Thinkpads Forum

I'm buying either a T410 or T510 this summer. I can't decide between the 6 or 9 cell. I hear the 6 cell can get about 4 hours of battery for normal use such as word, surfing, etc. Is that enough? I'm a college business major and plan to take it around. I just don't like the ugly look of the 9 cell and how it sticks out. What are your thoughts? Thanks! btw, is there a noticeable difference between the battery life of the T410 and T510?

My T410 came with the 9 cell for no extra cost because it was a special deal lenovo had going. Honestly, I did not know what to expect because I never saw the t410 or 9 cell in person before I ordered it.

Anyways, it just arrived last week and the 9 cell is awesome.. it doesn't really stick out that much and it doesn't look bad either. I actually think it looks pretty good, the only thing I don't like is the added weight. So far I've been getting about 6-8 hours out of it with the screen brightness low.

edit: also, in case you don't already know, the new 9 cell doesn't stick out as much as it did on the previous t400.

Thanks, How do you like the width of the laptop? I like the T510 because it has wider speakers so the keyboard can be further away from the side. Do you think the T510 uses that much more battery?

Not sure about battery life I'm afraid.

I wasn't sure about the extra size of the 9 cell, so went for 6 and bought another power supply - that way I can flit between work and home, and only have to carry a (lighter) laptop. Works for me, but may not fit your situation.

LodenCorp wrote:Thanks, How do you like the width of the laptop? I like the T510 because it has wider speakers so the keyboard can be further away from the side. Do you think the T510 uses that much more battery?

The t510 and t410 would both make great main computers for at home and traveling. If you have a separate desktop then I'd lean towards the t410 or smaller.

I personally think the size of the t410 is perfect, it plays a good balance of everything. The keyboard sits about an inch away from the side and it's very comfortable for me to use. I wouldn't really want to go any bigger for carrying around on campus and setting on desks. I prefer everything to be compact so I may not be the best person to ask, to be honest I was between the x210 and t410. If I had to do it again, my next notebook choice would probably be towards something like the x210. I also have a 24" desktop which plays a big factor in my decision.

To answer you question about battery life b/w t510 and t410.. If they both are equipped with the same specs, I'm sure the battery life would be about the same.. a slight edge to the t410 since it has a smaller screen size. But overall I believe it would be pretty close.

So you have a 6 cell for normal use but for work you take a 9 cell? do you take them both in a case?

LodenCorp wrote:I'm buying either a T410 or T510 this summer. I can't decide between the 6 or 9 cell. I hear the 6 cell can get about 4 hours of battery for normal use such as word, surfing, etc. Is that enough? I'm a college business major and plan to take it around. I just don't like the ugly look of the 9 cell and how it sticks out. What are your thoughts? Thanks! btw, is there a noticeable difference between the battery life of the T410 and T510?

I don't get 4 hours. Usually about 3. If I could go back in time, I would have gotten the 9 cell.