Does this sound like a feasible T410 configuration?

[sqldba]

Been watching the T400 for a few weeks now and excited about the release of the T410. I'm ready to place an order, but wanted to run this config by folks who liekly have more experience with Lenovos than me:

T410

• Core i5-520M
  Windows 7 Professional 64
  14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight
  Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD - AMT
  4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3
  UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
  250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
  Bluetooth w/ antenna
  ThinkPad WiFi

Accessories

• ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3
  Serial ATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter (40Y8725)

My plan is to use the T410 with the Mini Dock to drive two external DVI\DisplayPort monitors while docked (which http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/?p=349 leads me to believe will work). I also want to order the Ultrabay drive adapter, buy an SSD, put the SSD in place of the stock drive & use as the boot drive, and move the stock drive into the ultrabay adapter for storage. Is part #40Y8725 the right adapter for the T410?

Re: the fingerprint reader, does anyone know if it's recognized as a biometrics device in Windows 7? I'd like to use UPEK Protector Suite 2009 with it to manage logins to Windows, apps, websites, etc. but the fingerprint reader has to be recognized as a biometrics device for that to work.

Good config? Or is there something there that won't work?

Thanks,
Kendal Van Dyke

[zhenya]

Your order and plan looks pretty much like what I am getting ready to order, although I think I am going to wait for the T400s to be available again.

Note that you actually need the 'ThinkPad Serial Hard Drive Bay Adapter III' Part number 43N3412 rather than the part number you have which is for the previous generation machines.

The fingerprint reader on my z61t shows up as a biometrics device in Device Manager under Windows 7 64bit. I only use it with the Lenovo software, however.

Driving two monitors will work fine from the Mini Dock Plus Series 3.

Minor detail, but I was thinking of springing for the i7 processor if I go the T410 route, as it's a relatively small upcharge. I don't expect it will make much difference in the short run, but 3+ years down the road I may be glad I got it.

[sqldba]

Note that you actually need the 'ThinkPad Serial Hard Drive Bay Adapter III' Part number 43N3412 rather than the part number you have which is for the previous generation machines.

Good to know, thanks.

The fingerprint reader on my z61t shows up as a biometrics device in Device Manager under Windows 7 64bit. I only use it with the Lenovo software, however.

Awesome, as long as it shows as a biometrics device I'm good. I almost went with a Dell Latitude E6400 but they run the fingerprint reader through the Broadcom USH chip which hides the reader from the biometrics framework. Big fail on Dell's part for that one.

Minor detail, but I was thinking of springing for the i7 processor if I go the T410 route, as it's a relatively small upcharge. I don't expect it will make much difference in the short run, but 3+ years down the road I may be glad I got it.

I dunno, looking at the difference between the Core i5-520M and the Core i7-620M (http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=47341,43560,) I just don't see enough difference to warrant spending $120 more for the CPU. I'd put the same amount of money into other components (e.g. 9 cell vs. 6 cell battery) or use it to buy the SSD (I think the SSD vs. HDD will give much bigger bang for the buck).

Thanks again for the reply!

[zhenya]

Yes, if it was my money, I too would rather allocate the money to a SSD and better battery. It's not, so the better processor may be added too!

[sqldba]

Yes, if it was my money, I too would rather allocate the money to a SSD and better battery. It's not, so the better processor may be added too!

In this case it's my money so I am looking for the best combination of options for performance possible....which begs the question, buy now or wait for the possibility of a coupon code in the next few weeks? The mini dock is discounted 20% through Jan 18, and the T410's price isn't so bad right now either.

[blackomegax]

re: waiting for a coupon.
What about the cpp?

[sqldba]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is "the cpp"?