T500 vs. M4400

From the reviews (NBR), I think the quality of the Latitude/Precision is a bit better than the Thinkpad; however, the Thinkpad is still no slouch! DDR3 is definitely not a benefit for the T series as it offers nothing over DDR2. If you aren't going to be using the switchable graphics thing, stick with the Precision.

 

Please elaborate ?

 

The T series has switchable graphics: you can switch between integrated or discrete graphics on the fly in Vista. This means you have the battery life of integrated, but the performance (on demand) of discrete graphics.

Sgogeta4's comment directed towards this basically asks you if this matters to you. If you get a Thinkpad, you may get better battery life when off of AC than with the Dell (_may_, not proven). With the Dell, Vista will clock down the card, but it will still draw more power than integrated.

Personally, I read a little bit up on the switchable, because I was considering a T400. Turns out "on-the-fly" is a Vista-only feature. You can manually set which one gets used in the BIOS, but that means you have to reboot. XP will not be able to do this (as far as I know), because the architecture does not support it. Linux is the same way, with the exception that it could be possible for someone to write a driver. Nothing is implemented right now, though.

 

1: The M440, AFAIK, is heavier.
2: The Quadro FX 770M is much more expensive but not really more powerful (where have you seen the 6k mark?)

But the new one dissipate heat better, is light and is always user replaceable.

IMO, the T500 gives more for your money if you use the graphic card only for gaming.

 

Considering the latest nVidia news, that they STILL have the GPU problem, I'm really not confident about getting anything nVidia related.
And the Precision turned up in a few sotres in my country and it's waaay more expensive than I first thought it would be.
All that means that, I'll go for the Thinkpad T500.

But I have a question. I've been looking into some TopSeller preconfigured T500's in some US online shops that ship overseas. But none of these models have IWS (International Warrany Servide). Wich means, the warranty is no good in Europe. BUT, I could pretty much save about 500-700$.
Could it be worth it, are Thinkpads that reliable?

 

I have a Latitude D630 and I think it is better built than the Thinkpad T61 I owned. Again, from the reviews it seems Thinkpad quality is not necessarily as great as it always was. Don't get me wrong, it's still solid but my D630 is tighter. Not one creak and no body flex. The T61 creaked in the palmrest a bit and flexed in a couple spots. As much slack as Dell takes, it is the better company. The consumer line isn't much but the Latitudes are spot on. And, don't even get me started about Lenovo customer service and return policy (grrrrr). Nvidia was supposed to start using the new solder material to fix the heat issue as of the end of July (as reported by Tom's hardware). I'd do some research into the Nvidia chip just to make sure though since it is a high end chip.

 

Let's not forget the screen either. I think the Precision will have the better display between the two. And, if there is a problem dell won't give you a hard time or charge 15% to return it.

Edit: Sorry, i can't help myself- Read the user opinions on the new T400 for some insight into the "legendary" Lenovo support. You're fine as long as your computer is fine, but if not, well, good luck.

 

Lenovo blogs had one of their designers defending the new keyboard on the T400/500. But, many users beg to differ:

"#15 SteveJ Says:
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:13 am

I appreciate that you finally wrote something, but I disagree. None of your “tests” and whatnot will remove the keyboard flex from my T400, the “new” keyboard is simply “mushy” compared to my previous T60.

Not to even start on the cheap plastics, mushy palmrest, squishy “rollcage” under the left palmrest, off-centered screen, sticking out 6 cell battery… All of those great engineering miracles, unseen before.

No, I’m not a ThinkPad basher, in fact, I’m a long time ThinkPad user and I love those machines and I wouldn’t have bought the T400 if I didn’t. I have seen many decisions that I haven’t understood through the years, but there is a red line that should not be crossed! The keyboard is one of the legendary features that the ThinkPads reputation is built on, ones you lose it, you can scratch the whole brand.

This last “innovation” clearly shows that Lenovo does not understand its consumers. I really hope that you will realize and correct this horrible mistake while you still have time.

On a side note, it’s worth mentioning that the new 14.1″ Dell Latitude E6400, which I’m typing this on now (no, it’s not mine), is made of metal, has both DisplayPort and eSATA ports, and its 6-cell battery sits flush. Everyone, take a note."

 

Ok.
Thanks for al the good info. Since my only laptop so far has been and still is a few years oled Toshiba Satellite M100 series, then I think that even the Thinkpad (wich might not have the best qualities, compared to the IBM days) is a pretty big leap in performance and quality.
I really like the new Dells (Latitudes and Precisions alike), but the Precision is so much more expensive than my budget (in my country) and the Latitudes don't have the gaming capabilities what I'm looking for, the T500 seems almost the perfect machine - business build quality and good for some mediocre gaming.

Since I'm going to buy one in November, I've got time to see all the user opinions and study both of these laptops and maybe some other alternatives.

 

Quick question, are IBM and Lenovo related? Saw an IBM ThinkPad today.