Thinkpads Forum

Ok everyone this will be a bit long but I need some help here and don’t want to start a thread for every question. I’m new, but I’ve searched the forums and have read a lot of reviews and answers to a bunch of topics here. I still have my own questions though.

I’ve divided this post into two sections. First I’ll throw in the questions just so I don’t overwhelm you with information, but if you need more info and a background of what I’ll use the computer for you can read section TWO.

Section ONE: Lets ask all the questions:

1. Is it worth it going for the 2.4Ghz processor for and extra $187 more (From 2.2Ghz)? What about paying an extra $386 for the 2.6Ghz? How much better will it be? If you need read section TWO that details what I would like to achieve with this laptop (maybe working with HD video and so), but if that’s the only reason to get the upgrade I don’t think I would. I’ve read most people don’t notice any difference after 2.2Ghz though.

2. I don’t see the WXGA+ with the webcam online, do you think that I might be able to get it through the phone? Is there a better screen resolution for the 14.1 Widescreen that I could get through the phone? WSXGA+ Maybe? With the webcam?

3. Does anyone have a screenshot (print screen) of the WXGA+ screen without DPI modification? And with DPI modification? I don’t like to mess with DPI settings much, messes up some WebPages for me, and designing web sites can be a pain also with DPI settings increased.

4. Anybody using 1440x900 comfortably without DPI modification? Is anybody using a lower resolution in the native 1440x900 Display? How does that look?

5. If I pick the webcam will I still have the ThinkLight? I use a lot the thinklight, but might do without the webcam.

6. Is it bothering anyone that the screen is off centre in the widescreen 14.1?

7. If I don’t buy the computer now during the sale, is there a chance that I could get such a price again this year?

Section TWO: A bit of a background about me and what I’ll use the computer for.

I currently own a T23 with the following specs:

PIII M 1.13ghz -- 1 Gig of Ram -- 8 Meg Video -- 30gig HDD -- XP Pro

I do a lot of personal web developing: Dream Weaver, Flash, PhotoShop and such. I do a lot of web surfing as well (who doesn’t these days?). I also manage my own small business and use QuickBooks for accounting. If I could play some games it would be a plus, mostly sports (Golf, MLB, Maddem, NFS, I also like MOH games, etc).

Another plus would be if I can edit video from my Camcorder. I currently own a Cannon HD camcorder and maybe the computer will be ok for a bit of video editing (HD editing maybe? I wouldn’t think so). That’s basically all I use computers for, if the ThinkPad handles all of these tasks it would be a lot easier for me. I might not have to use my desktop at all.

The T23 has been great for a WHILE and the only things that I’ve really missed have been a bigger resolution and more video memory… until now that is. My hard drive is full and although I’ve deleted things it fills up again, then I delete some more and I just fill it up again and again. So I think is time to upgrade (will give the T23 to fiancé though, she only uses computers for the internet and word pretty much, the T23 was just amazing). I don’t spend a lot of time using my desktop PC, but some times find myself having to go back to it because of the video card and the resolution issues.

Since I want to have my new ThinkPad for at least 4 years I decided to configure it custom to have the best options for now and the future; here is what I’m looking at buying.

Core2 Duo 2.2Ghz T7500
Vista Ultimate (Want to have Media Center and Ability to join a Domain Network)
Display: 14.1 WXGA+ W/ Webcam (Not currently Offered online)
NVS 140 For Video(128MB)
3 Gig of PC2 5300 (They want too much for just one more Gig)
160 Gig HDD at 7200rpm with encryption
1 Gig of Intel Turbo Memory (Prepare for the future)
Dual Layer 8x DVD Recordable (I’m assuming this records CD’s also)
Bluetooth PAN
4965AGN Wireless Network Card
Media Reader and PC Card
4 Cell Lion Battery (I really only need 1 to 2 hours unplugged so this should be fine)
3 Year Warranty Plus buying with Amex to get an extra year.

The price for this with the specials going on is: $1,824 plus $119 of the warranty.

Thanks for reading and for the help in advance!

1. Is it worth it going for the 2.4Ghz processor for and extra $187 more (From 2.2Ghz)?

I'd say go for the 2.2GHz processor there little difference in real world usage.

