T430 - Best Loadout/Bang for buck

[trl_path]

I am looking to replace my creaking XP laptop and was thinking about the T430. While the s is tempting I'd prefer the flexibility of the full fat model (longer battery time etc).

What I was looking for was any advice people might have about the best set up to go for. I was looking for the "sweet spot" between value for money and highest spec. So thoughts on the features that I should really include and the spec levels that can be lived without would be gratefully received. Is the nvidia graphics card worth it? What screen version should I get? Is the backlighting on the keyboard a must have? which processor? Is the micro hard drive a good idea? Should I buy memory from lenovo?

Comments, or pros and cons would be gratefully received. I'm going to use it to do everything over the next few years, hopefully in a dual boot win7 and linux set up. I can't really run to a fully tricked out i7 model so am trying to buy smart. Any thoughts/advice/warnings would be great.

[ZaZ]

Isn't everyone looking for the the "sweet spot" between value for money and highest spec, but that will depend greatly on one's wants/needs, which you didn't say much about.

I say unless you've got a specific need get the lowest i3 and stick in a mSATA SSD. Most people don't need much oomph and the SSD is far more likely to make you system seem faster. Other than that, the T430 is a solid 14" with an average screen, which is not usual in the history of 14" ThinkPads. Good luck and welcome to TPF.

[trl_path]

Thanks for the pointer. Basically this will be my main computer - used for ripping CDs to flac, video and image editing, using remote access portal lots of office work, riping DVDs etc. Also playing games, not the most up to date perhaps, but slightly older stuff with mods.

It would be dealing with a lot of files and storage, did you mean the 16gb micro sata drive to put windows on is a good option? Or would buying a larger one be possible/a good idea?

What i was hoping for was some pointers on features that people felt were really useful (eg backlighting?) and worth the extra money.

For example is the nvidia worth it, or do fan problems outweigh the usefulness?

With regards to the screen any idea if the (1600 x 900) is a significant improvement, or is that the "not usual" quality level discussed?

Thanks

[basketb]

If you don't mind a bigger/heavier machine I'll throw in this alternative:
Get the cheapest (used/refurbished) W520 with FHD (1920x1080) display and i7 quadcore CPU you can get (not sure about the UK, but in the US they can be had still with some warranty left (1-2 years) for around $700+).

• add in a 250+GB mSata drive as the WIN/boot drive.
• replace the HD with a 1TB drive
• expand RAM to however much you can afford (8GB is standard/minimum, 16+ GB is nice, up to 32GB).

[trl_path]

Interesting alternative - I will look into it. Cheers for the tip.