Will the GPU be enough?

I am looking for a laptop for Computer Science the next 4 years, and I can get the Thinkpad 410 for a great price right now with a SSD. It's only $100 to upgrade to a 128gb SSD, a free 9 cell battery upgrade, and an awesome student discount + May coupon worth another $150. The only problem is that it has Intel HD graphics. If I'm going to be doing CS, will the integrated GPU be enough? I'm not 100% sure what type of tasks I will need it for, there will probably be some graphic design also. Is it enough for light gaming either?

 

It's enough for VERY light gaming (ie, current games at 800x600 and low settings), but it should do everything you need that's Computer Science related.

<=== Has a degree in Math/CS

 

In response to your PM:

The NVS 3100M is about twice as fast as the integrated Intel graphics. But that machine would also be pretty good for a development machine.

Software development doesn't have a terribly high requirement on the system. The high requirements are usually the supporting tools and the applications you develop.

 

If your game is counterstrike, then yes, using the integrated graphics will work very well.

 

i would get the NVS.. after all it hardly uses 2-3W more than the Intel HD... better to have more performance on hand especially if ur using a laptop for a long time.