Buying a new laptop

[brentw]

I'm currently looking at the lenovo t-500:

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILib...EB421099C1676099E3EA34

The difference between the modle with integrated and the one with discrete graphics is 400 bucks. I've built PCs before, but never a laptop. Would it be possible and recommended to buy the one that is 400 bucks less and add my own graphics card? And for the ram, would it be possible and cheaper to add my own ram as well as a faster harddrive?

Sorry if my questions are stupid I've never delt with a laptop before. Thanks in advance.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Getting the one without the descreet card may not leave you the option to add one. Not to mention you probably won't be able to find a compatible one to add to it. As for the RAm its generally cheaper to upgrade that yourself.

 

[brentw]

Thanks for the reply, didnt think of that. The only games I'll be playing is diablo3, starcraft2, and whatever other games blizzard decides to release. I just want a very sturdy laptop that can play games with mediocre graphics. I'm currently waiting on the lenovo t500 to go on sale again.

 

[Drekce]

For playing those older Blizzard games the integrated graphics will be fine. SC2 and D3 will need the discreet graphics card. I just ordered a T400 two days ago and would recommend that over the T500, unless you are really stuck on the 15" screen. Mine was cheaper than the basic discreet version of the T500 and has an LED backlight, faster processor, more RAM, bigger HD, etc. The size thing is hard to get past though if that is what you want.

 

[IlllI]

80gb hd and 1gb ram? wow thats weak. for that price it should at least be double =/

 

[ColKurtz]

That does seem to be a fairly cold deal. If you live in the US, the only reason to purchase a laptop (or anything, really) between now and Thanksgiving/Black Friday is if you are desperate. Even if you don't do the 4am around-the-block thing, the shopping season makes or breaks many retailers and the price competition is always fierce -- especially in a sketchy economy when there will be less dollars spread around.

BTW -- if you are new to laptops, getting a 7200 RPM drive will probably make as much difference to performance as a RAM upgrade.

 

[brentw]

I may go with the t400...33 percent off right now. As far as the hdd goes, I read somewhere that larger drives at 5400rpm are around the same speed as smaller drives at 7200rpm. And I'd like a lenovo for the durability.

 

[ColKurtz]

33% off what ? Seriously, if you like it go for it. As for the drive speed, there is truth to 3.5" drives being faster, but that's a pretty moot point given that there are no 3.5" drives for laptops. Unless you just do web surfing, a 7200RPM drive will give noticeably better performance. It's a pain in the butt to upgrade a HDD down the road, too -- moreso than something like RAM at least -- so IMO it's always worth an upgrade up front.

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: brentw
I may go with the t400...33 percent off right now. As far as the hdd goes, I read somewhere that larger drives at 5400rpm are around the same speed as smaller drives at 7200rpm. And I'd like a lenovo for the durability.

i think thats true. plus vista is a ram hog. the more the better

 

[dinkumthinkum]

I'm thinking about the T400 too. But Vista is also an HD hog. Taking up 30+ GB on my desktop. That gives me pause about the 160GB 7200RPM drive.

 

[dcdomain]

Waiting on my T400 as well, went back and forth between that and the X200, X200 tablet and finally decided that I really wanted the power. If you guys know any friends or contractors that work for IBM or Lenovo definitely ask them to use their EPP code. It's legal for them to give it out to friends and family and saves you a bit more than the current 33% sale.