T520 Config - thoughts/advice?

[Jay_Z]

I am going to purchase a new T520 to replace my T60p (8744J2U) - any thoughts/feedback on this config? Thanks!!

For example, is there much of a difference going from SXGA+ (1600x1080) to HD+ (1600x900)? Much increase going to 9-Cell battery?

And, more importantly, thoughts on i7-2630QM (2.0GHz) - good option? Seems this would be better than 2620M (Dual Core/4MB Cache). Is it worth $85 to go to i7-2720QM (2.2GHz)?

Intel Core i7-2630QM Processor (2.0GHz, 6MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 6412
15.6" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA NVS 4200M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
6 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD recordable multiburner
6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
4239 : 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

Plus
3Yr Basic Warranty Extension
ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3

[Q-Ball]

Some thoughts:

It's not worth the cash to step up faster than an i5-2520M, unless you need the power of a quad-core (in which case the i7-2630QM is your best bet).
The faster dual-core processors aren't worth the cash required because for that money you could be getting an SSD- which gives more speed than an extra 200 MHz will.

Grab the least amount of RAM that you can and buy the rest yourself for substantial savings (a 2 GB stick is worth 30 dollars, not 80). But, 4 GB is usually enough for most uses (unless you know you'll use more).

If you get an SSD, I'd go for the lowest hard drive capacity I could since you'll be changing it out. Plus, the 320 GB isn't all that slower than the 500 GB models. Otherwise, get the 500.

Grab the 9-cell battery if you want that battery life. On a W520 a 9-cell battery will usually give you around 6 hours of good use (T520 will be longer).
But, if you're just going to be docked all day, or a short time between charges, the 6-cell will be fine.
So decide for yourself whether or not it's worth the 50 bucks.

As for the screen... the 1600 x 900 screen will seem like a downgrade from an SXGA+ screen because it's vertically smaller. So you won't be fitting as much on that screen as you could on the T60 unless you get the 1920 x 1080 FHD screen.

[sysiphus]

Hi Jay,

I went from a T60p to T520 too (though my T60p was an SXGA+ 14" 4:3), so I can probably help. The HD+ screen will do OK, so long as you don't mind losing the vertical screen space. That said, if you can swing the FHD screen, I'd do it--not only is the extra space wonderful (I can run two 100%-scaled documents side-by-side with a bit of room to spare), the FHD panel is of excellent quality. Not only is the resolution of the FHD better, but so is the viewing angle and color gamut. The HD+ is a grab bag; some of them are good, but others are dreadful (two manufacturers). The 9-cell is a big jump in power, so long as you don't mind the extra size/weight. Beyond that, we have the same RAM layout (I just did 2 stock and added a 4GB Corsair via Amazon), and same wireless (I'm quite satisfied, though my friend with the 6300 claims it was worth the cost difference...) I can't comment on the processor, since a low-end i5 was enough for my needs (I never bothered to research the i7s much).

Good luck, and have fun...I LOVE my T520, and I bet you'll love yours, too!

[Jay_Z]

Thanks for the information!

With a $30 4GB memory upgrade (Corsair 4GB is $29.99), I will save $50 - pays for my extended battery! Nice to have, especially when the battery gets down to 50-70% capacity. Seems simple I guess - just seemed like it would have been cheaper to configure this way.

Great to hear your perspectives on the display - coming from the SXGA+, I think it would be a transition in losing some vertical real estate. Although I also use an external monitor at my desk, I don't think I'd want to give away that much on my ThinkPad display - and, I'd have a brighter screen with the FHD.

While I've moved much of my photo/video type of activities to another system, I wouldn't mind the power in this system in case I can use this in some instances. I appreciate the thoughts on the i5 vs i7. I'd like the SSD drive but I'd prefer to be around 240-256 which is a bit high it seems - or, higher than I need to spend vs the speed benefit today.

[jvarszegi]

I'd like the SSD drive but I'd prefer to be around 240-256 which is a bit high it seems - or, higher than I need to spend vs the speed benefit today.

Buy an mSATA drive and have the best of both worlds, unless you need WWAN access.