T500 Review - www.notebookcheck.net - 2008-10-20

[WojtekJ]

Good, detailed review: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Len ... 970.0.html

[nykobing06]

Thanks for that link. Its the first thing I've read about the T500.

The deal is that I bought a T42 three years ago and its been absolutely awesome. At the same time, I fell off the IBM/Lenovo planet by not keeping up with these forums and etc.

So I returned yesterday looking for a new computer and on Lenovo's site I see a multitude of models.

Before I bought my T42, I extensively researched on this site and I value the reviews I get from here.

So...having said that, is the T500 worth it? I know like all new computers, they have their bugs and such (im reading about a few of them regarding the T400).

I love my T42 and I would like a newly upgraded, but equally reliable computer. I'm pretty settled on getting a new IBM but I'm always wary about new models....

any thoughts?

[WojtekJ]

Thanks for that link. Its the first thing I've read about the T500.
The deal is that I bought a T42 three years ago and its been absolutely awesome. At the same time, I fell off the IBM/Lenovo planet by not keeping up with these forums and etc.
So I returned yesterday looking for a new computer and on Lenovo's site I see a multitude of models.
Before I bought my T42, I extensively researched on this site and I value the reviews I get from here.
So...having said that, is the T500 worth it? I know like all new computers, they have their bugs and such (im reading about a few of them regarding the T400).
I love my T42 and I would like a newly upgraded, but equally reliable computer. I'm pretty settled on getting a new IBM but I'm always wary about new models....
any thoughts?

If you like 14,1 screens : T400 is a quite good choice cause of fabolous LED backlight (although it doesn't have a powerful graphic card if you use your laptop for gaming).
T500 is a good computer too but ... doesn't have LED backligh (with LED's it should be about 50% brighter than with CCFL).
You can also consider buying Dell E6500 ( http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Del ... 958.0.html ) or Dell M4400.
I believe that the LED backlight is one of the most important things now - I will not change my laptop on any model without it (in the future).

[nykobing06]

Yea im not familiar with backlighting so its hard to understand what I'd be missing out on.

The other thing is that this will probably be my last computer paid with my parents help (yes i know....lol). So i want to get a solid computer...one reason why I'm being drawn to the T500.

Why doesn't the T500 have backlighting? Is 15" too big for it?

[WojtekJ]

Yea im not familiar with backlighting so its hard to understand what I'd be missing out on.
The other thing is that this will probably be my last computer paid with my parents help (yes i know....lol). So i want to get a solid computer...one reason why I'm being drawn to the T500.
Why doesn't the T500 have backlighting? Is 15" too big for it?

Normally laptops use traditional CCFL (lamp) backlight. LED backlight is a new, modern technology that gives: very high screen's brightness, very even backlight, better durability and better energy consumption (so you can use your laptop while working on the battery for much more time).
If you buy for example T400 WXGA with LED backlight - the screen is totally the same as in T400 WXGA with CCFL backlight - the only change is a backlight (with all it's positive properties).
If you read this review - http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4569 - you'll see a difference in brightness between screens with LED backlight (T4000) and with CCFL backlight (T60). Important thing - T60 has overall much better screen than T400 has, but generally if you buy T400 WXGA+ LED and T400 WXGA+ CCFL - screen's characteristics (like viewing angles, contrast, etc.) will be the same.
T500 doesn't have a reasonable screen with LEDs.
Lenovo offers just WXGA (1280x800) with LED (not everywhere, on some markets it's unavailable) and you can't buy WSXGA+ (the best screen for most of the people) with LED backlight.
If I were thinking about the new lap now - I'd not think just about Lenovo T400/T500, but about Dell M4400 and Dell 6500 too ...

[nykobing06]

Thanks for the reply.

I've had a few Dell laptops ranging from their gamer/multimedia to the Latitudes (im using one right now). Its going to take a bit more convincing to get me to switch back to dell from ibm/lenovo.

As always, there's that one thing you wish the model you wanted had. Now I have to compromise screen size to get the backlighting!

[WojtekJ]

Thanks for the reply.
I've had a few Dell laptops ranging from their gamer/multimedia to the Latitudes (im using one right now). Its going to take a bit more convincing to get me to switch back to dell from ibm/lenovo.
As always, there's that one thing you wish the model you wanted had. Now I have to compromise screen size to get the backlighting!

I've had one Dell (Inspiron), have used it for a couple of months, sold it with pleasure and said "I'll never buy a Dell again" - so I really understand you
I'm not a Dell's fan since then, but to be objective - they created quite interesting models lately (for example E6500).
I've also had 3 HP laptops and I don't see now in HP's offer any model worth interest.
Generally I don't see any model that would fill 100% of my expectations (in any brand). I don't like 14" models (I consider 14" really uncomfortable for me), the same thing happens with 17" (too big for me). The only screen size I accept is 15,4" and I'm quite choosy in a subject of laptop's quality - it's not easy now to find perfect laptop and buy something without doubts.

[nykobing06]

Yea I hear you buddy.

Has lenovo provided a reason for not including LED backlighting in the T500?

Do you see any changes to this policy?

15.4" fits perfectly for me although I haven't owned a 14.1".

This is frustrating me lol. I don't want to wait another two months or more for changes....

The only grip I ever had with my T42 is the inability to use it outside.

EDIT: I highly doubt this but do any retailers have the T400 on display to go check out? Any other way I can do this? Sadly, I'm the only IBM/Lenovo user amongst my family and friends.