Used Thinkpad T500 or Dell Lattitude?

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thinkpad1 · #1 Post by **thinkpad1** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 2:08 am

I'm browsing used sites (locally) and came across some laptops for sale. Both laptops are just over $300. If I could get either down to $300, what is the better laptop?

I am inclined to think either or the Thinkpad but here is some info:

Thinkpad T500 2081-CTO. The Dell is an E6400.

The ad states the screen is WXGA. For either laptop.

Thinkpad T400 and T500 models probably become more available although usually not in my town/city... probably would require a road trip but at least I know those are sold often (I guess ppl are upgrading or buying new or have to sell, whatever).

Can anyone offer some ideas or comments?

I don't know if I can afford either right now but if I can, what are the pros of each?

I acknowledge most of the choices will be for the Thinkpad but is 1280 x 800 ok on a 15.4" screen?

There are upgrades of the screen but seems like it would be a major project but at least it is an option.

Thanks for any replies!

dr_st · #2 Post by **dr_st** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:33 am

Given the same resolution, it makes no sense to me to go for the bigger machine. The E6400 is a 14" model, lighter and more portable.

rssb · #3 Post by **rssb** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:34 am

A T400 would be comparable ( i.e 14.1" wide ), T500 might be heavier. But check out how hot the machine gets ( E6400 ) , typically Dell's are not good with cooling and heat transfer design. Things could have improved over the years, who knows. If the machine is going to sit in a dock or on a desk it might not matter.

Also in terms of driver support, updates thinkpads seemed to be supported longer esp for T series.

thinkpad1 · #4 Post by **thinkpad1** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 7:36 am

dr_st wrote:Given the same resolution, it makes no sense to me to go for the bigger machine. The E6400 is a 14" model, lighter and more portable.

Yes, the 14" might be more ideal but I thought the Thinkpad is a good price.

rssb wrote:A T400 would be comparable ( i.e 14.1" wide ), T500 might be heavier. But check out how hot the machine gets ( E6400 ) , typically Dell's are not good with cooling and heat transfer design. Things could have improved over the years, who knows. If the machine is going to sit in a dock or on a desk it might not matter.

Also in terms of driver support, updates thinkpads seemed to be supported longer esp for T series.

I read about the E6400 issues with heat and they (E-series) seems to get mixed reviews mostly because of heat complaints.

The two laptops seem to have similar specs, though. The resolution is a bit disappointing but if they're both $300, I guess I shouldn't complain.

They're local so it isn't much of a trip to check out the condition.

Thanks for the replies! Any others are also appreciated!

#5 Post by **lead_org** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 7:42 am

the heat problem isn't as pronounced with E6400 that has the intel GPU.

pianowizard · #6 Post by **pianowizard** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 9:08 am

One thing to consider is how much warranty remains. As far as I know, all Dell Latitudes are sold with at least 3 years of warranty and so this E6400 probably still has some left. However, in order to transfer the warranty to you, you would need to provide Dell with the original owner's contact information. This may be Dell's way of preventing stolen computers from getting warranty service, but it can be a hassle for people buying used computers through eBay or Craigslist.

If I were you, I would choose the Dell because it's smaller and prettier.

#7 Post by **underclocker** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 9:38 am

If the 15.4" size format works for you, I'd go for the T500 and upgrade the LCD when time/money permitted. You can use a WSXGA+ or WUXGA panel from any Z60m/Z61m/Z61p/T60 15.4/T61 15.4/R61 15.4/R500. A 15.4" WXGA panel makes almost as little sense as a 15.6" HD panel!

T500's run quick and cool, they are solid machines and are also easily upgraded.

thinkpad1 · #8 Post by **thinkpad1** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:10 am

The T500 is a bit over $300.... I figure it's not too outrageous to ask for about $20-$40 off at least?

The Dell asking price is a bit lower. If I think if there's a way to buy one of these, I suspect price will ultimately choose which one.

I prefer a 14" screen so the Thinkpad T500 is a bit larger than I want but it's not a big deal. I'm more concerned with the resolution with that size screen. I would have to invest more to get a 1440x900 res screen, right? Hopefully, it's not much. I could wait to do that mod, though. No rush.

