What ThinkPad should I upgrade to?

[thePCxp]

I'm thinking of upgrading from my T60 to a W500 or a T61p, but I'm having a bit of a dilemma here. I've heard that the T61p has an issue with the GPU and if I get one that I should get a late-built model, but a friend says that I should stay away from the T61p despite that. He also told me that the W500 has the same issue (with the GPU). I've also heard about overheating issues on these two ThinkPads, but I don't really know what that means. Can anyone clarify these things for me?

I am going to be using my next ThinkPad for graphic design and music production/recording and I need something with a fast CPU and a high resolution screen. I'll only be able to spend anywhere from $300-500 and I need something decent that can handle my current needs that's somewhere in that price range. I'm planning on using it as my main computer for up to 2 years (hopefully after then I'll be able to at least get a W510). My friend has suggested that I get a T500 but I'm not sure if It'll be able to meet my needs. I was also thinking of getting a T61 or T510 but I'm not sure I'll be able to get a T510 and I'm not sure if I should get the T61 because of the GPU issue (even on a late-build model). So what ThinkPad should I get?

[ZaZ]

You're correct that the T61p nVidia GPUs have higher than normal failure rates and boards manufactured after 8/8 are less likely to fail. The failures were a result of a manufacturing defect. The W500 does not have the same issue. Between T61p and W500, I'd pick the W500, especially if it's got the WSXGA+ LCD, which is the best screen of that era. If you can get a T510/W510 or later with the FHD LCD, that's about as a good a TN panel as you'll see.

[thePCxp]

What about the WUXGA LCD, is that good too? If I get a W500 with a WSXGA+ screen will I be able to upgrade to a WUXGA? I'm guessing that I won't be able to buy a W500 with a WUXGA LCD under $500. Also, are there any major issues with the W500 that I should be aware of?

[ajkula66]

WUXGA on these machines is a hit-or-miss situation.

If you're lucky the laptop will have a LG panel which is acceptable.

If not, it will sport a Samsung which is downright atrocious.

Apart from that (major) caveat, W500 is a fine machine.

[thePCxp]

I see. I think I'm going to end up getting the W500.

Thanks George and ZaZ.