Starting college in the fall, looking at the T410

[rossmosis]

With the education discount and sales, I can get the "ThinkPad T410 laptop Performance Package" for a price that's in my range and can even upgrade to the better screen and add a fingerprint reader. I'm thinking of majoring in "Management Information Systems" and I was wondering if that would be a good choice of laptop. Of course I know this is a Thinkpad forum and I don't expect anyone to recommend another brand, but I just want to know your thoughts on it.

Also, does the 9 cell battery stick out more than the 6 cell? What kind of battery life can I expect?

[Navck]

6 cell does not stick out, 9 cell does and acts kinda like a handle.
Most users will get a runtime of 3-4 hours and 5-6 hours respectively. If you know what you're doing and have read my T410 guide, you can pull close to 5-6/9-10 hours.

Get the better screen (WXGA+), but the fingerprint reader is up to you. (Do you plan on using it?)

[billp117]

The T410 series is an excellent laptop. It is fast and reliable. I would say a good choice for your application. It can do just about anything. Although there are smaller Lenovo laptops...they all fall a little short on features as compared to the T410. If you need a DVD, medium size screen, and power...make the investment. The Intel Core i5 is a screamer. I just built a Core i3 desktop and love the incredible speed and stability. Here is a excellent review that helps you compare Lenovo laptops:

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo- ... 50851.html

As to battery life...the latest processors coupled with Windows 7 allow you to get good battery life. However, if you need maximum computing with about 1/2 day battery life...the 9 cell battery would be the way to go. Yes it sticks out. The X201 with a 9 cell will last most of the day...but it is not a T410. If you turn off WWAN, wifi, bluetooth, reduce screen brightness, and implement "battery stretch" you should be happy with your battery life. To say exactly how long the battery will last depends on how you learn to stretch the battery and use the battery saver tips. Windows 7 and ThinkVantage Power Manager 3 will do it for you automatically.

Good luck...

[Navck]

Ask me anything about my T410.

[emeraldgirl08]

I do not have a T410 but my T400 handles college life extremely well

[rossmosis]

thanks everyone I have a feeling I will be here often once I get a ThinkPad!

I guess the fingerprint reader is just a cool extra to have, I don't have much to brag about, but I can impress the ladies at college with my fingerprint reader
Anything else you think I should know, or anyone with their first ThinkPad, Navck?

[LodenCorp]

how about the wireless card upgrades? which one is good to get?

[Navck]

I recommend the 6300 for the third antenna for having better reception at similar ranges as a two antenna setup (Read: Higher speed at same ranges or longer ranges with the same speed.)

Oh, something about the T410 that everyone should know?
Most reviews, professional and user generated, are full of lies that often are very untrue. Especially the ones that are "critical" about heat and build quality. (The T410 compared against the T43, is cooler running and stronger, if not materially superior.)

[rossmosis]

Is there much difference between the "ThinkPad bgn Wireless" and the "Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000" I'm pretty much at my max budget right now, and those two are the same price. Probably shouldn't be getting a laptop this expensive, but I fell in love when I first saw it.

[Navck]

At minimum I recommend you to save money up and buy the 6200 or 6300. They're definitely worth the upgrade.

[LodenCorp]

At minimum I recommend you to save money up and buy the 6200 or 6300. They're definitely worth the upgrade.

there's not a literal antenna sticking out right? lol
What do you think about the 9 cell, do you think it's necessary for a college student? or stick with the 6 cell for 4 hours?

[Navck]

Have the 6300, no physical protrusions coming off the T410.

It depends, in a college environment, some classrooms have outlets for almost every chair in the room. Others will not. Classes are about 3 hours long sometimes.

I might recommend the 9 cell depending on how you use it.

[rossmosis]

Yeah, I'm still debating whether to get the 9 cell or not, don't really like the fact that it sticks out from the back. Does it really stick out a lot? If you can, a picture of yours, or a stock image, would be great

[Navck]

Why of course, have a comparison against my T43!
All users using 56k: I'm sorry you're somehow on this slow form of "internet."

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3378/dsc2141x.jpg
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/7326/dsc2144e.jpg

If those lack contrast, I'll make new ones later.

It actually serves as a great handle if you use it to take the T410 out of a bag.

