1.6 or 1.86 GHz for X200t?

I have the option to pick 1.6 ot 1.86 GHz Processor for ThinkPad X200t. Price difference is about $40. What would be the advantage for getting 1.86 GHz instead of 1.6 GHz.

Primary use of the laptop would be surfing, word processing, minor photo editing and video editing.

Also, any benefits for getting Intel 5300 instead of 5100 WiFi card? I still G router at home.

 

If you do any photo or video editing then the slight in CPU performance is probably worth it for the small amount of $40. 5300 has more antennas and higher possible theoretical thoroughput. Most users find the 5100 to be quite adequate.

 

Agreed. I have an x200 Tablet with 1.86GHz C2D and Wi-Fi 5100.

The 5100 has 1 transmit and 2 receive antennas. The 5300 has 3 transmit and 3 receive antennas (although I think you lose some of these if you get the webcam). In theory the 5300 should achieve better range/speed than the 5100, but I have not seen anyone verify this. Otherwise the cards should be identical. And both should be more than adequate for your needs (I don't think the extra antennas even help unless you have an 802.11n network). I would advise against the B/G card though, because I have heard of people having problems with the Atheros chipset on the B/G card drawing too much power and reducing battery life.

The extra 260MHz will improve performance for Photo/video editing and is probably worth the small price difference (15% better performance for 5% additional price [assuming $2000 for x200t]). However, it won't make much a difference for web browsing word processing as both will undervolt to 800MHz during light usage.

I definitely recommend that you get an LED screen. It is very bright, has superb viewing angles, and is usable even in direct sunlight (I have the 285 nit active digitizer version).

 

I think I will go with 1.86 GHz and WiFi 5100. For screen I am configuring it with - 12.1" WideView SuperBright LED backlit WXGA panel (I believe this is the 285 nit LCD).

 

$40 different I would get the 1.86. All the little more can help.

 

That is correct. Your config is very close to mine (full specs and link to pictures in sig).

 

one way to decide is:

1+($40/price of laptop w.1.6) < 1+(1.86-1.6)/1.6

The equation balances at $246 for the laptop, so $40 is a good deal for a $1000 machine

 

Thanks to all for the replies. Finally, ordered one with 1.86 GHz and Intel 5300 since it was only $15.40 more than the 5100. Availability for the laptop was displayed 8 days while placing the order but the confirmation email is showing Dec 15th. I called Lenovo to check whether they can put it in critical order to receive it earlier and was asked to call back in 2-3 business days since the order needs to be placed in the system first and the credit card needs to be verified. Lets see how long it takes to get the laptop shipped.

 

Enjoy. It took about 10 days for mine to ship (first batch out of China). But mine was expedited and I may have been lucky.

 

Btw the critical order list doesn't mean anything. A lot of us have been told this to get us to stop calling, haha. We don't really know if it does anything special or not.