Thinkpads Forum

Ok, I am WAY over due for a new computer. My T40 is showing it's age, also my desktop. So Friday looks like a good day to order a new laptop that will replace all my systems. But since I haven't been keeping up on technology lately, I'm not sure what all features I really need.

I am leaning towards a T400 with, discrete graphics, W7Pro 64, LED backlit display, 2GB ram, 160GB 7200rpm drive.

The things I'm not sure of is:
RAM: is it cheaper to get just 2 Gig single stick, then order another 2 gig stick from 3rd party?

Screen: "WXGA TFT, w/ LED Backlight" or "WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight" is worth the coin for higher resolution. I understand the W7 is nicer at keeping a higher resolution, but enlarging icons and font sizes for easier readability, compared to XP (getting older, eyesight is slowly going).

Just to let you know what I plan on doing with this systems, I do a lot of remote server administration, Autodesk Inventor, airfoil modeling/simulations (both are a hobby), and general usage. I would like to get back into gaming, a bit. I haven't had a system capable of gaming in YEARS (hence discrete graphics).

One last question: Coupons - Can the black Friday coupon (USPBLKFRIDAY) and (USPTSAVINGS) be stacked? That would be ~30% off

Yes, it's a bit cheaper, but not like it used to be.

I've heard the high nit WXGA is the best screen on the T400 PQ wise. Plus you can use it outside.

I would think not on the coupons, but it never hurts to try.

Ok, so I should just bump the RAM up to 4 gig and call it day.

Not to sure about the extra coin for the high nit screen, personally. I rarely use my laptop outside, and I am on a budget.

4GB (2x2GB DDR3) from Lenovo isn't much more money, so I would buy the memory directly from them. If you wanted to go to 6GB or 8GB (2x4GB DDR3) I would probably get that 3rd party if that were my money.

I would only get the 2GB system today if I planned to immediately upgrade to 6 or 8GB. Otherwise I wouldn't advise buying less that 4GB today.

Also, if you don't see a coupon offer that you like, I would call Lenovo on the phone. In the past I've been able to haggle some pretty good deals out of them that way. that's just an idea that may help you get a computer at a good price. Happy hunting and good luck!

After all the stress of Black Friday and Cyber Monday where lenovo servers went down and no one could order.

The Cyber Monday was extended to Tuesday and after a total of 12 hours and more than 20 calls to sales department . ( line keep cutting off )
the wait was from 30 mins at 4pm and then more than 1 hour after 6pm.

finally able to place an order..

Yep, monday was a nightmare.

I pulled the trigger on Sunday and ordered my T400, but check the sales on Monday. They added a 20% off coupon (Sunday could only get 15% off coupon).

I called the sales number, on hold for 20 or so minutes, explained to the girl that I would like to get the 20% off (took my final price under $1K). She made me do a "quote", fortunately the web site was working just enough for me to do it, and she said that I would be refunded the difference after my system ships. Thank goodness for their "price matching" policy!

Now for timing... my T40 CPU fan just took a dump a few hours ago, so I'm back on my old desktop till the new system arrives. I can't wait!

Heh... Lenovo Canada has a 35% off coupon until December 5th on all T-series...
I caught a 30% off when I ordered mine, but had to tack on the webcam to get it over the minimum price of $1500. (Ended up at $1508 )

Yesterday, they again came up with some very interesting coupon, check it out at their site. Their is new G series and they are offering $150 off coupon on that