T410, Deal or no deal

[algid]

Hello everyone! I found this ebay offer for a manufacturer refurbished t410 and seek your wisdom as to whether or not it's a smart buy (especially compared to the new T420). I'll be using this laptop for software development with a little bit of compiling, but minimal graphics applications (a few YouTube videos every once in a while).

link: http://cgi.ebay.com/LENOVO-ThinkPad-T41 ... 408wt_1139

Thanks, algid!

[Harryc]

Seems like a good price. The 14.1” WXGA (1280 X 800) TFT is not the LCD I'd choose though. IMHO The WXGA+ 1440x900 is much better in a T410.

[algid]

How noticeable do you think the difference is? Is it worth upgrading the display?

[Harryc]

Well, lets face it they are both TN panels and the viewing angles are going to be mediocre on both, but the WXGA+ offers a clear bright LCD with decent quality. It really comes down to what you like as far as resolution. You can fit more on a 1440x900 screen, and the displayed text and images are going to be smaller. If you're dead set on this machine my advice is to try the LCD out for awhile and then decide for yourself if it is acceptable or not. Screen size, resolution, and aspect ratio is not something that someone else can recommend. My comment was just my personal preference. Either you like one or the other or you don't.

[pianowizard]

How noticeable do you think the difference is? Is it worth upgrading the display?

Like Harry said, this is 100% subjective. If I were to buy a T410, I would definitely get one with 1440x900, not 1280x800, but that's just me. To me, the difference is huge.