super cheap saleout T420si, with i3-2350 is it just too bad?

[PRAGUEGUY]

I wanted first a new T430s , but did not like the new keyboard.
I use the laptop for normal office work and some lighter excel analysis, plus I want to be able to play normal movies, maybe HD too ...
I know this is rock bottom low end T line, but I am in a tight situation with money right now.
The price is extremely good.
Is anything prohibitively bad about this laptop, particularly the processor and the discrete graphics card?
thanks
- one thing to modify my question: I have a 250gig SSD disc at home, laying idle, which will be used as a system drive and upgrade the laptop significantly (plus there is a synergy, I do not need to buy it new, so I will get an SSD equipped NB with the i3-2350 processor for a very low price)

http://www.edgeshop.cz/tp-t420s-i3-2350 ... /d-109700/



TP T420s, i3-2350 (2.3GHz), 4GB, 320GB, 14.0 "HD + LED matný, cam, Nvidia 1GB, DVDRW, WWAN 3G o


Lenovo ThinkPad T420si, Intel Core ™ i3-2350 m Processor (3M Cache, 2.30 GHz), 320GB / 7200rpm, 1x4GB (1333) + 1 free slot, 14.0 "HD + AG, WWAN Capable, 1600 x 900, NVIDIA NVS 4200 m 1GB with Optimus , N / A: DVD CD Multi Burner Swap (9.5mm), removable, Bluetooth 3.0 wireless, LED indicator, Ericsson F5521gw: WWAN Capable, 6cell 43.2Wh, ne: ne, Win7-Pro64, 3/3 Carry In, černá

[jayton4]

The i3-2350m is a great and powerful processor. It is more than capable of handling the tasks you mentioned. The main features you would be missing are related to corporate security. There is nothing bad at all for being rock bottom.

You will love it, I promise.

[PRAGUEGUY]

thanks great I will probably go for it...
-you think there are no problems with the graphics card either?
thanks
Apparently it switches to discrete as needed, using Optimus. I have never owned that technology.

I just need some luck, the e shop is a bit shady...has the lowest prices..but this item is simply not available anywhere else.
so keep your fingers crossed

[ceb]

thanks great I will probably go for it...
-you think there are no problems with the graphics card either?
thanks
Apparently it switches to discrete as needed, using Optimus. I have never owned that technology.

I just need some luck, the e shop is a bit shady...has the lowest prices..but this item is simply not available anywhere else.
so keep your fingers crossed

Always buy the seller, not the product. If the seller is shady then there is something wrong and it will cost you more money in the long run.

If money is tight then buy a non-Thinkpad computer from a reputable dealer. You will be much happier

[PRAGUEGUY]

ceb
thanks makes a lot of sense...
found this just now (unpacked). As expected, there is the last wave of unpacked pieces of the 420 on market...people return the last ones they bought, using the 2 week period when they can return goods without stating a reason.

http://www.lenovoshop.cz/thinkpad-t420- ... 51657.html

eshop with a much better reputation than the above one, and good feedback...same price, better processor, not the slim s version.
Whattdaya think? I got really attracted to the thought of the s version...Does it really feel a lot lighter, and more compact?
thanks all.

[emtee3511]

Your post got me to take a look at Lenovo Outlet, and they have LOTS of T4xx and T5xx bargains right now -- I'm overstocked on my personal ThinkPads at the moment, or at least my husband thinks I am so no shopping for me -- but if you're possibly in the market, it seems like a very good time to check the Lenovo Outlet

[Cigarguy]

Your post got me to take a look at Lenovo Outlet, and they have LOTS of T4xx and T5xx bargains right now -- I'm overstocked on my personal ThinkPads at the moment, or at least my husband thinks I am so no shopping for me -- but if you're possibly in the market, it seems like a very good time to check the Lenovo Outlet

Yes but only if you live in the US.

[emtee3511]

Are the Lenovo Outlet bargains not the same in Canada or overseas? No Outlet would be a bummer

[Cigarguy]

Are the Lenovo Outlet bargains not the same in Canada or overseas? No Outlet would be a bummer

Yes major bummer! AFAIK there's no equivalent Lenovo Outlet outside the US. The US outlet won't ship outside the US.

[jayton4]

Apparently it switches to discrete as needed, using Optimus. I have never owned that technology.

I like the dedicated graphics, but I am not a fan of the "Optimus" mode. You can choose between 3 different settings in the BIOS, Integrated Only, Discrete Only, or Optimus. I only choose to enable only one of the other depending on the task. However, that is just my personal preference. I'm sure there are probably a lot of people out there that think Optimus mode is great.

Whattdaya think? I got really attracted to the thought of the s version...Does it really feel a lot lighter, and more compact?
thanks all.

I have both versions of the older generation T410 and the slimmer T410s. The T410s does feel a lot lighter. I carry my T410s with me to work every day and rarely take my T410 out of the house.

[PRAGUEGUY]

even more basement bargain
ex demo minor scratches...seller with good reputation two years warranty.

PRICE 650 EUR
However, I think I would prefer new...just for the fun and feel factor...

http://www.lenovoshop.cz/lenovo-thinkpa ... 55228.html

[jayton4]

PRICE 650 EUR
However, I think I would prefer new...just for the fun and feel factor...

http://www.lenovoshop.cz/lenovo-thinkpa ... 55228.html

One thing to keep in mind is that if you go back to a T410s or T400s, they do not use a regular 2.5" SATA SSD or HDD in the main bay. They use a 1.8" micro SATA drive that is sometimes hard to find and very expensive in comparison. The 7mm Height, 2.5" SATA drive that the T420s uses is much easier to find a deal on an SSD. That reminds me, the 250GB SSD that you mentioned back in your first post might have to be removed from its enclosure in order to fit in the T420s.

The T420s and T420si is really a great choice for many reasons. It has these advantages over the T400s/T410s:
-Supports mSATA
-Supports 7mm 2.5" hard drives
-The Sandy Bridge processors are much more power efficient
-USB 3.0
-Supports up to 16GB of RAM instead of only 8GB
-SATA III spec

It is kind of my dream laptop, and I'm hoping to be able to obtain one myself sometime in the next 12 months.

[PRAGUEGUY]

Thanks great I am in process of ordering.must buy from neighbouring country as in the Czech republic only a very expensive version with i77processor is available.

[PRAGUEGUY]

only thing, the model I am buying does not come with USB 3.
It is some strange variation for Eastern europe..
Here are the specs, from Google cache:


Technical parameters
Processor
type: Intel Core i3-2350M with dual-core
frequency: 2.30 GHz
memory controller: 1333 MHz
Cache: 3MB ISC
Chipset
chipset: Mobile Intel QM67 Express
Memory
type: PC3-10600 DDR3
frequency: 1333 MHz
size: 4 GB
maximum size: 8 GB
slots total / available: 2/1
HDD
size: 320 GB
speed: 7200 rpm
data interface: SATA
Graphics
type: NVIDIA NVS 4200M
memory: 1000 MB
interface: PCI Express x16
VGA output: yes
digital output: DisplayPort
other: Maximum external resolution: 2560x1600
Display
diagonal size: 14,0 "
aspect ratio: 16:9
native resolution: 1600 x 900 p.
type: HD+ LED, Anti-Glare
Drives
optical Drive: DVD±RW DL
Pointing devices
TrackPoint: yes
TouchPad: UltraNavigator
ThinkLight: yes
Interfaces
Wi-Fi: Intel Advanced-N 6205
Bluetooth: yes
network: Gigabit Ethernot
modem: no
slots for PC cards: ExpressCard[34]+4in1 CR
number of ports USB 2.0 / USB 3.0: 3/0
Firewire: no
Ultrabay: yes
WWAN: ready
Sound Card
type: Conoxant 20672 codec
microphone input: yes
headphone output: yes
built-in speakers: 2 x 1 W Stereo Speakers
Other
webcam: HD720p
fingerprint reader: yes
Card Reader: yes
types of supported cards: MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital Card, Secure Digital High Capacity Card, Secure Digital XC
Physical characteristics
weight: 1,67 kg
dimensions: 343*230,1*26,0 mm
Battery
type of battery: 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
battery life: 5,5 hod.
Operating System
operating system: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit


The closest thing I could find in the TABOOK, is the following West European model:


® T420i 4178 (TopSeller) Personal Systems Reference (PSREF)
See footnotes for more detailed information
WE model(s) announced December 20, 2011
©Lenovo
(G-NZ3i-1) December 2011
Positioning Premiere performance; two spindles
Processor Intel® Core™ i3-2350M processor (dual-core, 2.30GHz, 3MB Cache),
DDR3 memory controller (up to 1333MHz), HT technology
Memory 8GB max7 / PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3, non-parity,
dual-channel capable, two 204-pin SO-DIMM sockets
Optical DVD burner, 12.7mm Ultrabay Enhanced, removable
Ultrabay One bay for removable devices, Ultrabay Slim-compatible, 12.7mm high, bottom access
Disk Some: Solid State Drive (SSD) / SATA 3.0Gb/s, 2.5" wide, 7mm high
Some: Hard Disk Drive / SATA 3.0Gb/s, 2.5" wide, 9.5mm high, Active Protection System™
All: removable, upgradable, supports the second disk, Shock Mounted Hard Drive
mSATA™ SSD None
Display Some: 14.0" (355mm) HD (1366x768) color, anti-glare, LED backlight,
200 nits, 16:9 aspect ratio, 300:1 contrast ratio
Some: 14.0" (355mm) HD+ (1600x900) color, anti-glare, LED backlight,
250 nits, 16:9 aspect ratio, 300:1 contrast ratio
Camera HD720p resolution, wider view angle, low light sensitive, fi xed focus
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 in processor,
external analog monitor support via VGA DB-15 connector and
digital monitor support via DisplayPort™ (supports single-link DVI-D via cable 45J7915);
supports dual independent display;
Max external resolution: 2560x1600 (DisplayPort)@60Hz;
2048x1536 (VGA)@75Hz; 1920x1200@60Hz (single-link DVI-D via cable 45J7915)
Keyboard 7 row, 89-key, ThinkVantage® button, spill-resistant, multimedia Fn keys
TrackPoint® TrackPoint pointing device, "Press-to-Select," Internet Scroll Bar13, magnifying glass
Touchpad UltraNav™, wide touchpad below keyboard, Tap Zones, scrolling regions label, multi-touch
ThinkLight™ Illuminates the keyboard to improve visibility in low-light conditions
Dimensions3 14.0W" (WxDxH): 13.4" x 9.17" x 1.18–1.20"; 340.5 x 233.0mm x 30.1–30.5mm
Weight2 4-cell: from 4.65 lb (2.11kg); 6-cell: from 4.84 lb (2.20kg); 9-cell: from 5.22 lb (2.37kg)
Case material Display cover: Carbon-fi ber / Glass-fi ber hybrid;
Bottom: Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic
Battery - type Lithium Ion 4-cell, 6-cell, or 9-cell, supports optional Slice battery as 2nd battery
Battery - life10 6-cell (57Whr): up to 9.0 hr; 9-cell (94Whr): up to 15.0 hr; 9-cell plus Slice battery: up to 30 hr
Chipset Mobile Intel QM67 Express Chipset
ExpressCard One slot (ExpressCard/34)
Smart Card read None
Multicard reader 4-in-1 reader (MMC, SD, SDHC, SDXC)
Ports Three USB 2.0 (one powered), one USB 2.0/eSATA combo port,

[jayton4]

The T420/T420i will not have USB 3.0. All of the T420s/T420si should have the USB 3.0.

[PRAGUEGUY]

Specs are not the same here. This is a continental T420si with no USB3 the dealer said so the spec sheet says so.

[PRAGUEGUY]

Most likely the machine will be without usb3. I am thinking about adding a controller/adapter into the xpresscard slot - that is what it is for after all.
Any experinece with these? Are they inferior to a built in one? Also they vary in price. I found a cheap one -
http://www.lan-shop.cz/i-tec-ex1usb3-122857
this is 20 usd
th
this one, more expensive, better known brand KOUWELL, boasts a NEC chip whatever that is good for.
http://www.lan-shop.cz/kouwell-ub-118-114432
40 USD
I prefer good brands, however recently I wasted some money on overpriced branded components..(i.e. a Sandisc Ultra Fast micro sdhc memory for my mobile, very expensive, not much faster than half priced ones)
- so, any comments re this? anybody has been using something like this, thanks

[PRAGUEGUY]

some problems with delivery...the deal described above is off, seller says when he confirmed my order his inventory software showed he had the old cheaper T420si, he found out he does not in fact have them.
I can have my money back or get a not so good but still good deal on a 430s...
I went to take a look at it in a store nearby and it is fabulous..!
I saw both, the 430 and 430s, and the difference in favour of the s version is much more striking than appears on internet photos or the stated weight.
Also the T430s has a great metallic looking finish... my question is, does the 420s version also have that?
theres no way I can see a T420s unless I actually buy it...I would have to get my refund and pay again to the other dealer...
I am tempted to get the T430s although I did not plan to spend that much.
Better processor, USB3 and upgrade to win8...
btw, is an Exprescard based USB3 extension card any inferior to a USB3 that is hard wired and comes with the laptop? reason is, I could get the 420s and stick an xpresscard in for USB3

[PRAGUEGUY]

specs of the alternative

Značka Lenovo ThinkPad
Modelová rada T430s
MTM
PN N1RLTXS
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-3210M Processor 3M Cache, 2.50 GHz
Pamäť 4GB RAM DDR3 1600 Mhz - 1 slot voľný
HDD 500GB / 7200rpm
Mechanika DVD RW, vyberateľná
Grafika nVidia NVS 5200M Optimus s 1GB vlastnej pamäte - prepínateľná grafika
Displej 14" HD+ 1600x900 LED matný
Internet Gigabit Ethernet
Wi-Fi Intel 6205 AGN
WWAN dá sa prikúpiť
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0
Kamera 720p HD webcam
Audio / reproduktory HD Audio, 2 reproduktory (2 watt x 2)
Security Power-on password, hard disk password, supervisor password, security keyhole, čítačka odtlačkov prstov

