Laptop buying suggestion - Thinkpad X1 or T420 or T520

[desidude]

Hi friends,

This is my first post here, so please forgive me for any mistakes. I am currently using a IBM Thinkpad T43 Type 2669. I have the 15inch screen.

This machine has lived its life and I am now looking to get a replacement Think Pad. Some models I have come across are the Thinkpad T420 (14 inch) or Thinkpad T520 15.6 inch or the Thinkpad X1.

I will be using the laptop for medium use business productivity (Excel, Powerpoint, Word), email, internet surfing and some multimedia. I also use the laptop at home when on the bed or lazing around, so I would like something sturdy.

I do carry the laptop with me to and from work, and when travelling. I would like something a bit lighter than the current T43 that I have.

Any suggestions on which of these models I should go for?

Thanks,
desidude

[Harryc]

The T520 is too heavy (IMHO ) to carry to work every day. If portability is a concern, instead of the X1 have you considered an X220? Here's a thread comparing the (2) machines - http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=96815

[antskip]

I do carry the laptop with me to and from work, and when travelling. I would like something a bit lighter than the current T43 that I have. Any suggestions on which of these models I should go for?

The T420 is a little lighter than the T43, the T520 a little heavier. Maybe you could look at the T420s, which is substantially lighter?

[underclocker]

Welcome to the forum! I agree, the T420s is probably the best choice. It's one pound lighter than your T43 (assuming six cell batteries in each). The T420s weighs 4 lbs.

Be aware, T400s/T410s/T420s machines are one pound lighter because they gave up structural support (among other reasons). The plastics and LCD will crack more easily than a T410/T420 model. However, if you're reasonably careful, they are worth it.

All that being said, be prepared for an LCD with less vertical height and less overall square inches. A widescreen 14" is smaller than your current 4:3 ratio 14" LCD. Regarding resolution, you either have 1024 x 768 or 1400 x 1050, the T420s is 1600 x 900, which is a good compromise.

[Colonel O'Neill]

If you have an IPS (FlexView) T43, then you might have some trouble with the T420/T420s/X1 screens.

[ssd_thinkpad]

It also matters how you carry your weight. In your backpack you don't notice the weight difference as the weight is distributed to both shoulders and your back. If you have a shoulder bag, the weight is distributed only on one shoulder. If you carry your notebook with your hand,the weight is distributed to your hand. The difference you feel is very noticeable. A T520 in a backpack is much lighter for your body to carry than an x220 or an x200s in a shoulder bag.

[crashnburn]

Welcome to the forum! I agree, the T420s is probably the best choice. It's one pound lighter than your T43 (assuming six cell batteries in each). The T420s weighs 4 lbs.

Be aware, T400s/T410s/T420s machines are one pound lighter because they gave up structural support (among other reasons). The plastics and LCD will crack more easily than a T410/T420 model. However, if you're reasonably careful, they are worth it.

All that being said, be prepared for an LCD with less vertical height and less overall square inches. A widescreen 14" is smaller than your current 4:3 ratio 14" LCD. Regarding resolution, you either have 1024 x 768 or 1400 x 1050, the T420s is 1600 x 900, which is a good compromise.

How are the reports on the 14" T420 with 1600 x 900 resolution? Hows that LED/LCD panel?

I am wondering if this one could also support Mac OSX Snow Leopard as a Hackintosh?