Thinkpads Forum

I've been looking at laptops since my T43 started giving up the ghost (I have to boot it a couple of times to warm it up before it will start Windows - otherwise I get USB/freezing issues which still can occur if I bump it round).

I had my heart set on the T500 and have just been waiting for the right sale (it hasn't bothered me too much that Calpella will bring things like integrated displayport sound and battery saving). Not to mention the chipsets changing dramatically or even potentially the display changing to 16:9 which would mean an update to the form factor.

However, I started reading this thread on the lenovo forum about graphics driver errors and couldn't stand having to deal with more issues. I want my thinkpad to "just work" like the old T43 used to (I'm a PC guy - I couldn't go Mac)!

My setup will be Vista Home Premium (followed by Windows 7 64 bit), DVI monitor/Advanced mini dock at home then having the use of switchable T500 graphics on the road. I want easy display configuration in all those situations with no crashing.

I can survive for now with the T43 and would almost consider buying a *shock* netbook in the interim if I couldn't get a reliable T500.

What do you think I should do? I know perfection is impossible but I think reliability is reasonable!

I have a lot of experience with the current ThinkPad T500. After buying my first one which I found 100% trouble free, I decided to buy a second to dedicate as my all around Windows 7 RC test machine.

Regarding your concerns, I would remember that this is a forum of ThinkPad enthusiasts from all over the world. There are bound to be issues that we experience and discuss, but which represent but a very small number of machines. As those without problems are out their simply enjoying their machines. After all this holds true of any brand. Today's notebook computers are very complex and powerful. Not a single brand is perfect, nor is their a perfect time to buy. The argument for buying now is a good one, as prices have never been better and these current models have been out long enough that Lenovo has already made rolling changes to fix the little issues that are always present when a new model is introduced. It's due to these excellent prices that has caused me to buy more than one new ThinkPad so far this year. To wait any longer is to risk missing out on the great deals currently available. Personally I find my two T500 models excellent ThinkPads and endorse them without hesitation.

Cheers...

If you need a reliable notebook now, just get the T500. Its wsxga+ display has one of the best displays available throughout the current thinkpad line. Notice that the switchable graphics is not switchable in dvi docking mode, when docked the thinkpad always uses the strongest gpu for dvi output (which is the ati / nvidia card). However when buying a model with only integrated graphics, the strongest card is this integrated card and therefore a docking with dvi output is provided by the intel gpu.

Thanks guys

I think that's settled the nerves - now all I have to do is wait for some decent coupons in the australia affinity store and then I'll buy... june is usually a good month for bargains!