
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Given those needs, I'd say go for the X3100. You'll get good 2D graphics, basic 3D performance (if/when needed), and noticeably longer battery life.
Having a dedicated graphics card would definitely be overkill for web surfing, viewing CDs/DVDs, e-mail, and word processing.
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The X3100 sounds the best choice. If you are unsure about future uses, you can play it safe and get a 140M but given what you said above, it is not required for those tasks. The X3100 will give substantial longer battery life indeed (up to 1 or 2 hours more based on configurations and uses) so it's a big factor to consider. If you do not need to do heavy work, I would even suggest a T8xxx CPU at most if you want the latest technology at reasonable price. You can cut cost further by using a T7xxx or even T5xxx (if it’s available on the model your looking at) CPU but it will be a bit less energy efficient and will generate a bit more heat (not that the laptop will put in fire or anything).
In your case, as you said, it is best to put your money on more RAM than big CPU or video cards. Your requirements aren’t that high so you can cut quite a bit on the cost if you want or play safe and get a few things more powerful if you got the budget. A rule of thumb is: buy for the present need and plan for a little more power than your current need, but don’t go crazy at making it overpowered. Do not buy with long-terms upgrading in mind IMO. Buy right now for the need you have now. We always end-up buying a new PC after 3 to 4 years (less for many ppl). I got an old laptop here I’m typing with.. I could get it from 512 MB RAM to 2 GB… Will I do that? Probably not. Why upgrade this old technology when I can update all aspects of the PC with a new one. That’s what I did… T61 on its way
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Thanks, everyone, for the helpful feedback. It looks like less is more. I can certainly use the bucks elsewhere.
I guess I just assumed if the nVidia cards had more horsepower, that would apply across all applications. But if they don't make videos and DVDs load faster and run sharper, what's the point?
Will I notice the difference? X3100, nVidia 140, 570
Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by macandpc, Mar 18, 2008.
