need advice on thinkpad r400 purchase

Hey all,

I have a lenovo thinkpad r400 picked out and was wondering if i went overboard in choosing some of the specs for what i will be using the computer for. I don't do much gaming and use my computer for a lot of school wor, usually running alot of programs at once. I also wanted something that will last me for a while (4-6 years as my last thinkpad lasted 7) without having to upgrade.

Any suggestions would be helpful. Here it is:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.53GHz, 6MB L2,1066MHz)
- could upgrade to t9600 or downgrade to t8400 or t8600?

Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Business downgrade to Windows XP Professional

Display type: 14.1" WXGA+ TFT
- is WXGA better than WXGA+?

System graphics: Intel GMA X4500

Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
- this is the maximum memory (could have chosen 3 or 2 GB options)?

Hard drive: 160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
- options include 160 GB 5600rpm, 250 GB 5600 rpm, and 200 GB 7200 rpm

Intel Turbo Memory hard drive cache: Intel Turbo Memory 1.6, 2GB
- this is extra....should i get it?



Thanks

 

For the CPU I'd get the P8400 unless you run a lot of CPU intensive tasks like Handbrake. The P series get better battery life.

If you get Vista Busines you can run whichever you prefer. Seems like a good idea to me.

WXGA+ offers a modest bump in resolution. More stuff fits on the screen, which translates into less scrolling, but text is smaller. I guess it depends on how good your eyesight is. I don't find WXGA and WXGA+ all that different as opposed to XGA and SXGA+. It's probably not a huge deal either way.

Get the minimum hard drive and memory then upgrade it yourself. It's very easy. You can get the Hitachi 7k320 here for $50. A 2GB stick of memory probably runs $30, maybe less if you can find a deal. Keep in mind the maximum memory for XP or 32 bit Vista is 3GB. If you're going to run those, don't waste your money buying more.

There's no turbo memory in XP and I'd say it's an idea that hasn't reached it's full potential yet or even close.

 

thanks for the quick response!

If I go with 64-bit vista instead of xp should I get the internal memory and 4GB of RAM? Is it even worth using the 64 bit vista OS?
Also, is the 7200 rpm better than the 5600 rpm hard drive?

Thanks again for your help Zaz.

 

Its up to you but I'd say yes, on both counts. You may not notice the difference but someday you may run into situations where you will want it. I did computer work, I definately wanted all I could have. I'd say upgrade on all counts.

 

intel turbo memory is useless. There's about ten million threads on this forum about how it doesn't really work worth a .

Check out the first few threads here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/search.php?searchid=3680500

If you get a 64 bit os, then it can use the 4gigs of ram. Otherwise the max is 3, unless you enable memory hole remapping.

7200 vs 5400 is one of the best upgrades you can get. More important than the ram, if you ask me.

 

7200RPM drives have better seek times, how fast data can be found. It's what makes them feel a bit more peppy. Some of the bigger 5400RPM drives have faster throughput than smaller 7200RPM drives, but slower seek times and seem slower. So yes, if you can swing it get the 7200RPM drive. The Hitachi I linked is quite good.

If you run 64 bit Windows or Linux you can use up to 8GB of memory. If you just doing typical stuff like Office, Media, Internet, etc., 2GB is probably sufficient. 1GB works for XP. I wouldn't get the turbo memory. You can always add it later if you feel the need.

 

thanks for all the replies!

one last question...will i notice any difference using the t9400 over the p8400 or p8600 with 64-bit vista?

 

Don't buy the RAM from Lenovo...I just added this to my T500 and it works fantastic. As others have said I would upgrade the HD yourself and save some money.

The t9400 is a strong processor but unless you need the need extra power for CPU intensive tasks I wouldn't spend the money. The p8600 is probably a good choice of cost vs. performance and saves you on battery life. You wouldn't really see a benefit with the t9400 in Vista 64 either.

 

I have two almost identical systems, one for work and one for home. One has the 2.4GHz P8600 and the other has the 2.53GHz P9500 (which is the same as the T9400 for the purpose of this conversation). I notice no difference between the two systems and I am a heavy multi-tasker (or "power user"). The P8400 with 4GB of RAM and a 7200 rpm hard drive will be a FAST setup!

 

Intel Turbo Memory 2.0 was introduced with the Montevina platform (Centrino 2) back in July 2008. This article is the best explanation I've seen of how/why Version 2.0 will deliver what was promised from the beginning...and more, perhaps.

I'll remain skeptical, but optimistic, until I see some hard proof either way.