Thinkpads Forum

I am looking to get a T410. This notebook will be used mainly for Application Development, web surfing and ocassionally (5% of the time) Picture Editing with Photo Shop. I will also be using vmware to run a virtual Windows XP machine that runs an J2EE application that I will be migrating to .Net. I am currently running this on a 4GB desktop with a Core 2 Duo 7500 with no performance issues.

I dont think I need the discreet graphics. I think the Intel will be fine, considering how little I will use Photo Shop (I have a nice Desktop if needed).

What I am trying to weigh is if I should get an i5 with the 7200 Drive or an i3 with SSD. I can get them for about the same price (actually the i3 with SSD is a little more). There does seems to be quite a bit of difference in performance between the i3 and i5. Later on, I could get install my own SSD, but the chances of that are unlikely and I want to get the BEST fit for me now.

Also, I know I am in a Thinkpad forum but I am still not 100% convinced the Thinkpad is the right machine. To fit within my budget (under $900) I have considered just going to Best Buy and getting a new Samsung Q430-11. In order to get a T410, I pretty much have to go with a remanufactured. I am not opposed to that, since they do come with a warranty. But still, I do have to wonder if I am making a mistake going remanuf. versus new.

Any advice is much appreciated.

(Since posting this, I am really considering the t510 now with the bigger screen. I think I will be sorry if I get smaller than 15"...)

Later on, I could get install my own SSD, but the chances of that are unlikely and I want to get the BEST fit for me now.

sjudkins wrote: In order to get a T410, I pretty much have to go with a remanufactured. I am not opposed to that, since they do come with a warranty. But still, I do have to wonder if I am making a mistake going remanuf. versus new.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Good news: you can come in well within your budget *and* get a new machine. Here's how:

1) Purchase the cheapest configuration through the Lenovo Visa cardholder or IBM shareholder purchase programs (assuming, of course, you are either an IBM shareholder or own a Visa card).

2) Purchase an Intel X25-V, X25-M, or OCZ Vertex (not Vertex 2) SSD from NewEgg or eBay (or this forum). If you buy it and the laptop at the same time, it will almost certainly arrive before the laptop.

3) Replace the drive with the SSD. It will take you about 2 minutes and will require a grand total of one screw to access the drive. Probably the easiest upgrade you'll do.

4) Enjoy spending < $900 and getting a very fast, modern ThinkPad.