Thinkpads Forum

I have decided on getting a T410 or T410s but I don't know which to pick.
Listed below are my configs for the T410 and T410s along with the price I can get it at. I can change up the parts if I need to.

My trouble is that with the T410s I pay quite a bit more for less battery life, less solid construction, and most importantly less portability. I also get an SSD on the other hand.

With the T410 besides the lower price, I don't get an SSD. I am planning to put in a OCZ Vertex 2 or something similar soon after I get it but that would increase the total cost of the laptop by 230 making the total about $1110+tax which is only about $130 less than the T410s.

Hence I am really paying $130 more for less battery and much better portability.
Both have a 1440x900 resolution screen.

Any suggestions?

Configurations:

T410 $879.87+tax (CAD)
-Intel Core i5-560M Processor (2.66GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz)
-Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
-NVIDIA Quadro NVS3100M Optimus Graphics 512MB
-4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
-250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
-9 Cell 2.8Ah Li-Ion Battery
-Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN

T410s $1,243.48+tax (CAD)
-Intel Core i5-560M Processor (2.66GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz)
-Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
-NVIDIA Quadro NVS3100M Optimus Graphics 512MB
-4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
-128GB Solid State Drive
-6 Cell Li Ion Prismatic Battery
-Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN

I think I have decided to settle on this configuration after some thought.

T410 $812.23+tax (CAD)
-Intel Core i5-560M Processor (2.66GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz)
-Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
-NVIDIA Quadro NVS3100M Optimus Graphics 512MB
-2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
-250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
-9 Cell 2.8Ah Li-Ion Battery
-Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN

I took off the blutooth and the 2gb of ram. It's cheaper if I upgrade it myself (if I even need to). I'm also going to worry about the SSD a little later (but soon enough). I feel the price is pretty good so if I'm still convinced by Thursday I will probably place the order.

Congratulations on your decision Shadowku. I have spent many, many, many hours of my life agonising over which ThinkPad to buy (so in the end I resolved to some how buy them all).

In terms of performance, the T410s you had configured had only the SSD advantage (though that is significant if it's important to you). I'm curious, though, as to how you concluded that it was less portable than the T410? It's supposed to be lighter and thinner, and the only real option when the X301 is discontinued (). Sure, you wouldn't have the extra battery life, but Lenovo marketing expects you to pay more for that still.

When I got my T410 - which I love to bits - the T410s was another 50% extra. It seems it still is! While I wanted the portability of the lighter design (coming from a T61p), I couldn't justify the cost (funny, cause I came from a T61p).

Growly wrote:Congratulations on your decision Shadowku. I have spent many, many, many hours of my life agonising over which ThinkPad to buy (so in the end I resolved to some how buy them all).

o_O I see you have quite a collection.

Growly wrote:I'm curious, though, as to how you concluded that it was less portable than the T410? It's supposed to be lighter and thinner

Oops I meant more portability.

Too bad the X301 is gone, it seems like it was a great machine. I actually haven't bought mine yet... I was just deciding whether to wait to see what happens at CES. I think I have really decided on the T410 though, since the I won't be able to get the T420 at as great a price and it will be very new (I don't like being the first to get something). I should be ordering it some time soon. I just hope it doesn't take too long to get it shipped.