Purchase decision on T520

T400/410/420 and T500/510/520 series specific matters only
Post Reply
Message
Author
stuartf
Sophomore Member
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:16 pm
Location: Middlesex, Vermont USA

Purchase decision on T520

#1 Post by stuartf » Mon May 14, 2012 12:23 pm

About to order a T520 with FHD screen and one of the i5 processors. My use is web, watching videos, office applications and some light use of Lightroom.

It seems that the least expensive processor should work, but I am uncertain about video and wireless. The consensus around here seems to be to avoid the default Thinkpad wireless card and go for one of the Intel.

As to video... upgrading to the NVIDIA Quadro NVS4200M Optimus technology (1GB) from the integrated Intel GPU adds about 120 to the price. It presumably lowers battery life (not terribly important as I am usually on AC) but not sure that my use warrants it.

This replaces a T43 with the IPS screen, still mostly works but getting long in the tooth, I am soon to lose my access to the EPP, and I need to future proof myself, especially when it comes to possible repairs.
Suggestions?
T23, X32 (2672-A43), T43 (2687D4U)

ZaZ
moderator
moderator
Posts: 4460
Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 1:33 pm
Location: Minnesota

Re: Purchase decision on T520

#2 Post by ZaZ » Mon May 14, 2012 12:34 pm

I have the ThinkPad wireless card in my X220i and it works well.

Given the usage, I think the Intel GPU is just fine.
E7440

wolfman
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 837
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2004 8:40 pm
Location: Pine Grove, PA

Re: Purchase decision on T520

#3 Post by wolfman » Mon May 14, 2012 6:00 pm

I'd go with Intel graphics too. However, I'd actually pay a little more for the Intel card, specifically the 6300N - it's is a very good card and it's only $38 or so for the upgrade (depending on the deal / discount going on right now).
Thinkpad T420 | Core i-5 2520M | 16gb RAM | 120gb Intel 520 SSD + 750gb 7200 RPM | 6300 N | Ubuntu 12.04 x64
Desktop: AMD FX-8350 (8 cores) | 32gb ECC RAM | 240gb Intel 530 SSD + 1tb 7200 RPM | Ubuntu 14.04 x64 | HP ZR24w
Previous Thinkpads: A21m, R40, X61, T410

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “ThinkPad T400/410/420 and T500/510/520 Series”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests