T500 Still a Worthy Computer?

[LambertJohn]

Good morning. Recently, I've noticed quite a few "off lease" T500s for sale on eBay. Most of these T500s appear to have the P9400 CPU, as well as the 1680x1050 LCD. As I'm in the market for a used Thinkpad, I'm wondering, what are the capabilities of this machine in today's world of computing power? Is it still capable of keeping up with all we do today with our computers? I need this computer for simple word processing, Photoshop, and Internet research. That's it. Nothing fancy. But I do need the 1680x1050 screen. That's very important to me in my line of work. So what do you think? Is an off lease T500 for between $200-400 worth it? Will it last for several more years? Is the WSXGA+ screen a quality screen--legible--bright--crisp? Any opinions you guys have on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[ajkula66]

Yes to all.

Put in 8GB RAM (cheap) and SSD and watch that thing fly.

In my opinion, those WSXGA+ panels are the best you'll find on any pre-FHD Lenovo widescreen.

[Cigarguy]

^^^ What he said.

I have a couple of T400, one of which have the high res screen. It's still one of my favourite. I like it better than my T420.

[LambertJohn]

Thanks all! I kind of figured the response would be positive. I thought at some point I would indeed install an SSD and more memory. For now, I'll probably just upgrade the RAM to 8 gig and call it a day. However, I've heard/read that some of the WSXGA+ panels were a bit dim. Has anyone run into that out there? Is this panel LED backlit, or is it CCFL? Wasn't the T500 a transition year into LED screens? Anyway, I'm watching eBay carefully, looking out for the right T500. I want to make sure I get one that was gently owned. Wish me luck. Thanks again!!

[ajkula66]

T500 offered a WXGA (1280x800) as the only LED option, the rest were CCFL-lit panels.

I never found the WSXGA+ (unlike the WUXGA of the same generation) panels to be dim. YMMV.

You're better off getting a "gently used" machine here on the forum, even if it costs you a few bucks more...and, no, I don't have one to sell you...

[Cigarguy]

Nice thing about the T400/T500 is that they take DDR3 which is a lot cheaper than DDR2.

[LambertJohn]

Thanks Cigarguy and ajkula66. Appreciate the info. Knowledge is a computer shopper's best friend. I'll definitely take a look over in the marketplace forum and see what I can find. -Bert