Good point about the Lattitude heat not being so bad with the Intel graphics.

Thanks for the warranty info. I'll be sure to inquire about that with the seller.

There are some T400s for sale but out of town and asking price is $400. I doubt I could get that low enough.

I haven't checked the marketplace here but I suspect sellers usually don't go down more than $50?

thinkpad1 · #9 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 5:23 am

underclocker wrote:If the 15.4" size format works for you, I'd go for the T500 and upgrade the LCD when time/money permitted. You can use a WSXGA+ or WUXGA panel from any Z60m/Z61m/Z61p/T60 15.4/T61 15.4/R61 15.4/R500. A 15.4" WXGA panel makes almost as little sense as a 15.6" HD panel!

T500's run quick and cool, they are solid machines and are also easily upgraded.

A WSXGA+ (res) panel won't look too small on a 15.4" screen?

This is 1680x1050, right? I have this res. on a 20" monitor. In fact, I think it's on a 22" monitor, too, that a relative borrowed.

I'm just concerned about that although I think I can adjust the DPI if I wanted?

I looked on ebay and it seems it's about $140 for a WSXGA+ panel (and there's not many choices). Does that sound high? Any chance of finding it cheaper (maybe in the marketplace?)?

Thanks for any info/answers.

I did search the forums but very hard to obtain related (or up-to-date) hits.

#10 Post by **underclocker** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 6:59 am

I think that WSXGA+ is perfect on a 15.4" machine. I've used them on Z60m, Z61m, T60, T60p, T61 and T500 ThinkPads.

I've definitely picked them up for under $100 on eBay, just be patient and use the search feature to your advantage. Sometimes finding/buying the entire LCD assembly is cost effective and even easier to swap. And don't forget, you can sell your WXGA panel to defray the cost of the upgrade.

You can also post a looking for ad in the forum marketplace.

thinkpad1 · #11 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 7:01 am

Sorry for another post following up.

Another question. I checked Lenovo's website and they re-designed it. I don't like it, sorry. Anyone else have any thoughts on it?

Anyway, I tried to find out more detailed specs on the particular laptop for sale and although I'll be looking at it soon (probably today), I couldn't confirm from either the Lenovo website or any other sources.

However, I have some guesses. Is there some way to tell by the model number and if knowing the cpu speed?

2081-CTO, 2.26GHz.... that's all I have as the seller upgraded the RAM to 4GB and only 'core 2 duo' is listed.

I found this page:
http://www.shopping.com/xSBS-Lenovo-Len ... 89202?sb=1

If it's accurate, then this laptop may have the integrated graphics???

thinkpad1 · #12 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 7:14 am

underclocker wrote:I think that WSXGA+ is perfect on a 15.4" machine. I've used them on Z60m, Z61m, T60, T60p, T61 and T500 ThinkPads.

I've definitely picked them up for under $100 on eBay, just be patient and use the search feature to your advantage. Sometimes finding/buying the entire LCD assembly is cost effective and even easier to swap. And don't forget, you can sell your WXGA panel to defray the cost of the upgrade.

You can also post a looking for ad in the forum marketplace.

Thanks. That sounds better.

thinkpad1 · #13 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 7:32 am

I think it's just an X4500MHD gpu....

However, I really think Lenovo hired a drunk to do their new webpage. It's absolutely AWFUL!

hunterman223 · #14 Post by **hunterman223** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 9:23 am

thinkpad1 wrote:I think it's just an X4500MHD gpu....

However, I really think Lenovo hired a drunk to do their new webpage. It's absolutely AWFUL!

Most likely intel graphics since that is pretty cheap, for CTO models you won't find detailed info on Lenovo's site, as they are Configure to Order units. 2.26ghz will be a P8400, which isn't to great. With those specs and low res screen the extra bulk of the T500 isn't worth it IMO, I would get the E6400. However if you find a T400 they are great machines and I would take that over a Dell any day.

Update: there is a T400 for sale in the marketplace with similar specs to the T400 but with a better screen and two batteries. I can't link to it with this mobile app, but it is the one listed by arctifox. He's asking for $400 but you wouldn't need a new screen, and if you wanted more than 2GB of RAM I have a pair totalling 4GB.

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thinkpad1 · #15 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 2:44 pm

Update: I looked at the laptop. It's actually WSXGA+ (1680x1050) resolution and has the switchable graphics w/ Radeon 3650.

The wireless is Intel 5300. Seller is firm on price, $350. I don't know if I can come up with the $$, though... lol!

It's a decent deal, though, huh?

Only problem besides $$ is the res and whether everything will be considered a bit small. I suppose there's ways around that if I wanted to increase fonts and the browser etc.?

It's good for graphics though and I can use the Intel graphics if I need battery life?

thinkpad1 · #16 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 4:01 pm

I forgot to ask.... underclocker, why do you think WSXGA+ is perfect on a 15.4" screen?

hunterman223 · #17 Post by **hunterman223** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 6:16 pm

That changes things. That's a pretty great deal actually. What shape is it in? The 3650 is slightly better than the Intel graphics found in 2nd Gen Intel Core CPUs, and can probably do better with overclocking (if you need the extra oomph.) Look at it this way, you can increase font sizes and text DPI (and Windows 7 is good at this) but with a low res panel you can't go up. So basically with a decent res screen you are getting the best of both worlds. Switchable graphics are awesome, once you switch to the Intel GPU via the Power Manager menu it essentially "turns off" the ATI GPU and you get great battery life and cool temperatures. If it is in fact a P Series CPU than they run nice and cool and get slightly better battery life than a T series CPU. Is it in fact a P8400? What CPU is the dell?

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thinkpad1 · #18 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 7:23 pm

It looked like it was in good shape. I confess, I didn't do a thorough inspection but I typed on the keyboard and used the Touchpoint. I would probably want to go back and test the ports among other things?

I guess I got discouraged when the price was firm so I didn't go over the laptop more.

It's still a pretty good deal I imagine and the switchable graphics and higher resolution I wasn't expecting. I don't think the seller really examined the machine or knows it too well. I think it was not his and that he will be sharing a T400 ('told me) so doesn't need it.

I believe it's a P8400 as I think it's 2.26GHz speed.

The Dell E6400 has a P8600 according to the ad.

I probably shouldn't say more than that as I cannot assert that I can get either laptop and I don't want to waste anyone's time. Thanks so much for feedback and advice. The Dell seller also hasn't got back to me yet but it could be because it's the weekend.

I think either laptop is a decent deal but I am not sure which one is best. If I could come up with $300-ish and both are in good condition, I think either is worth getting?

Thinkpad T500 - $350, firm
Dell Latitude E6400 - asking $325 (still available? unknown)

Colonel O'Neill · #19 Post by **Colonel O'Neill** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 8:06 pm

I'd go for the T500. Shim Catalyst 11.6 over the Switchable graphics and you have a really decent gaming machine. (Hint: NotebookCheck's benchmarks are all done with old driver versions; AMD did a performance rewrite at 11.x... and it is indeed way faster.)

pianowizard · #20 Post by **pianowizard** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 8:21 pm

thinkpad1 wrote:Seller is firm on price, $350. I don't know if I can come up with the $$, though... lol!

If your budget is so tight, perhaps it's not a good time to buy. Or, sell your current laptop first -- what is it anyway?

hunterman223 · #21 Post by **hunterman223** » Sun Jul 17, 2011 4:39 am

Colonel O'Neill wrote:I'd go for the T500. Shim Catalyst 11.6 over the Switchable graphics and you have a really decent gaming machine. (Hint: NotebookCheck's benchmarks are all done with old driver versions; AMD did a performance rewrite at 11.x... and it is indeed way faster.)

Ah yes, forgot about the updated drivers. The drivers included with the switchable graphics package are outdated, and I can definitely say performance was much better on my T400 after upgrading.

Both will be fine machines, but the ThinkPad is a ThinkPad, and that T500 will be the more future proof of the two. The P8400 will most likely be fast enough for your usage, but you always have the option of dropping in a new CPU in the future. I don't know about the new ones, but the older dell Latitudes definitely had heat issues, to the point where it would become uncomfortable to hold the computer in your lap or use the touchpad/keyboard, which both got quite hot.

