t520 are they serious?????

You have to buy optimus to get a quad core CPU? What a sham, what if I need the quad core but dont need or cannot use optimus as it isnt stable for how I use a computer? Stupid lenovo.

 

I'll tell you what I think is a sham. You have to buy an i7 system to get USB 3.0 ports (for the X220, otherwise it's standard on the Wxx series). Every system but the Wxx series are limited to 8GB RAM, though sandy bridge supports 16GB.
It's economics 101. Take it for what you will. But believe me, I think it's stupid too.

 

Its OEMs pigeon holing us into buying certain technology, and I know there is nothing we can do about it. But I will vent and say it is complete and utter poo.

 

I believe there is a setting in the Thinkpad BIOS to disable Optimus and use the NVIDIA GPU all the time. It'll use more power than integrated graphics though, unfortunately, especially if you don't need the NVIDIA GPU.

Not all Optimus laptops have this, but from what I've heard the Thinkpads do. (could someone confirm this?)

 

The point is I shouldnt HAVE to buy an nvidia card to get a quad core CPU. Its not just lenovo doing this BTW.

 

No way to disable Optimus in the BIOS?

E6520 confirmed to have the option to disable Intel GPU in BIOS.

 

What's the real issue here?

 

As someone already pointed out, it's Econ101. There is far less demand for strong CPU/weak GPU laptops than there is for strong CPU&GPU systems. Lenovo s̶h̶o̶u̶l̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶H̶A̶V̶E̶ probably won't offer the a model with the features you desire because there they have little incentive to do so.

 

You don't have too. Look at a MacBook Pro, Sager, Alienware, etc. You have options. Do you want Lenovo T/W *20 series to support every combination of hardware that you could imagine? There are options outside of Lenovo if your not happy about it

Some companies just throw in all the latest / greatest stuff into their laptops, and offer it at a cheaper price. Trust me, I've been in situations where I have bought laptops that "have everything" for a decent price, but I have had horrible experiences with stability, performance, and reliability of the laptop.

Personally I am happy that Lenovo chooses a decent combination of hardware to provide you with the best possible experience. They may not be out to screw you, they may be making these decisions for other reasons.

 

Thats what I was hoping would be an option. If the intel IGP is able to be the only gpu tuned on its only half bad. Lenovo usually does well with GPU bios options.

Having to buy a gpu that you dont need in order to get another part.

First off I only look at business models as they are the only laptops that will work for me. Second lenovo doesnt have to offer every concievable hardware configuration, and if that was the issue Id be asking for an ati GPU. There is no reason they cant offer a quad core chip in a configurable option 2 with intel IGP. Instead of putting a i5 or i7 dual core throw in an i7 quad core. But no they force you to buy a GPU.

Thats fine, and I understand this point, but when the laptop is offered with both an intel chip and a quad core cpu what harm is done by putting an already offered part in an already offered motherboard configuration? None. Its easy, but like the lack of a dos option they force you to buy somethign you either a) dont want b) dont need or c) cannot use.

What it comes down to is kickbacks.

 

Are you sure this is because they want you to buy a GPU? Again the T Series might not be capable of handling a quad core in terms of cooling? The T Series and W series are also marketed differently. The T is just a general business machine that fits the budget better. What average business user needs a quad?

Not trying to argue, but like i said, there may be other reasons for not allowing a quad.

 

Cant you just buy the CPU and change it?

 

The t520 offers quad cores. If anything adding the Nvidia and a quad core would create more heat. But as for cooling yes the t series can handle a quad core CPU otherwise they wouldnt offer it on the t520.

Sure, but wouldnt you rather just buy what you want and not have to worry about putting in the most delicate part of a computer? Of all the cpu upgrades and replacements if given the choice originally I would do it through the OEM as its cheaper and easier. Ram and HDDs on the other hand are cheaper to upgrade yourself.

 

I still don't see the issue here. The W520 is what it is. Buy the Quad and the 1000M and move on. Set the BIOS to Integrated GPU if you must.

If you find a good quad that meets your needs somewhere else, by all means come back and provide a link to your choice.

But the OEMs are trying to sell SKUs most people want. That also includes Windows not linux. It's just the way it is.

 

Being as though businesses make up for a large amount of customers for thinkpads, along with governments too. Im pretty sure alot of them would be happier saving money on each unit by cutting the OS they dont need (most either have a unlimited license for windows or use linux) or by cutting the GPU.

Not everyone who needs a powerhouse laptop need a GPU and the lack of an option shows either laziness or they are getting kickbacks for forcing us to buy certain options. Either way I dont see how its fair or nice to the customer to force hardware or software on us. But then again business isnt nice, and customer service is a dying trend/business.

edit: Oh and this isnt an OS debate, rather the GPU being forced on those who want a quad core.

 

In those situations, at least with Dell's small business division, they can sell a Windows-free notebook. I've done it.

Every manufacturer is aiming towards their market. While I totally understand your frustration, I considered the T520/W520 for 4 major reasons:

1) I wanted the nVidia card not ATI.
2) I wanted a laptop with a TrackPoint because I dislike touchpads.
3) I wanted quad-core Sandy Bridge.
4) I wanted USB3.

This created all sorts of problems with the usual manufacturer I buy from. I told them why they wouldn't get my business and moved to Lenovo. We all have to do this from time-to-time. Again, I totally understand where you're coming from.

 

business customers can order custom systems if done in large enough quantities.   this includes options of no OS, no discreet GPU card, or even no warranty (seriously).   businesses are very happy saving money this way.   buy enough identical systems in bulk under a corporate account and you, too, could get (almost) exactly what you want.

since the T520 and W520 were recently released, it's difficult to say whether a quad-core CPU with integrated GPU option will be offered in the future for retail customers.   at this point in time, what you see is what you get.

 

Damn...now where did I put my limitless corporate credit card.

 

Even with your card you would be able to customize it unless you buy like couple hundreds - thousand at a time.

 

At that point Sphinx can generously give everyone here a custom T520..

 

With a limitless credit card would buy thousands.

 

I hope this is not off topic. The esata part of the esata/usb combo port is only active on Optimus equipped T520 models according to the latest TAbook.