Battery 6článková 43,2 WHr AC, 90w
Operačný systém Windows 7 Professional 64bit SK + priložené DVD s Windows 8 Pro
Operačný systém - jazyk slovenký, český, anglický
Microsoft Office Microsoft Office 2010 Starter
Klávesnica slovensko - česká, odolná proti poliatiu
Klávesnica - numerická časť nie
Klávesnica - podsvietenie áno
Polohovacie zariadenie: Pad UltraNav (TouchPad + TrackPoint)
Rozhranie Mini DisplayPort, 2 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0 with powered “always on” feature, 1x Express Card 34mm, čítačka kariet 4-in-1 slot
Poznámky ENERGY STAR 5.0, GREENGUARD, International Warranty Service

[jayton4]

Better processor, USB3 and upgrade to win8...
btw, is an Exprescard based USB3 extension card any inferior to a USB3 that is hard wired and comes with the laptop? reason is, I could get the 420s and stick an xpresscard in for USB3

I may be wrong, but to my knowledge, all of the T420s/T420si models should come equipped with USB 3.0.

A USB 3.0 ExpressCard is most definitely inferior to a built in USB 3.0 port. There are two main advantages to USB 3.0. The first being the increased speed, and the second being the increased power. The ExpressCard slot can give you USB 3.0 speeds, but it cannot provide anywhere near the amps needed to power USB 3.0 devices. The USB 3.0 ExpressCards are pretty much only useful for USB 3.0 flash drives or devices that have their own power supply.

[Cigarguy]

That's a bummer. The skeptic in me think it might be a bait and switch tactic.

Not a fan of the new TPs because of the keyboard. Just doesn't do it for me. If you don't have that problem then go for it.

[PRAGUEGUY]

I very much suspected the bait tactic... On balance it does not look like it. However I really loved the looks of t430s metallic look. I guess I will get the 430 just can't bear the idea of having the money wired back and forth again. That is what I would have to do to get what I wanted originally. Cash back to me and sent back to the second dealer. Plus, a fact hard to imagine in the US I would waste some 30dollars on two currency conversions, from the Euro used in Slovakia to the Czech crown and back brain.

[PRAGUEGUY]

http://www.thinkpro.sk/produkt/t430s-i5 ... ia-n1rltxs

got it now. I dont mind I had the newer one.
However the hdd sucks, loud as hell...like two mice in the computer. I am glad I have the SSD to install...I would be [censored] off otherwise. When using at night, I would be annoyed with it.

[PRAGUEGUY]

IS THERE REALLY NO LED INDICATION OF CAPS LOCK? I cannot type any of the passwords...
the keyboard does feel a bit plasticky and hard...I will have to get used to it.

[PRAGUEGUY]

SUPER PI 1M 13 sec, like in the benchmark table. I guess the fastest machine in the household...and fastest i ever had, I guess

[Cigarguy]

Fast? LOL. I got a 3570K OCed to 4.4 GHz as my daily MS Office, email and webserver. Once in a while I'll stress it with Solitaire.

Glad you are enjoying your new machine.

[PRAGUEGUY]

machine ok.
Two points - will take some getting used to the keyboard..just feel hard and clicky...And my old bad machine in the office is a dell latitude, with a nice rubbery old style keyboard. So its even harder to switch between the two.
second thing -

if you touch the machine the mark is forever - I feel my first palm-mark is on the machine from the time I unpacked it. Any suggestions about what to use for wiping? I tried very much diluted dish washer liquid, no luck. thanks
The machine has its SSD disc, and its great. But I struggled with the enclosure...I ended up taking the Intel SSD disc apart to circuit board level...a real puzzle. And I tore away the black plastic thing thay is used to pull the hdd out...any remedy for that? thanks

[jayton4]

I like to use a vinegar based cleaner, which here in the states would be the clear Windex. As you probably already know, never use an ammonia based cleaner.

[PRAGUEGUY]

It is very hard to compare these household liquids between US and other countries...and I have no idea which cleaner is ammonia based, although I hope I would smell the ammonia...

[PRAGUEGUY]

I wanted and older, cheaper model, and basically ended up buying a high-end T430s.
I am getting used to the chiclet keyboard, however I am surprised at how slow the CD drive is. Burning takes a lot longer than on my desktop.


I am slhightly regretting I did not get the x series....
http://www.alza.cz/lenovo-thinkpad-x230 ... 335386.htm

- basically I ended up spending so much that had I known I was in this price bracket, I would have considered an x series model.
The 430 s is really compact, but I feel it is quite heavy...I am sorry I didnt get the x series, didnt realise it came with a docking statioin.
- can any of you tell me, how natural does the X series laptop feel in its docking station? my old Dell Latitude is really weird, sharply upward sloping.
Does laptop with docking station feel like a thick laptop? is it compact ? thx