The seller is most likely firm on the price because that is already a great price. Have a look on eBay for T500s with discrete graphics. Ask if you can give him a deposit of $100 or so to hold onto the laptop, and wait until you have the rest. If that was me I wouldn't be too pleased if someone tried to haggle on a great price like that.

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pianowizard · #22 Post by **pianowizard** » Sun Jul 17, 2011 1:11 pm

hunterman223 wrote:I don't know about the new ones, but the older dell Latitudes definitely had heat issues, to the point where it would become uncomfortable to hold the computer in your lap or use the touchpad/keyboard, which both got quite hot.

I wouldn't generalize based on the limited number of old Latitudes that you have used. My Latitude D820 has a much cooler palmrest than the T60 and X60s I owned.

I haven't owned an E-Series Latitude but the consensus over on the NotebookReview forum seems to be that the D*20 and D*30 Latitudes were slightly better built. So, I have no doubt that the T500 the OP is considering is more durable than the E6400. And now that we know this T500 has 1680x1050 (versus the E6400's 1280x800), I think the Thinkpad is a better bargain. That said, if the OP prefers to have a smaller laptop and really can't come up with $350, and if this E6400 still has many months of warranty remaining, then the E6400 would be the better choice.

#23 Post by **lead_org** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:28 am

As long as the person selling the E6400 can get the warranty transferred to you, and he can lower the price a bit then it would be a terrific buy. But if your budget is really tight then i think you should wait a bit.

sportfreak · #24 Post by **sportfreak** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 12:48 pm

my friend who works for Xbox in microsoft, was given a e6400 and he wa complaining about the hinges/cooling .. you might wanna re-search more on that in dell support forums ..

my 2 cents for this discussion ..

#25 Post by **lead_org** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 2:02 am

i had the E6400 and E4300 for one year and half a year respectively.

The E6400 with the P8600 CPU and Intel GPU runs no hotter than the T400 machine of similar spec, but when you stress the CPU the fan does sound more noisy when it spins at its top speed.

The hinge felt quite solid so there should not be any problem.

Lot of my friends still kept their E6400 because the later version of the Latitude had cooling issues or quirky design (have a look at the cartoonish design of the E6420, or it just have a massive identity crisis).

pianowizard · #26 Post by **pianowizard** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 4:57 am

sportfreak wrote:my friend who works for Xbox in microsoft, was given a e6400 and he wa complaining about the hinges/cooling

People tend to abuse company-owned laptops like there's no tomorrow. So, I believe the following comment more:

lead_org wrote:The hinge felt quite solid so there should not be any problem.

Many older Dell laptops did have weak hinges, but Dell made an effort to strengthen them starting with the E-Series Latitudes.

thinkpad1 · #27 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 7:21 pm

I'm bumping this ('hope it's ok) because I have a few questions and need some advice.

It's also an update. The T500 for sale, I'm trying to buy again because I am getting it for someone else who has the money.

But, the owner suddenly cannot have it available because they're moving. It's packed? Any idea if that sounds plausible?

Second, I'm inquiring on buy'n'sell sites such as kijiji mostly. But, they're way over the $350. Mostly $450 - $550 range. Is it reasonable? We're trying for around $400 so I was hoping that wasn't too bad to ask for.

Any advice?

Not looking for any Latitudes now....

#28 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:06 am

Seller might be telling the truth, or maybe that T500 was 'hot'?
I wouldn't pursue it anymore.
Check the Marketforum, at least you know where it comes from, and have a better chance for a decent machine at a decent price.

thinkpad1 · #29 Post by **thinkpad1** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 11:16 am

RealBlackStuff wrote:Seller might be telling the truth, or maybe that T500 was 'hot'?
I wouldn't pursue it anymore.
Check the Marketforum, at least you know where it comes from, and have a better chance for a decent machine at a decent price.

Thanks for the reply.

A T500 was found and purchased (not by me).

I suspect the marketplace would be a good source but A) I didn't find any T500 there and B) I think shipping prices would eliminate any potential 'good deals' but I'm merely speculating.

C) I am not certain but it's probable that one would want to examine/inspect the laptop, too... not sure but maybe.