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    420 vs 420s questions

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by themogul, Nov 24, 2011.

  1. themogul

    themogul Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    I had almost decided on the T420, but using the BLACKFRIDAY coupon and corporate discount, the price difference between T420 and T420s is coming out to be $100.

    1. Is it worth going for T420s?

    2. I would need a msata SSD to make primary HD in both cases. (which SSD should I get . 120 gb would be preferable)

    3. Does the optical drive support dual layer disc. I need to burn media for backup.

    4. Battery life: What is real life battery for both. Getting 9 cell battery, does it jut out too much? couldn't find any pics with T420(x) with 9 cell battery.

    Much much appreciated for helping out a confused soul :eek:
     
  2. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    1. The T420s is thinner and lighter but this has side-effects such as a less generous cooling system and will only (offically) take 7mm thick HDDs. If you value greater portability then it's a good choice.

    3. According to Nero Infotool, the UJ8A2 in my T420s will burn both +R and -R DL.

    4. The T420s main battery has small cells and is only good for 3 to 4 hours (possibly 5 if you are frugal). The capacity is about 2/3rd of the T420 6 cell. However, the T420s is also designed to take the UltraBay battery which gives a useful boost to the total capacity without adding to the size of the machine. Previous generation UltraBay batteries work fine and tend to be more affordable. I have one that lives in my bay so it gets the most wear. The burner is in the bag but only goes into the bay when needed.

    Note that the T420 and T420s both use the same 1600 x 900 panels and recent information was that Lenovo is using only the AUO panel which is the least good of the three brands used.

    John
     
  3. Quanger

    Quanger Notebook Evangelist

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    If you're going to consider the T420s, you should also consider the X220.
     
  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Least good, so you're a glass half full kind of person John?

    There's some pictures of the T420 with the nine-cell in the NBR Review here.
     
  5. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    It's diplomatic speak for "worst" but I didn't want to put the OP off.

    John
     
  6. lineS of flight

    lineS of flight Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well...now you have! :D...probably!

    But this is a real shame...one would have thought that they would have kept the LG option...apparently not. So, were the X201 and the T410 the last machines with the AUO and LG options (luck of the draw though it may have been)?