t400 wxga vs wxga+

is it that big of a difference? I actually prefer the lower res for its readability. I'm buying a used one and was wondering how much it affected performances in games, general browsing readability.
Also is cffl vs led that much different in power usage?

The 2 t400 i'm looking at has cffl wxga vs wxga+ led. Im planning on playing sc2, and general web browsing.

 

If you prefer the lower resolution, then get it. It usually works better for games because the GPU doesn't have to work as hard at a lower resolution.

 

i would get the WXGA+ LED one, since the CCFL lifespan is only 20,000 hrs, compared to the LED life of 100,000 hrs. Effectively meaning that your LCD would last as long as your laptop would.

 

I would definitely go for WXGA+ LED, because HD3470 is too weak to play SC2, and WXGA+ will shine when you browse webs.

Anyway, you should see them yourself to have final decision, buy whatever fits your eyes

 

^ Agreed. The LED backlit version will last longer. As far as playing SC2 is concerned, I think the T400 will handle it on medium settings with either resolution as long as you're getting one with the ATI HD3470. I haven't played it yet, but the T400 will handle Oblivion maxed out(I have the WXGA+ screen), Far Cry 2 on medium detail settings, and Crysis on low settings, all at native resolution.

 

well my bro has the t400 in wxga and I think its high enough res wise. It also plays sc2 fine on max res low/med settings. I guess besides longer life, I rather go for readability. Thanks guys.

 

the WXGA+ is quite readable, the fonts are not much smaller than the WXGA. I use to own a WXGA LED backlight T400, and personally speaking the WXGA+ is a much better resolution.

If you constantly use your LCD, then the CCFL will dim over time... which is not a big problem with the LED LCD. Also, LED backlight LCD is better in readability than the CCFL LCD.

 

hmm, any pictures of differences

 

As I suggested, see it yourself. Term of "looking better" is not applied for everyone

 

If the OP wants WXGA, why shouldn't they get it? While there's a chance the CFFL will dim over time, it's not a given and maybe they won't notice or care. Resolution is really a personal preference. What works for me, may not for you. If the OP wants big text, which it seems they do, WXGA is the way to go.

 

my 5 yr old dell inspiron seems to be fine brightness wise and its being used all the time. I don't plan on using this any more than 3-4 yrs so I guess its no big deal. By then, i'll just get another thinkpad