narrowing W, L, T, E, other

[fombusee]

I started looking at Lenovo Thinkpads (15”; W540, L540, T540, and E540). Are they that much different, or could one select components and get the same computer from a different starting model?

On another thread, I saw strong recommendation for the Dell Precision and perhaps HP Elitebook laptops. Would the trackpoint be sorely missed? How do the keyboards compare? They don’t show good pictures of the keyboards, but it looks like some of the touch pads are off center, even without the number pad.

At first glance, Dell seems to allow more part configuration, but I did see lots of accessory and software add-ons in the “configuration” options of one system, and many parts had no options.

[fombusee]

I don’t need any touch-screen function.

The system at Dell that I looked at was preconfigured, hence the very limited part options. The Dell Precision laptops are generally part-configurable. I learned that the M4800 is a larger chassis (heavier) than the M2800 for bigger cards. The M3800 is very thin and light, with the latest tech and a premium price.

[dr_st]

Well, for start, both the Precision and Elitebook series have trackpoints, though arguably the implementation is not as good as on a Thinkpad.

[fombusee]

On another thread, I saw strong recommendation for the Dell Precision and perhaps HP Elitebook laptops. Would the trackpoint be sorely missed? How do the keyboards compare? They don’t show good pictures of the keyboards, but it looks like some of the touch pads are off center, even without the number pad.

Dell has something called the trackstick for the M4800. Is it available for the M2800, and is it the same as a trackpoint?

I am pretty sure the M4800 has the number pad, and the track pad/device is off center. Someone said (elsewhere) the M4800 keyboard was better than the current thinkpad keys and closer to the older thinkpad keyboards.

[fombusee]

Well, for start, both the Precision and Elitebook series have trackpoints, though arguably the implementation is not as good as on a Thinkpad.

Thank you. I didn't see your post till after I hit send on my previous post.

Related: Did Lenovo cheapen their own trackpoint device? (Thought I read that)

"Dell seems to allow more part configuration..." Actually, now I see thinkpads are similarly configurable.

[pianowizard]

Take a look at this ready-to-ship $649.00 T540p:

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/th ... 9:0001366C:

If the specs meet your needs, just order it. If you have a Discover Card, order through discovercard.com to earn $64.90 in cashback. It's an extremely competitive deal. I bought one several weeks ago and gave it to someone as a present.

[fombusee]

Is it better to buy a basic build and then add/upgrade parts, or to buy better parts and add-ons initially?

[ajkula66]

Is it better to buy a basic build and then add/upgrade parts, or to buy better parts and add-ons initially?

Generally speaking, the former...but it all depends on what one is intent on upgrading. Basic stuff like RAM, HDD/SSD you're always better off adding later.

If you *must* buy a machine right now, it won't get much better than what is found in pianowizard's T540p link.

If not...I'd suggest waiting for the next generation of ThinkPads.

[fombusee]

The Chassis dimensions and weight for W, L, T, E 540 series are so similar. Again, can one "build" an L from an E, a W from a T, or vice-versa? Maybe the "bodies" are all the same, and only the "lid/display" and hinge are a little different. That would support the strategy to buy the best deal (basic build T540 as suggested) and upgrade parts as needed.

Ok, upgrade memory and storage later. That makes sense. Thank you. I will try that strategy.

[ZaZ]

Personally, I'd try to get something better than the 136x768 LCD for a 15" notebook. You can check the outlet for better pricing too.

[pianowizard]

Personally, I'd try to get something better than the 136x768 LCD for a 15" notebook. You can check the outlet for better pricing too.

I don't know why fombusee keeps referring to the T540p I linked to as "basic". It's very far from basic:

3 years of warranty
Core i5-4300M
1920x1080
8GB of RAM

$649.00 plus tax and minus Discover Card's $64.90 cashback is a super deal. I doubt you can get a better deal from the outlet. BTW, Discover Card's 10% cashback does NOT apply to Lenovo Outlet purchases.

[QWERTY Andreas]

The T and W are quite similar.

The L and E are, however, not similar to other models. They are economy machines and you should try to get a T or W instead.

[emeraldgirl08]

Well, for start, both the Precision and Elitebook series have trackpoints, though arguably the implementation is not as good as on a Thinkpad.

In respect to trackpoints my experience with the trackpoint on the Dell Latitude I recently sold paled in comparison to any ThinkPad trackpoint I have ever used. I did acclimate to it somewhat but when I switched to my X200T I instantly could feel a drastic difference in finesse and positive feedback from the ThinkPad trackpoint. Not sure how to describe the Dell one...it was kinda like what driving a vehicle backwards during rush hour might feel like It just felt like an after thought from Dell. Not sure how the Precision or Elitebook fare in the trackpoint department.

[fombusee]

Piano, You were right. I didn't see through all the details for a while. As soon as I would click to "customize", ~$700 of discount would disappear. They even showed a side-by-side comparison where you can buy with almost every option downgraded and pay $160 more. I ordered the pre-configured build. You are also right that virtually every option was steps above the most "basic" choice. Thank you for the good suggestion.

[Saucey]

I thought the trackpoint was fine on the HP Elitebook 2760p, though it was missing a middle scroll, something I grown too accustomed to.
That model is similar to X201t, except it uses 1.8" SATA drives.
Reinstalling Windows 7 was a nightmare however, the drivers from HP didn't work, had to get a Dell wifi driver and a random Wacom driver from their site.

I've yet to try a Dell... hopefully that changes.

[Tomplee]

W and T are metal bodies, exclusive finish, thin, ips displays.
L is plastic body, proffesional budget but fully maintainable and robust, a bit less thin, no keyboard backlit.
I had all W, T, E and L in my hands and decided for L due best value for money. But FHD display is a must.
E model is consumer level device with some cheap design elements. Surprisingly L looks very similar to W, not as in previous generations where Ls were thick bricks. But E looks very different and cheap to me compared to L. That is my impression.

[ajkula66]

The only IPS display on T/W is the 3K one, everything else is TN and not the best quality ones...