Thinkpads Forum

Hi friends,

I am considering purchasing a Lenovo Thinkpad T51 for my daily mixed use computing - business use (office productivity software, internet surfing) and personal use (web surfing, some videos). I don't do graphic editing, have many photos or play games. .

This will be my only computer (no desktop) thus I will use it daily and hope to use it for as long as I can.

I am configuring the T51 online and wanted your opinion on which upgrades I should consider.

1) Processor - Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50Ghz, 3MB L3) OR Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.60Ghz, 3MB, L3) OR Intel Core i7-2640M Processor (2.80Ghz, 4MB L3, 1333Mhz)

2) DISPLAY TYPE - 15.6" HD (1600*900) Led backlight OR 15.6" FHD (1920*1080) Led Backlight

3) Total Memory - 4GB/6GB/8GB

4) Pointing device - with or without fingerprint reader?

5) Battery - 6 cell or 9 cell Li on? I use it mostly with a charger

6) Bluetooth - yes or no? I don't think I have used a bluetooth device with my current laptop as yet...

7) Integrated Wifi wireless LAN adapters - Intel Centrino Advanced N6205 (2*2 AGN) OR Intel Centrino Ultimate N 6300 (3*3 AGN) OR Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMax 6250 (2*2 ABGN)

Integrated mobile broadband -

Anything else I should consider? I am willing to spend extra on beneficial upgrades.

Thank you very much for your help.
desidude

desidude wrote:Hi friends,

I am considering purchasing a Lenovo Thinkpad T51 for my daily mixed use computing - business use (office productivity software, internet surfing) and personal use (web surfing, some videos). I don't do graphic editing, have many photos or play games. .

This will be my only computer (no desktop) thus I will use it daily and hope to use it for as long as I can.

I am configuring the T51 online and wanted your opinion on which upgrades I should consider.

1) Processor - Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50Ghz, 3MB L3) OR Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (2.60Ghz, 3MB, L3) OR Intel Core i7-2640M Processor (2.80Ghz, 4MB L3, 1333Mhz)

2) DISPLAY TYPE - 15.6" HD (1600*900) Led backlight OR 15.6" FHD (1920*1080) Led Backlight

3) Total Memory - 4GB/6GB/8GB

4) Pointing device - with or without fingerprint reader?

5) Battery - 6 cell or 9 cell Li on? I use it mostly with a charger

6) Bluetooth - yes or no? I don't think I have used a bluetooth device with my current laptop as yet...

7) Integrated Wifi wireless LAN adapters - Intel Centrino Advanced N6205 (2*2 AGN) OR Intel Centrino Ultimate N 6300 (3*3 AGN) OR Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMax 6250 (2*2 ABGN)

Integrated mobile broadband -

Anything else I should consider? I am willing to spend extra on beneficial upgrades.

Thank you very much for your help.
desidude

Definitely get the FHD screen and Centrino 6300. The other options are not as critical IMO. The dual core i7 might help with resale value if you think you would be selling it in a few years. Memory upgrade from 4GB to 8GB is dirt cheap if you do it yourself (~$20 USD). I would still consider the dedicated graphics even if you aren't interested in playing games. The processor will run better with having the graphical load taken off of it, and it can be turned off for the few occasions that you will not be plugged into a charger.