Battery save w/ discrete V. Integrated T61

How much more battery life am I going to get from going integrated graphics over discrete? I am already going to get the 9 cell but want at least 3.5 hours doing text editing and some surfing. On the other hand running Vista makes me think discrete will make an overall better performing environment?

Ideas?

 

I just got my T61p with the T9300, 4GB of RAM, and 570M (discrete graphics on the current/old model).

I haven’t used it to much but I'm getting about 32 minutes per 20% of battery life from the 9-cell while running:
-wireless G with Opera 9.5
-mid brightness on the display
-Very simple models in SolidWorks

The computer is VERY power hungry with my configuration at least and I would guess 2-2.5 hours will be the average battery life. I would guess that this could be dragged out to 3-4 hours of text editing, but running the wireless will make that harder. With a 100% charge the computer estimates 4:14 while idling, but that drops as soon as you start working.

If you go with the T400/T500 with the new efficient processors you can probably bump up the battery life to what you need since they require 25 watts vs. 35 watts in the T61p. Also integrated graphics will probably be slow and tedious, but I remember reading that battery life was estimated at 4-6 hours vs. 3 for the dedicated ones. Again with the T400/T500 uses an ATi card that is slightly less powerful, but much more energy efficient.

P.S. Do not get 4GB of ram unless you order the 64 bit vista business, they do not bother installing a 64 bit home premium for you.

 

AuroraAlpha, your model is not going to get great battery efficiency, its a workstation.

Raindown, these numbers from Lenovo are overinflated, but they'll give you an idea of the differences between dedicated and integrated.

Not sure what size screen you are planning, but the 14.1 is more efficient than the 15.4. With a 9-cell battery and integrated, you would easily get 3.5 hours. Check out this thread, and keep in mind that the newer Penyrn chips are slightly more efficient than what they are discussing.

Anyone have a 14.1" with a 9-cell and integrated graphics? I'm curious what kind of battery life you see in the real world?

 

Thanks for the help. I ordered with a integrated card. I don't play games and just want Vista to run well. I think I did the right thing seeing my X40 was integrated and did run into much problems.