Finding a college laptop

[Derocs]

Hello thinkpad community. I am going to college next year and I'm planning on majoring in computer science. I plan on messing around with web design and possibly helping mentoring a robotics team with first robotics. Consequently I will need a laptop that can handle running Photoshop for graphics for web design, something that can handle running a cad program such as Solidworks, and also somewhat portable. I'm planning on dual booting fedora 14 and windows 7 both 64 bit, unless you think 32 bit would be better for some reason. I may install the os's on an SSd and store files on an hd in the ultrabay. I would like to keep it under 1200 if possible. It seems like the T series is a solid line. I'm wondering if you could make suggestions as to which one sounds fitting. This is my first laptop. I've never used a thinkpad before but I've heard wonderful things about them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-derocs

[billp117]

Two friends of mine work for an engineering firm and handle all their programs with an X200...even CAD programs. But they do have access to a dock and monitor. You need to decide if you require the ThinkPad screen exclusively or will you more likely be plugged into a nice 23" monitor. They like the portability and drag them home every night, travel on motorcycles, and attend meetings. BTW...they both used to have T series laptops. I am sure you will get many opinions. The choice is hard to make because T series and X series all have their own merits.

Your budget is just fine...you might even find a forum member that has just exactly what you need.

Good luck...

[Derocs]

First off thank you for a quick response. Some forums ignore new members. I probably won't invest in a dock at this point. I think I'll probably rely mostly on the screen. If only the x series had a 14 inch option that would be great. The main laptop I've been looking at is the t510 although I have heard some people talking about the processor hissing. Can any one verify that?

[JMvS]

The processor hissing appears to be an intel issue: according from echoes I've read, it has also been observed on other computer brands. Alas my brand new T410s also suffers from it.

Given you budget and requirements: CAD, web design and dual disk, here are my humble recommendations.

First, a 64 bit system is a no brainer, since 2-3GB RAM is a bit limited for doing CAD and the like.

If you are looking at portability, I'd say the T410 is a good choice: the 1440x900 upgrade will provide decent workspace. Not too sure if you'll need the discrete graphic.

If you think you'll need better screen space and quality, in the 510 format, you might also be tempted to shed a few more $$$ for the better screen available (FHD resolution and 95% gamut, also, just in case at the moment there's a free touch FHD upgrade available), which might come in handy since you'll be doing web design. But instead of the T510, make sure to check the W510 offers and coupons available. ex: http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/coupon-le ... 18180.aspx
In your budget you can find a heavy duty ready portable platform ready for upgrades, with a more powerful graphic, more powerful GPU options and 2 DD bays.

Regarding the processor, you might be able to save some $$$ on the processor choosing an i5 560M rather than the i7 640 (or i7 720 if you go W series).

I haven't checked recent prices, but RAM and SSD upgrades will probably be cheaper to do yourself (and delayable).

[Derocs]

Yea, I noticed the w series as well. I'll keep the coupons in mind as well because that could make it a viable option. And I also agree with the i5 suggestion. I don't know too much about the different graphics options. Before when I've done cad/web stuff it was on school/other comps that I didn't own. I never made any sort of choices about aspect ratios or discrete vs integrated. And I was going to ask about the ram/SSd self upgrades. Do you know if there's an option to not have a hd or ram shipped with it? I know that's kinda weird but I'll buy my own SSd and ram and probably a faster/larger hd. I suppose I could sell the stuff shipped with the laptop and then install the stuff I bought. Do you know I I could call sales and work something out?

Thanks
- Derocs

[JMvS]

I don't think you can get one with no HD nor RAM, but what you can do is buy a minimal configuration, and upgrade it: 320 or 500 GB HD to keep as secondary, and 2 GB RAM to which you can add 2 or even 4 GB.

Regarding discrete vs integrated graphics, for CAD and shop the discrete is of course a plus, although I am not too aware of current integrated capabilities.

The issue on screen is mainly about getting enough working space, as well as good image quality for your web design tasks (hence the FHD 95% gamut), for all the other screen available are average at best: so so colors, narrow viewing angles, etc...

[ZaZ]

You could pick up the modular caddy for the hard drive, then when you get a SSD, you'll have extra storage via the modular bay. You could sell it via eBay or even post it here.

[Derocs]

Yea I figured that I'd have to have some hard drive and ram included. It turns out though that I might be able to donate a hard drive a charity in detroit where they need to make a server. It's not too big so the 320 would probably be enough room. And in regards to a modular caddy, I haven't heard of that. If you could explain that'd be great. Thanks

-Derocs

[ZaZ]

It's a caddy you can put a hard drive in and slots in where the optical drive goes. If you don't use the optical drive and need more space than your SSD can provide, it makes sense.

[Derocs]

O ok. I thought that was what the enhanced ultrabay thing was. I am very I interested in doing that

[MrPeter1985]

And don't forget the nice low prices at http://outlet.lenovo.com/

There are some nice prices even on new thinkpads.

[Derocs]

And don't forget the nice low prices at http://outlet.lenovo.com/

There are some nice prices even on new thinkpads.

Thanks MrPeter1985. I will definitely take a look at that as well. I've also been hearing some stuff about sandy bridge coming to Thinkpads? I just started to hear about that yet. Does anyone know what the latest on that is?