Optimus Technology on T440p

[s-fredo]

Hello to everyone,

Maybe a stupid question with obvious answer, but I'm considering buying a T440p, and wanted to know if the model with suggested discrete graphics card NVIDIA GT730M was using Optimus Technology or not.

There is nothing about it on Lenovo website (product page or shop page). Or I didn't find it...

Optional question : should I buy with HD+ or FHD screen ?

Thank you !

Fred

[Medessec]

Yes. According to the HMMs that Lenovo posted, it seems that the T440p does utilize Optimus.

You're fine, it's a reasonable question. Lenovo doesn't seem to document it anywhere, although I think it might be because Optimus Tech is now a given trait of any laptop using an Intel Core CPU and lower-end NVIDIA graphics.

In terms of the screens, it's down to your needs or preference.

Standard HD(cheapest option): 1366x768
HD+ : 1600x900
FHD : 1920x1080, highest quality screen

I'd look to buy the FHD if you can afford it. It will give your laptop the best residual value, and it's just always better to have more room on your desktop.

[s-fredo]

Thank you for your answer.

I would like to be sure there is the Optimus tech, so if someone could confirm it !

For the screen, it is not a question of cost, but a question of display resolution, meaning: it has to be readable and not too small so that I don't need a magnifier to work on Excel

Fred

[Medessec]

You're welcome. Most of us on here will be willing to help-especially if someone's looking to spend their good money on something...!

I would like to be sure there is the Optimus tech, so if someone could confirm it !

The Hardware Maintenance Manual I mentioned is the one they posted for repair and reference-it shouldn't lie, so I can guarantee you you'll see Optimus on the laptop. I was merely questioning the options list on Lenovo's website, because "Optimus" doesn't really crop up anywhere... just a branding thing.

For the screen, it is not a question of cost, but a question of display resolution, meaning: it has to be readable and not too small so that I don't need a magnifier to work on Excel

15" screen with FHD(Full HD) 1920x1080's a pretty good pixel depth, I think you'll be alright. But HD+ is a good compromise if you're really worried about it.

Good luck, and hope you do enjoy your new T440p if you do end up buying one.

[s-fredo]

Ok, thanks for all "Medessec" !

Fred

[systemBuilder]

The upgrade away from the basic screen (1366 x 768) to another screen is the most important upgrade. My last two laptops (T420, T430s) have had the 14" 1600x900 screen, and our Lenovo Ideapad has a 15.6" FHD glossy screen. BOTH are very nice screens. The 1366x768 screen, on the other hand, is simply a lousy screen and should be avoided if at all possible.

[llj]

Hi,

I have a similar question.
The config of T440p I am looking at buying has a HD+. Reason for not choosing FHD: I am worried that it might be to strenuous for my eyes if I go for FHD (>40 :). Wonder if IPS makes it that much better, but...

Point is, the config I was supplied is w/o a discrete graphics card (e.g. NVIDIA GT730M). As I am not into gaming etc. this might be sufficient, but it would be nice to have an opinion of an expert if this is a way to go, or is a discrete card a must have. All pre-configured offers that I have seen on-line have a HD+ AND NVIDIA on-board...

I can add a graphic card to the spec, but would like to have an expert opinion on that first. If required, is there a specific model I should go for?

Apparently NVIDIA cannot be installed after sales?

Thanks for your help,
llj

[kony]

If you don't play games or work as a 2D/3D graphic artist then discrete GPU is not going to give you much difference, integrated GPU will handle websites or movies just fine.

[Medessec]

The NVIDIA discrete card is very likely soldered onto the motherboard, which would make it impossible for you to upgrade to it as a separate part if you purchased a non-NVIDIA model(unless you bought a whole motherboard with NVIDIA graphics). It'd be better to buy the discrete graphics-your laptop would have better residual value and the extra power would be there if you ever needed it. But if you feel like you just don't need it, and don't want to pay the extra, then it's a reasonable decision.

HD+ is perfectly fine. It's the plain HD(1366x768) display you want to stay away from. I don't think FHD(1920x1080 at 15") is that bad of a pixel depth, but the HD+ display is fine.