2. I don’t see the WXGA+ with the webcam online, do you think that I might be able to get it through the phone? Is there a better screen resolution for the 14.1 Widescreen that I could get through the phone? WSXGA+ Maybe? With the webcam?

I don't have any clue, but certainly you could call them and see what it comes, are you more inclined to get a widescreen or standard screen. I find my T42p 14.1" display very sweet.

No idea on 3 & 4.

5. If I pick the webcam will I still have the ThinkLight? I use a lot the thinklight, but might do without the webcam.

I think a new Thinkpad would not be a Thinkpad if it does not have the ThinkLight, so I'd say is that yes, it includes it

7. If I don’t buy the computer now during the sale, is there a chance that I could get such a price again this year?

Most likely yes

Another suggestions:
- Select at least 1GB (or max 2GB of RAM) and then buy additional memory online (in sites such as neweeg.com to save bucks)
- Yes, the DVD recorder also burns CD's

You would be amazed by the speed on your new Thinkpad going from a T23, I still remember my 1.6GHz Pentium 4-m my T30 had. Using a P-m 745 is TWICE or more fast than the older P4's

A Core2Duo is just an amazing quick processor.

I might be unexperienced in terms of widescreen resolutions, but as far as the little usage I've had on widescreen machines, I must say that resolutions are OK to the sight, but I've never seen in person a WUXGA+ or a WSXGA+

Welcome to the forums

[/quote]

Thanks xtr, we are moving along here!

Another suggestions:
- Select at least 1GB (or max 2GB of RAM) and then buy additional memory online (in sites such as neweeg.com to save bucks)

I actually realized that today, and shaved off about 500 bucks just by selecting 1 Gig of ram, and the 80gig hard drive. My plan then will be to buy a 2gig module at crucial for $99 and the Hitachi Travelstart 7k200 (7200Rpm 200gig) for $210 from newegg.

That will give me more HDD space, the same amount of ram and more savings. I will have to order the recovery disks from Lenovo, but that shouldn't be that expensive.

don't have any clue, but certainly you could call them and see what it comes, are you more inclined to get a widescreen or standard screen. I find my T42p 14.1" display very sweet.

You know, I battled with my self a lot over this. Read a lot of information and don't have a great answer of why I decided to go with the widescreen.

The widescreen will have a media card reader which I could use, and the webcam which won't hurt to have. Also, I think I might use the space on the sides since I work with a lot of programs that have many toolbars. Now, I'm hoping to be able to use the 1400x900 resolution without changing DPI settings much, because if not I will be disapointed and will wish to have bought the standard instead. I'm really happy with my standard t23, but I hope i will be even happier with my new one.

I hope some one comes along and posts a link for a print screen of the 1400x900 so I can compare; whe shall see.

Well, after much research and a lot of thinking I think my options are a bit more clear.

1. I will go with the 2.2Ghz Processor, there's no way I'll pay that much for such a small upgrade after reading all the info I could find online. Also, I went to best buy and 95% of the computers there had a processor lower than 2.0Ghz; so by getting a 2.2Ghz I should be way ahead of the pack for at least 6 months

2. I've decided to go with the WXGA+ without the webcam; I will buy online (Discounts). I'll call Lenovo to see if I can add it to my order afterwards. If not possible then is ok with me. After looking at the resolution the computers had at bestbuy (most 14" had 1280x800), I think the best way for me to go is WXGA+. I'm deciding this because I didn't like the real estate provided by the WXGA, but I hope the text of a WXGA+ screen will be fine. Although I'm a bit scared about that.

3. Saw some screenshots online, but couldn't tell much by looking at them. I'll risk it by going WXGA+.

4. It looks like most people are sticking with their native resolutions.

5. After research, the Thinklight is there regardless the webcam or not.

6. The screen being off center doesn't seem to be bothering that many people.

7. There should be another sale coming maybe for Christmas, but I will get this over with by putting my order in today.

I've also decided to go with the Express Card instead of the media reader; I will buy a reader later to put it in and out as needed. You must have the Express Card for the future.

I will be going with the 100Gig 7200Rpm HDD. Then I will buy the 200Gig 7200Rpm Hitachi and I'll put it into the Ultrabay. That will give me more flexibility for video editing. After researching I learned that for video editing it is best to have a dedicated hard drive available.

