Thinkpads Forum

In need of a new laptop, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to these three. After all the various discounts and coupons and such:

The SL400 with the following specs comes out to $991.20

Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
14.1" WXGA AntiGlare
Intel GMA X4500
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM, Fixed
ThinkPad 11b/g III Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe
9 cell Li-Ion Battery
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

The R400 with the following specs comes out to $1,047.31, shipped, taxes, etc.
Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
14.1" WXGA+ TFT5
Intel GMA X4500
1 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM, Ultrabay Enhanced
9 cell Li-Ion Battery

HOWEVER
-The SL400 also has the option for the Core2duo T5670, which is fast enough, and it's $100 less, bringing the total to about $880.
-The SL400 does not have an ultrabay
-The SL400 does not have a WXGA+ screen (1440x900, in this case, i believe)

Also, questions:
1. Does the R400 still have that wonderful rubbery coated case?
2. Does the SL400 use metal hinges?
3. Does the R400 have the lid-locking bit, and not the new way where the lid has a little "notch" at the end to keep the lid closed (but usually fails)
4. Do the 6 and 9 cell batteries sit flush with the back, stick out the back, or stick out the bottom?
5. Both of these have a wireless kill-switch, correct?

I plan on ordering this one within the next few days
Thanks.

The SL400 does have an option for WXGA+, but maybe not for WXGA+ and GMA graphics at the same time.

I believe (not sure) that the hinges on the SL400 are plastic.

I believe (not sure) that the 6-cell sits flush with the SL400, but sticks out the back with the R400. The 9-cells stick out on both of them.

Both have a wireless kill switch.

Talked to a rep live on the site (awesome feature, by the way) and it looks like I'm going for the T400. Comes out to almost exactly the same price as the SL400, and even the keyboard layout is enough to warrant the cash, in addition to the rubbery top cover.

Other opinions?

Thanks.

I'd definitely stay away from the SL series, everything else could come into play...

Bought the R400.
P8400 @ 2.26
1gb DDR3
WXGA+ 14.1" screen
160gb 5400rpm

came out to the quoted $1047.31

ships within 16 business days.. any idea how long it'll actually take?

Ryan_C wrote:ships within 16 business days.. any idea how long it'll actually take?

You may want to refer to the R400/R500 shipping sticky in the R400/R500 subforum.

EDIT: Uhm, it seems that you will be the first one posting there after the opening post of the admin.