Thinkpads Forum

I am looking at a T520 with an i5 processor, NVIDIA graphics, and a full 1920x1080 HD screen.

Since I am not in need a new laptop right now, my thought was to wait until the Ivy Bridge chips are released in May and Lenovo updates the ThinkPad line. I am now rethinking that.

Looking at the recently released information about the mobile Ivy Bridge chips, it doesn't appear that the i5 chips will be much faster than the present chips. The present NVIDIA graphics card seems to do everything Intel's HD Graphics 4000 chipset will do.

I appreciate the power requirements under Ivy Bridge will be lower so battery life will be extended, but that is not a big deal to me.

Probably my biggest concern is that Lenovo will abandon the FHD screen since they seem focused on their race to the bottom of the display game. At least I know I can get one now.

Am I missing anything in this analysis?

I find it very unlikely that the FHD screen will be abandoned.

And in any case, current Sandy Bridge offerings will still be available for quite some time after the Ivy Bridge models are released.

In my opinion - if it's not urgent to you right now, wait and see.

Expect about a 15% performance boost at the same price points plus better graphics. I would also expect 10% or so better battery life. Probably USB 3.0 across the board.

My hope is for a FHD screen at 14" - but I think that is a pipe dream.

Keeping in mind that the screen, not the CPU, is by far the biggest battery drainer on a laptop. I'd agree Ivy Bridge will offer a bit better battery life and performance, though the performance to some degree will depend on your needs. I say if you can wait, do it, but if a good deal on the T520 happens along, there's no reason to stop you from getting it.

There is always "the next model" coming and it always offers additional features, and values of machines fall as soon as you buy them. It is sort-of like buying a new car that immediately becomes a used car, although computers depreciate faster than cars. My advice is always to buy what's available when you NEED one, and if you don't need it now, wait