Time to purchase a new notebook!

[S-C-3-1-3]

Hi, all!

I have decided to retire my X201T and purchase a new computer.

I do not use my notebooks for playing games and the X201T's performance has served me nicely. As I will use this computer for many hours daily, build quality and reliability are of utmost importance.

My budget is a maximum of $2000 CAD including shipping, taxes, warranty, as well as memory and SSD upgrades. All of the options I have looked at are below this amount. Below is the lost, in the order of priority, of what I am looking for.

1. Build quality and reliability
2. Warranty options (Will be upgrading to 4 years or hopefully 5)
3. Typing experience
4. Upgrade abilities with reasonably easy access to components (Will be upgrading memory and SDD)
5. Processor (Am content with the X201T's speed, but am certain any modern processor is quicker)
6. Screen, maximum 14" (Am content with X201T's screen, but would not mind ability to connect to TV with audio, though not completely necessary)
7. Battery life (Usually am always connected to AC adapter, but over 3 hours would be nice)

I have been looking at Lenovo's X240 and T440, HP's Elitebook 820, and Dell's Lattitude E6440. I am concerned with the large button-less track-pads. Does one have to be careful not to move the mouse when typing? I had an HP Pavilion that required one to arch one's hand when typing to avoid moving the pointer and it was frustrating!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post! Any feedback or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

[Puppy]

Definitely not the X240. It has so many issues, it is likely the worst X model ever. And T440 is not much better ... As for these HP/Dell, no IPS (or other non-TN garbage) display - no deal. I would wait for the next ThinkPad generation, at least they will bring trackpoint buttons back (hopefully).

Check this Asus http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=116134

[S-C-3-1-3]

Definitely not the X240. It has so many issues, it is likely the worst X model ever. And T440 is not much better ... As for these HP/Dell, no IPS (or other non-TN garbage) display - no deal. I would wait for the next ThinkPad generation, at least they will bring trackpoint buttons back (hopefully).

Check this Asus http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=116134

Thank you for your response. IPS Is completely irrelevant.

[ajkula66]

I agree that if you're intent on sticking with ThinkPads you should wait for the next generation.

Out of your list as it stands now, HP EliteBook 820 would be my pick given that the IPS LCD is not a requirement.

[ZaZ]

If the trackpoint were a bit better, my Dell would be tough to beat from a value perspective given what I paid for it. I am slowing improving with the Dell, but both my HTPCs have a ThinkPad keyboard so I am reminded on a daily basis of what could have been.

[pianowizard]

I am concerned with the large button-less track-pads.

The current Thinkpads probably have the worst clickpads among all laptop brands. In general, I prefer touchpads (with buttons) over trackpoints. But if I owned any of the current Thinkpads, I would disable their clickpads and use their trackpoints exclusively. IMO, the hidden trackpoint buttons actually work okay.

Despite all the disappointing Thinkpads that came out in the past 5 - 7 years, I still hold the belief (or superstition?) that they are slightly more reliable than the typical Elitebooks and Latitudes, though the best Elitebooks and Latitudes should be as reliable as the best Thinkpads. However, I don't think the 820 and E6440 have been around for long enough for anyone to know whether they are among the best Elitebooks and Latitudes. I do know that the E6440's design, which started with the E6420 generation, is more robust than the design that the E6400 and E6410 had. But I have to say the E6400 and E6410 looked prettier, and as a laptop aficionado I do care a lot about aesthetics.

In terms of typing experience, I would avoid keyboards with flat key caps, thereby ruling out the Elitebook 820. But the mechanics of individual keys is just one aspect of typing; the other aspect is keyboard layout, and Lenovo has screwed that up big time.

As far as upgradeability, service manuals are available for all the laptops you listed, so you can look through them and judge for yourself which one is the easiest to upgrade. Most "standard" business-class laptops are still fairly easy to upgrade. Only the ones that try to be super thin and light are tricky.

Most DisplayPort outputs (including Mini DisplayPort) and all HDMI outputs carry audio as well as video signals. All the laptops on your list can transmit HDMI signals to your TV, either directly (the E6440) or through a simple DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter ($4 on eBay).

In the poll, I voted for the E6440 since it has the fewest shortcomings among the four laptops. I doubt I would ever buy one for myself though: as I mentioned, I don't like its looks.