X220 or T520 (purchase advice)

I've ordered an X230 but the wait is killing me and I need a machine now (using old work T400 that's locked down with admin stuff).

I sat and honestly thought about my usage needs. They are simple...a good, fast, reliable computer that will last at least 3 years. Don't game but appreciate a great keyboard and prefer high-resolution. I don't NEED the latest gen machines. Besides, the performance is very close to the 220/520 family.

I found two on eBay that fit these needs. First, a T520:

Lenovo ThinkPad T520 i7-2620M NVIDIA 4200M 8GB 1080P FHD 9 Cell Win7PRO Laptop 645743316423 | eBay

Second, an X220:

Lenovo ThinkPad X220 i5-2540M 4GB 320GB 12.5" IPS UltraPortable Webcam Win7PRO 645743279643 | eBay

Resolution aside (I've owned an X220 tablet and W520 before w/FHD) so I know what to expect.

At these price points, which is the better buy? Both are refurbs, which don't scare me.

Don't care too much about portability.

Thanks

 

T520 FHD, it is.

(My T510 FHD is still flying.)

 

Thanks. Even though I don't need portability that much, the X-series has always been attractive to me due to the ease of in-lap use.

Plus, it would be almost $400 cheaper than my X230 preorder (that was supposed to "ship" yesterday and isn't even being built yet).

Grr...can't decide...the IPS vs. FHD is a tough one for some reason...

 

Bah, just got the T520. I plan on keeping this machine for years, and the FHD will make it feel newer, longer. Thanks! Now hoping I can cancel the X230 order tomorrow morning (still showing as "sent to production" and Lenovo is closed currently)...

 

Which the X220 is unarguably smaller than the T520, the latter is still a portable machine and I'd go for that just for the FHD. I use my W520 in my lap, bed, sofa, whatever all the time and I have no issue with it.

As of now, it looks like the T520 you've link has sold

 

Guess who bought it?

 

Oh Kaso, you're such a tease!

 

Yeah, I bought the one on the auction. Will be here Saturday.

I feel a bit like a sucker after pricing out a T530 with similar specs. The T530 (B&N Gold) was only like $80 more w/3yr warranty.

Oh well. Hopefully the T520 will last at least 3 years...darnit.

Did I screw up?

 

You should buy a laptop when you need one, and buy the best one at the time that meets most of your criteria.

Because of your time constraint, I'd say you did a good job in purchasing it as you got one when you needed one.

 

Needless to say the T520 is a solid machine. Mine has handled everything I've thrown at it and then some. It's been rock solid and replaced my old 15" Macbook Pro and I enjoy using the Thinkpad ALOT more because it isn't so high maintenance!!

 

No. The keyboard in the T520.

 

Thanks everyone. I was feeling buyer's remorse after pricing out the T530, but now that I think about my Thinkpad use over the past 12 years, I'm honestly a fan of the older keyboard design. I'm sure the new chiclet design is nice, but it would probably grate on me after switching.

Assuming the T520 is without faults (it's a refurb) I should be good for several years. And it's out for delivery today!

Lastly, of course my X230 order, which just entered production yesterday, shipped last night...called Lenovo yesterday and canceled, they said it may ship (and it did). The lady I spoke with said they would note my account so I can return it without a re-stocking fee. Hopefully that rings true because the last thing I need are two Thinkpads.