After going to bestbuy and looking at the 14" Widescreens they had (Man the HP DV.. sure looks cool! This is business though ); I think I should be ok with the size. It sure is bigger than my current 4:3 14", but I should be able to adjust rather quickly.

I hope this helps the next researchers, and enjoy your thinkpad to the fullest!

I’ll post my final configuration after I place the order, and once I receive it I’ll post my first impressions.

Thank you for all your questions and the group's responses. You have asked many of the questions that I had and gotten answers. I've never owned a laptop so this is all new to me. Desktops on the other hand...

Consumer Reports generally recommends against purchase of warrantys as a waste of money. Are laptops an exception? One of the reasons for getting a Thinkpad / Lenovo is their excellent reliability record (see CR reviews) and reputation. Is the hundreds of dollars for a warrenty really a needed investment? (School is a few decades behing me if that makes a difference. I plan only personal use at home and on the road.) Also, what is 'depot 9x5 Next Business Day'? Reading the fint print, it appears the warrenty amounts to call 'em up, figure out what is broken, send the customer a part, let the customer figure out how to install it. If it's really hard to install, they'll install it for you by acutally sending someone out. (From my daughter's experience w/ Dell , this should not be counted on.) It sounds like the extended warrantys are the same with a longer duration.

I just got my 14.1 with WXGA+ and camera. I had to order it on the phone because as you said it is not available online. I guess they are low on stock. You should call them, you have nothing to loose.

I got the 2.4, and it flies, although I doubt that there is a significant difference between the 2.6 and 2.2.

I got 2GB RAM, but I am thinking about switching to 4GB. From what I have read, 64 Bit Vista can handle it. eBay has 4GB for $170, so that's a good deal.

The scrren being off center doesn't bother me and I don't nitce it while I am working. However, when I just take a step back and look at it, it looks weird.

Consumer Reports generally recommends against purchase of warrantys as a waste of money. Are laptops an exception?

Yes they are. All laptops within a 3-4 year period will have something happened to them and having the warranty will also give you peace of mind, so you are not worried all the time.

Lenovo has a great warranty, at least to my experience. I used to work for and IT firm and boy Lenovo really has good service. They listen to you, don't troubleshoot so much and send you you a box so you can ship the laptop back to the depot. They send you the box next day with all shipping labels and instructions.

9x5 Depot is 9 hours 5 days a week... I think.

I personally bought the onsite 9x5 3 year warranty with thinkpad protection. That way I know that even if I drop my laptop from a building I will be covered.

Also, forget about the Dell warranty; they have the worst warranty I've seen to date. The service is horrendous.

Forgot to post my final order. Here it is:

1 7662CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM
42V8191 SBBB INTEL CORE 2 DUO T7500
42X1587 VBB MSWIN VISTA ULTIMATE 32
42V9469 SBB MSWIN VULT32 US ENGLISH
42V9324 SBB 14.1WXGA +TFT,W/OCAM
42X0906 SBB NVIDIA QUADRO NVS 140M MEDIACARD
41W2060 VBB 1GB PC2-5300 667MHZ 1DIMM
42V8195 SBB KEYBOARD US ENGLISH
42V9330 SBB UN(TRACKPOINT+TCHPD)+ FING.R
42V8705 SBB 100 GB HDD,7200RPM
42V8193 SBB INTEL TURBO MEMORY 1GB
42V8715 SBB DVDREC8XMAXDUALLAY,UBAYSLM
42X0805 VBB PC CARDSLOT EX CARDSLOT
42V8177 SBB INT.WIRE.WIFI/LINK4965AGN
62P6054 VBB INTEGR.BLUETOOTH PAN
42V9337 SBB 4 CELL LI-ION BATERRY
39T6442 SBB COUNTRY PACK NORTH AMERICA
42V9391 SBB LANG.PACK US ENGLISH
1 40Y8725 LENOVO THINKPAD SERIAL ATA HARD DRIVE BAY ADAPTER - STORAGE BAY ADAPTER
1 10K0209 LENOVO THINKPAD PREMIERE LEATHER CARRYING CASE - NOTEBOOK CARRYING CASE

I will then buy a 2gig stick of ram and another 7200 HDD for my Ultrabay adapter. I'm currently looking at the Hitachi 200gig 7k200. We shall see. I'm excited about my lappy!