[GrandMasterKhan]

Braddah the problem with the protruding battery is you have to place the unit with the lid side down.

[rossmosis]

with my college discount and the current memorial day sale, i can get a super good price on the one i want, i'm not sure if it's against the rules or not to post prices on here, but i can if Bill or a Mod says it's okay. I just want to get the best deal on the latest laptop, and I dont want to be kicking myself in late July if there's an even better deal or new laptops.

[LodenCorp]

with my college discount and the current memorial day sale, i can get a super good price on the one i want, i'm not sure if it's against the rules or not to post prices on here, but i can if Bill or a Mod says it's okay. I just want to get the best deal on the latest laptop, and I dont want to be kicking myself in late July if there's an even better deal or new laptops.

wait until september for back to school sale. What's so great about May? and they're giving a great discount for this "non-significant" month? can you imagine september?

[rossmosis]

that's true, but i can't imagine saving more than the $800 i'm saving now! thats like half off the original price!

[LodenCorp]

that's true, but i can't imagine saving more than the $800 i'm saving now! thats like half off the original price!

I say, if it's saving enough that you'll be satisfied whether you get a better deal later for a few bucks or not, then go for it

[GrandMasterKhan]

Braddah, max I think you save $75 more. You have to decide if that is worth waiting for.

[Navck]

Alternatively, you can try to stack as many discounts together as you can:
Shareholder (Not sure if this works anymore)
EPP (Find a friend, IBM ones still work)
CPP (Lenovo's friends and family one)
Educational
And last time I heard, if you're a member of IEEE you get discounts, too.
Whatever sales promotion if they allow you to stack.

[pianowizard]

I dont want to be kicking myself in late July if there's an even better deal or new laptops.

Computers and computer parts are always constantly getting cheaper, rapidly, with Apple products being the only exception that I know of. The best thing to do is to buy something only when you need it. For example, if you need a laptop on Sep 1st, then wait until at least early July.

wait until september for back to school sale. What's so great about May? and they're giving a great discount for this "non-significant" month? can you imagine september?

I don't recall Lenovo ever having a huge "back to school" sale. But I vaguely recall great sale events around Christmas and 4th of July in the past.

[rossmosis]

I think I'll probably wait until around the fourth of July, this is pretty early to be getting a laptop for the fall, when this school year isn't even over yet. I am overly excited to have a Thinkpad, though.

[LodenCorp]

I'm also overly excited to get a T410 maxed out for a great deal as well. I missed out on this great sale because my dad thinks I should wait but once it's summer and 4th of July, there's no doubt I can persuade him it's the perfect time. I hope you get yours on that day too!

[GrandMasterKhan]

I think in August the back to school hoopla will start and you can hit pops up again for your T410. Or, maybe when he's sleeping you can just get his CC and order it. Why not get a job and buy it youself instead of relying on pops. Show some responsibility and work ethic. That's what's wrong with the kids of today.

[rossmosis]

Believe me, I've worked for most of my high school career at a job that pays next to nothing. I totally understand when people say that kids need to get jobs, I've learned more about hard work, getting along with people, and business from my job than from school. I chose my job over sports and I believe I made the right choice. I have some money saved up for college and my parents said they'd pay for $750 for my laptop for my graduation/birthday present and I'd have to pay the rest.

[emeraldgirl08]

Believe me, I've worked for most of my high school career at a job that pays next to nothing. I totally understand when people say that kids need to get jobs, I've learned more about hard work, getting along with people, and business from my job than from school. I chose my job over sports and I believe I made the right choice. I have some money saved up for college and my parents said they'd pay for $750 for my laptop for my graduation/birthday present and I'd have to pay the rest.

Awesome! Keep up the hard work

[Harryc]

Agree with emeraldgirl08, it's always nice to see a hard working young adult. Good luck with the T410, it's a great laptop.

[GrandMasterKhan]

that's great. with a good work ethic like yours, you will do very well in school and in your chosen career. let us know what you decide on and if we can be of further help. i had thought all kids had become mall rats and slackers obssesed with video games and just hanging out watching TV all day long and eating fast and junk food.

[LodenCorp]

You should really mind your own business because I don't want to get personal