Buying last "real" ThinkPad 15.6", T510 or T520?

I'm looking to buy the last "real" ThinkPad T5X0. Would you recommend a used T510 or T520?

Here are my requirements:

Win 7 64-bit OS
Capable of running current crop of everyday business apps and surfing the web, YouTube, HD media playback, etc. without lag
Will install new SSD for fastest bootup time and snappy feel
Greatest keyboard possible
Solid, high quality, "built like a tank" construction
Proven hardware inside the chassis (mobo, caps, etc.) so I won't end up with a brick one day given most of these used T's are a couple of years old already

Thanks!

 

Where T520 wins is the ability to utilize a mSATA SSD in the WWAN slot, leaving you the main drive bay for a storage drive. It will also run somewhat cooler than the T510 on average.

None of them are anywhere near T61's level of sturdiness, though.

Happy shopping.

 

Too bad T61 tops out at 4GB ram.

 

No it doesn't.

I've got 8GB in both of mine that are in daily use.

 

Is there any difference between the T510 and T520 keyboard in terms of tactile feedback?

 

No. It's the exact same keyboard.

 

also T520 uses SATAIII vs T510 SATAII, and T520 can support 16 gigs of ram vs T510 8 gigs. T520 can also be upgraded to quad core i7, whereas T510 supports only dual core i7.

 

Why not get a T500? Slightly newer than T61 and a much better construction than T510/20.

 

These older machines also have legacy GPUs—and all modern browsers use GPU acceleration so you don’t want this if you plan to heavily surf the web. (Yes, web surfing will work decently, but it works better with a modern GPU.)

 

Define "legacy"...while one can't play modern games (I presume since I'm not a gamer) on T61/p with nVidia graphics, they are still above and beyond competent for just about everything else, and nVidia updates the drivers on regular basis...

 

Well, one thing to consider is that sandy quad was a pretty big leap from previous processors.

 

We both like our T61s for sure. How about "are any of them anywhere near a T61s level of competence/ergonomics/keyboard/screen etc". What about the T520 would a T61 owner say, after owning one for a few weeks "hey, nobody said anything about this! WTH?" I still haven't loaded up W7 on my T61 and am still looking just to "upgrade" to a new unit but it's tough to let go of my T61.

 

I prefer both the Thai keyboard and my LG WUXGA LCD that belong to the T61...yes, FHD panel on the T520 is nice, and better on paper specs-wise, but...this one is much easier on the eyes.

With that said, a QC Sandy Bridge will blow away anything that one could possibly install in a T61. Whether one really needs that power or not is a whole another matter.

My $0.02 only...

 

Same here. Must be the CCFL backlight. I usually prefer it to LED's. To me the only disadvantage is the shorter lifespan.

 

I settled on a used T510 in like new condition. What's the best way to test it to make sure it's not a lemon before I trust it with my work and take it on a business trip? Thanks!

 

Maybe it's just me, but cheap LED-backlit panels always seem to have a poorer color spectrum subjectively (if that's the right way to describe it). Better ones with decent color profiles seem just fine though. For example, I bought a cheap Acer LED-backlit monitor (piece of junk, even with calibration), hated the color on it, and replaced it with a better HP one before a year had passed. Though when I put even the HP next to a CCFL-backlit monitor, there's still a difference - the CCFL one is a bit yellow. Keep in mind that the monitor I compared it to is years old, but has few hours on it (less than 1000 IIRC).

 

Furmark and Prime 95, separately then combined presuming the machine has discrete graphics. If it doesn't, Prime 95 will do on its own.

 

How long should I run these torture tests?

 

Overnight would be my preference...

 

So is T61 really the "holy grail" of classic ThinkPad design? I mean a laptop that you can still practically use everyday.

FYI, I currently own or previously owned:

Z61m
T510
W520

These are great, solid, dependable laptops but none of them really made me go "wow". I also find the keyboards of the T510 and W520 on the mushy side (vs my reference IBM desktop Model M). Will T61 blow me away? If so, which T61 would you recommend and with what specs? I'm planning to clean install Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit if I can find one in decent shape.

Thanks!

 

It really depends on what one does...I've got two of them in daily use, and a couple that are just sitting pretty.

T61 keyboard is the same one as you've had in Z61m, but there were three different manufacturers and the typing feel varies widely.

Due to the "nVidia bug" buying a T61/p takes quite a good deal of research in finding a "safe" unit and these usually don't come cheap.

As for specs...everything apart from the graphics is upgradeable, so that's really the least of one's problems when shopping for such a machine.

 

blackthinkpad if you are interested I have a t61p 1920x1200 with a good nvidia chip with a good manufacturer date and a t61 1440 x 900 with intel video card, both have Win7 Pro, 128gb SSD and middleton bios. I'm honestly keeping them for nostalgic reasons as they are the last of the mohicans but all my IT equipment is starting to fill my storage area too much.

 

As good as it gets in my opinion...short of FrankenPadding...:thumbsup:

 

Just to clarify the good manufacturing date, it should be 08/08 or later. Even then there is still a small risk.

As much as I love the T61 (my old one was given to my friend about 2 years ago to replace his dead T42 and still going strong), I think (and this is purely my opinion) they are too old to be trusted in the field. Awesome machines in their day and still good 'net surfers. But to use one as a primary machine is asking for trouble. Again, this is all my opinion. I have been using Thinkpads for the past 15 years and have just a *tad* bit of experience with them.

