t520 anytime soon before i go for a mbp 17??

does anyone have any idea when the new T s are going to release? they did not show up on ces but rumor from china said they will be up for sale by the end of January... I have experience with both PC and mac though I prefer PC better since most of my task runs on PC. however mbp do have few advantage over thinkpads. need help with decision.

mbp
pro:
better screen (very important to me)
better battery life (also very important)
light weight for 17" (probably same weight as T5xx + 9 cell battery)

con:
pricey
had to run virtual machine for windows apps (dos, older engineering modeling software, CAD...)

T520
pro:
can have very nice screen (if FHD option offered)
matte screen
sandy bridge
can take more abuse (not really a concern since I've taken good care of my electronics all the time)
native windows os
better graphic perhaps?

con:
NOT out yet!!!
the configuration can be pricey (sandy bridge, FHD, 9 cell, discrete graphic..etc)

by now I can probably get a used mbp 17 i5 for ~1700USD, assume if a t520 also cost as much which one would you pick?? I don't know if the new T s are worth waiting...

 

None of us have any idea. Most likely it should be VERY soon that they will at least announce it. It will probably become available to purchase around the April time frame.

 

How long do you plan to keep the laptop? If it's 4-years, you should wait and see what Lenovo has to offer since a month is not much relative to the length of time you'll end up using the laptop you buy. If you only keep a machine a couple of years and can be more productive right away on the MBP then go for it now, even after Lenovo announces the T-series it won't be available immediately.

Another pro I'd add for the MBP is that it has a backlit keyboard, which I find very handy. A pro I would add for the T520 is the pointing stick and better keyboard, personally I'm much more productive with the best keyboard and pointing stick available.

Don't forget that for your Windows apps you'll need to have a copy of Windows, so if that means buying a license you should add it to the cost of the Mac. I see a lot of computer science guys and engineers with MBP's these days, so you wouldn't be an anomaly by going that route.

 

you can buy a new T510 today with an FHD display for less than the used MBP.   that seems a more logical comparison.

besides, apple haven't announced their sandy bridge systems, either.   buying an MBP carries more risk since apple always finds a way to make their old stuff feel outdated and uncool.

you'd be wise to either buy a current system while prices are low or have some patience and wait for the new stuff to hit the market.

 

very true, apple's marketing approach disgusts me but the design of mbp is still very tempting. looks like im holding off for another month or two

 

I'm also considering both these machines. And to me, the only advantage the MBP has over the thinkpad is the screen real estate and the design. And I really wanted to get another mbp too.

 

If you are willing to even consider spending $1700 on a previous-gen used machine, I would say that you already had your mind set on the MBP.