upgrade or change to T400?

My primary task of using notebook is for schooling purpose, won't be using for any gaming. However there will be major multi-tasking going on especially when doing project (programming, surfing website 10+ tabs can even go up to about 30 tabs, microsoft words/powerpoint, music, messenger).

The current laptop I have now is Y410. Core 2 duo T5250, 1gb ram.
Should i upgrade to a 3gb ram, get a extra battery, and possibly upgrade the processor too...

Or

Get a T400?:
- Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ Technology
~ Intel®Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9550
~ (2.66GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
- Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
- 14.1" High Resolution WXGA+ TFT LCD Panel (1440 x 900)
- Switchable Graphics Card Technology
~ ATI™ Mobility Radeon™ HD 3470, 256MB Discrete Video
~ Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
- 4GB PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 (Max 8GB)
- 320GB SATA HDD
- Removable Dual Layer Super Multi Writer (DVD+R/RW/RAM)
- Fingerprint Recognition Technology
- Integrated Bluetooth™, IEEE1394
- Intel® 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
- Intel® WiFi Link 5300AGN Network Connection
- Built in 1.3 Mega Pixel Camera, 7-in-1 reader
- Spill-resistant* keyboard, with ThinkLight
- 6-Cell Battery (Up to 6.5 hours)
- Approximately 2.1kg (with optional weight saver)
- 3 years on site warranty (parts & labour)
- 1 year warranty on battery
- Comes with ThinkPad Carrying Case + USB Mouse + Notebook Lock

If I were to get T400, what is the cons of it other than the noise produce from optical drive and 'poor' design that I heard from other people review, which doesn't bother me at all...

 

You mainly need the ram...plus that is cheap enough to try first and see if it meets your needs. Your CPU is fine for what you're doing.

 

the ram upgrade should help with what you do. There doesn't seem to be any real need to get a new laptop (don't know if money is a factor for you or not). Usually you don't need that great of a computer to do stuff for school.

 

i see... so i will just upgrade the ram instead then... ty for the advise

 

Yeah I would go with the RAM first. As posted above there doesn't seem a need to upgrade your CPU just yet. If you going to be using programs such as CAD etc then I can see the need to update.

 

Then why pay for the better GPU? I say stick with what you got. It's probably more than enough to meet your needs and you can always upgrade later. Best bang for the buck is upgrading the hard drive, though bumping the memory to 2GB if you're running Vista isn't a bad idea either. They're selling the 320GB 7k320 for $48 at ZZF right now. Check the deals forum.

 

i asked my friend about what programme we will use in the courses, he told me that we will be using java c++ c# vb... are those programmes processor intensive?

 

Do you know if your current 1GB is a single 1GB module or two 512kb modules? If it's a single 1GB, the cheapest option would be to add a 2GB module in the open slot, making it 3GB total. Otherwise, I'd suggest buying a 4GB kit (here's a great one for $35- LINK). Your 32-bit O/S will only be able to utilize 3.25-3.5GB, but it's just as cheap as buying 3GB.

I'd try the RAM upgrade first because it's the cheapest way to boost performance. I think notice a substantial difference in performance when multi-tasking, especially if any of the programs you're running are memory hogs! I recently upgraded a friend's laptop to 3GB from 1GB because it slowed to a crawl whenever she had iTunes open. Now it zips right along with iTunes and several other apps open simultaneously! :smile:

You might also think about upgrading to a new 7200rpm hard drive later on...

 

hardly, my desktop over 5 years old can do fine running those

 

O.O I see...

Does it deliver to Singapore? If it does, do you know about how long it will take to ship there?

 

I agree. Now if you're really just wanting us to talk you into buying a new notebook, just say the word.

 

No they do not.

 

In this case. they aren't processor intensive unless you write them to be.

 

lol no, i was worry that i will waste money in upgrading it and also ended up having my laptop spoil quickly for not upgrading 'correctly'... i know nothing in programming since my school haven't start yet until the 20th of april and i don't have a background/knowledge of IT either... but now i at least have been rest assure that there isn't need to buy new laptop since everyone recommend to upgrade instead lol