If you are set on a 15" screen get the T510 or T520. If 14" is fine, then get a T410. I don't recommend the newer models because of personal bias. I can't stand 16:9 LCD's. Not enough vertical space for me.

 

If I'm set on the "ultimate" 4:3 TP, would you recommend T61 14" (1400 x 1050, SXGA+) with Intel integrated graphics or the older T60 15" (1600 x 1200) with IPS Flexview?

 

"Ultimate" would equal a FrankenPad...check out my current one here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/not...en-4-3-aspect-ratio-new-limits-times-two.html

And nothing beats a FlexView...

 

that's one fine machine, do you know the FRU or PN for the qxga, I might try and find one for my t61p and keep it forever. Also to the OP the t510 will run hotter, have less battery, no msata, and will only take 4gb sodimms. I promise you if you are in search of the last thinkpad and plan on keeping it 8gb ram will probably not be enough in the near future. If my t61p did 16gb of ram it'd be my main machine.

 

FRU is 92P6684.

The panel itself was made by ID Tech, models in question are IAQX10S or IAQX10N.

IBM used to charge $1200 for that upgrade on R50p, the only ThinkPad that this LCD was offered on a decade ago.

Good luck finding one under $400 even nowadays...

 

What is different about the Thai keyboard? I have one on a R61e, but it just seems like an ordinary keyboard with Thai characters added to regular keys to me (it is the only ThinkPad I have used). Do I have something special that I am not appreciating? Thanks, -Paul

 

It's not about Thai layout.

It's a reference to "Made In Thailand" NMB keyboard, with any given layout. These are referred to - by most "old school" ThinkPadders - as "Thai keyboards".

 

T520 all the way. the FHD screen is wonderful, and Sandy Bridge was a massive CPU generation leap. While it is not as "solid" as its predecessors, it is more solid than much of its competition.

 

Don't be stupid and buy old computer stuff.

Just get a T550. They are just fine.

 

Have you actually tested one in person?

 

the new W550s is pretty nice. But i am holding off my purchase for the ultimate ThinkPad.

 

Which would be? A T550s might tempt me as I don't need much mobility, but since my Dell is under warranty for 2.5 more years, I can't see upgrading in the near future. Of course I always say that, but upgrade anyway.

 

Oh come on old friend, you're a Mod on TPF and certainly aware of the worst-kept-secret when it comes to Lenovo's upcoming offerings...

 

Where in the world would you even find a T520 with Full HD and quad CPU in immaculate condition??

 

That's really not all that difficult if one is willing to pay a realistic price for a system in top condition...although a W520 would likely be an easier find.

 

Thank you for the answer, but boy does it make me feel like a N00B!

And thanks for the info you have shared, I have learned a lot from your posts.

Will be taking a close look at the keyboards on my new eBay treasures. -Paul

 

Argh now I'm dying to know! It seems to be reasonably well-kept. Google-proof at the very least.

I take that back.​

 

Honestly, I'm not that bright.

 

Oy, I have at home:
R30 (was my router till something took out its LAN port, laser printer, and switch)
T43 (current router/firewall)
T60 4:3
T61P (still rock solid)
2x X201
T400

and at work I have:
2x T60 (wide)
1x x61T
3x T500 (1680x1050 switchable)
4x T510

I think the T43 had the best feeling build of them all, with the T60 4:3 coming in second. The wide T60s feel good too. I really loved how the T43 felt back when I was using it.

The hinges on my T61p have been crappy, I even replaced them once and they were still crappy. I also had to put tape under the kb to try and fill up a gap so the kb wouldn't knock if I remember correctly, that was a while ago though. The brightness of the screen backlight isn't very consistent either. She's still solid as a rock though!

I like the T500s over the T6x series, my only problem is the gap under the kb on the left side which makes it feel kinda crappy. Seems like such a simple but important annoyance they should have fixed before they shipped (all 3 at work are like that). I think one of the units at work i put some electrical tape on bottom of kb to fill up that space, which made it feel a lot better.

And I really like the T510 over the T500, they just seem nicer all around. The screen seems to have a nicer look (color), docking stations are better (though does suck that they are dif from the T500's and below). KB feels better than T500's and it's runnin' a newer gen cpu.

I don't really have any complaints about my x201 other than wanting more vertical rez at times.

I dunno, I wouldn't worry about using anything up to a T510 really (I don't know any of models beyond that).

I'd like to get a T400 or T410 so I can have something that's not as big as the 15"ers. The T400 I have now is used by someone else.

 

why not just go with a w520, aren't the t520 and w520 physically the same chasis. But you get a quad, better graphics, and 4 dimm support with the w520

 

Argh, I can only find T1/W1... Any google hints would be helpful!

 

I'd just go for a T520. Nothing wrong with more performance, SATA III (which can leverage your SSD) and probably better battery life to boot

 

I'm a rare duck in that I *like* the T530 keyboard. Yes it's island-style but still the normal layout. The rest of the laptop is essentially a T520 with upgraded innards. With the lid closed the T520 and T530 are identical.

 

"Normal" layout for other manufacturers - maybe - but not for a ThinkPad. I'm certain that you've noticed a row missing - along with a few keys getting removed altogether - when going from a *20 series machine to *30 series unit.

I will agree with you that the keyboard itself is of very good quality, and likely the best island one around.

 

I don't like the missing Pause button since I use that to full screen RDP sessions.

Also I think the layout of my T510 was perfect, not sure why they had to change it. The button action isn't my favorite though.