Yet another "Which Thinkpad Should I Buy?" thread

[mbarker]

Well, it seems that my T60p is nearing the end, and I need some replacement advice.

I use Thinkpads exclusively, and for all the classic reasons: keyboard, Trackpoint, form factor, durability, etc. I tend to buy obsolete models when they are a couple years old and keep them for about 4 years. You could call me an enthusiast but honestly I never look at the newer stuff until I need to actually buy something- so I am pretty much in the dark concerning the nuances of models since 2007 or so. I have traditionally used T and A series machines in the role I am looking to fill.

Here is what I am looking for:

-Thinkpad (only), newer than T60p
-Must run dual display with a Dell 2007FP- this is basically a desktop replacement
-MUST have traditional Trackpoint
-Preferably traditional keyboard, but willing to negotiate to island-style if I have to
-Ability to out to TV to watch streaming content from websites (use of adapter to HDMI is fine)
-SSD if possible
-don't care about processor other performance related specs
-The best display I can get within the other parameters.

Price is not really an issue, just value for the money. I typically spend $500-$700 on my Thinkpads but that is flexible.

What should I look at?

[brchan]

T420 with 1600x900 screen, or W520 with FHD display. I would choose the latter if you want a very nice screen and don't mind lugging around a little extra weight. Both have traditional keyboards and should more than meet your needs.

[mbarker]

T420 with 1600x900 screen, or W520 with FHD display. I would choose the latter if you want a very nice screen and don't mind lugging around a little extra weight. Both have traditional keyboards and should more than meet your needs.

Ok, thanks. I would actually prefer the smaller/lighter machine. I looked over the T420, and have a couple questions:

Is there any reason not to buy a T420s instead? Seems that the features are mostly the same but it has a USB 3.0, and is of course lighter. The display is the same, right?

Also, can these (T420/420s) be reliably outed (picture and sound) to a television via the Display Port --> HDMI? Google found some discussions of problems doing this, but from a few years ago.

[brchan]

Yes, a T420s would also suit you well. The screens are the same and IIRC, all T420s models (at least preconfigured ones), came with 1600x900 resolution screens. They are the same ones used in the standard T420 models. Just remember that the cpu is soldered and not user replaceable, and durability may be lower (though still good). Not sure about the display port concern, however.

[ZaZ]

I would actually prefer the smaller/lighter machine.

You certainly could look at the X220 or X230. Both offer a very nice optional IPS LCD, though it is HD resolution. Maybe that's not a big deal if it's mostly hooked to external screens. The i7 equipped X220 gets you USB 3.0, though the i7 X220 tend to be a bit more noisy. The X230 has USB 3.0 across the board, but then you get the chiclet keyboard. I think the chiclet keyboard is pretty good from a typing perspective, but the layout has changed. If that bothers you, there's probably no ideal solution.

I did hook my X220 to my TV once using a DP to HDMI cable, when one of my my PCs wasn't working. The output wasn't quite correct, but the PC started working again and I never looked into it further.

I have a pair of 2007FPs hooked to my main desktop, one in portrait mode. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[Khipata]

I would suggest W520 or at least T500. Very solid machines, real workhorses