Decided o buy Lenovo, but which one?

I know this should probably be in the "What notebook should I buy" section but every time I post there, I get people telling me to buy Dells or other laptop brands. So I come to you for your help.

I am considering the following 3: Ideapad y430, Ideapad y450, and Thinkpad T400.
I just want a very reliable and fast laptop for college for very basic use. I really like the Y450 but I have heard very bad things about the touchpad and overheating. I really need a very comfortable and smooth touchpad.

So I have been really considering the Ideapad Y430 but someone told me it is the older and lower performing model of the Y450? The U series is nice, especially the U350, but there is no optical drive, correct?

The T400 seems awesome but it is just soo plain and kind of ugly. Also, its a little pricey.

So, hopefully someone can help me out because I am very stuck. I am open to other suggestions if you have them. The most important things to me are; comfort (touchpad, keyboard), speed, reliability, dvd/rw, and good speakers. HDMI would be nice too. Please help! Thanks

 

The full FAQ can be helpful (although asking in this forum is fine).

I would tend to recommend the T400 as I vastly prefer ThinkPads to IdeaPads. If you time the sales right you should be able to swing a pretty well specced T400 for a decent price.

Basic configuration points to look for:

• P8400 or P8600 CPU (good battery life, solid performance, low cost)
• Switchable graphics if you game, integrated only if you don't
• Choose a battery based on your needs (only the 4 cell is flush)
• WXGA+ CCFL or WXGA LED depending on preference for resolution or brightness
• Wi-Fi 5100 would be my recommendation, but ThinkPad B/G might work.
• Least amount of RAM and smallest HDD. Upgrade later at a lower price.
• Vista Home Premium (includes free upgrade to Win7 when it's released)
• Don't bother with fingerprint readers, WWAN, etc. unless you have a need.

Alternatively, the IdeaPad U330 may also be worth considering. It is basicallly a slightly lower specced and more consumerized (glossy display, touchpad only, HDMI out) version of the T400 (same ATI 3470/Intel x4500MHD graphics, DVD+RW, and 45nm montevina CPU).

 

Wow, thank you. I was juuust looking at the U330 as you replied. It looks very nice. Its still on the lenovo website so its not discontinued. I basically would like the more mainstream, "fun" version of the T400. You think this is it? Any negatives or problems with the U330 that you know of? I wish the U350 had an optical drive. All the newer versions of Levovo dont have the optical drive for some reason.

If you had to pick between the the T6400 or the P7450, which would you choose and whats the difference? Also, any thoughts on the Y450 or particularly the Y430?

 

And heres my FAQ

1) What is your budget? under $850 before warranty

2) What size notebook would you prefer? Preferebly 14"
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator. USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

a. Like: HP, Dell, Lenovo
b. Dislike: Toshiba, Mac (cant afford)

5) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Very basic college use: mostly internet surfing, microsoft word, MP3s, movies

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both? Both

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games or types of games?
No games but wouldnt mind the capability
8) How many hours of battery life do you need? At least 4 hours

9) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
Kind of need to see it to make sure its comfortable
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows

Screen Specifics

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

a. WXGA – 1280x800 or occasionally 1280x768; For people who like big text and icons that are easy to read. Less stuff fits on the screen, which translates into more scrolling.
b. WXGA+ – 1440x900; A modest bump over WXGA. Text and icons are a bit smaller. A little more stuff fits on the screen.

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? Matte screen, preferebly LED

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not too much, dont want something hideous though.

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? Need by September and would like to last at least 3 or 4 years

Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 500GB? Do you want a SSD drive? At least 250gb

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive? Yes, need CD/DVDRW

I just need something basic to last me through college.

Important features in order of importance:VERY Comfortable touchpad and keyboard, Speed, good battery life, pretty good speakers, reliability, somewhat lightweight

HDMI output would be awsome but is not really required.
I am open other laptops but please give me a reason. Thanks

 

The U330 does have an outstanding issue with it's battery where hibernating screws with the power management (no fix from Lenovo other than advising users not to hibernate the computer). and has one of those annoying double reflective screens. Besides these minor quibbles, it's a fairly good "consumer" notebook.

Still, I would get the T400. Despite it's looks (or lack of it), it is a noticeably better notebook.

 

The P7450 (like all 'P' series CPUs) has a 25w TDP. Conversely, the T6400 (like all 'T' series CPUs) has a 35w TDP. As a result, the P7450 should be cooler and more energy efficient (despite the slightly higher clockspeed). Additionally, the P7450 has a 1066MHz FSB and the T6400 has an 800MHz FSB. Both are adequate, but the P7450 is slightly better. The main thing the P8400/P8600 (and ALL of the ThinkPad CPUs) add is support for virtualization extensions (mandatory for Windows 7's "XP Mode) and good performance for virtual machines, but of little to no benefit for normal users.

As I stated before, I don't have that much experience with the IdeaPad line. However, the u330 does look from a spec standpoint as the "fun" version of the T400 with a 13.3" Glossy WXGA LED display, HDMI out, decent speakers, and other consumer features while maintaining similar internal components.

 

If youre not planning to be playing games, id go for the Thinkpad R400. its almost the same as the T400, but with Intergrated Graphics, and it is cheaper.
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...0019EA:&smid=71B5861F7B7A4D2D8E6D5ABC43C80769

Otherwise, also look at the lenovo outlet for the T400 cheaper.
http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops.html?series=107&condition=19&order=name&dir=asc&limit=20

 

Unfortunately, you're not really going to find the mainstream/fun version of the T400. It's built for strength, durability and reliability. Although the IdeaPads range from good to excellent in comparison to other consumer-oriented laptops, none of them are designed to handle a drop down a flight of stairs and still boot up!

With that said, I have personally considered purchasing the IdeaPad U330. Magnesium-alloy construction will hold up a lot better than plastic over the long haul. It also has one of the brightest standard LED displays on the market (300nit vs. 200-220 on most).

I liked the Y430/Y450 quite a bit, too. They were quite solid although they were made from PC/ABS like most consumer models. The Y430 has a 16:10 LED display, similar to the T400 and it all reviews I read were favorable.

I'm not a big fan of the shift to 16:9 aspect ratio displays on consumer laptops, but it's a reality. Dell, HP, Toshiba and most others have done the same. The Y450/Y550 seem to be fairly competitive among similar 16:9 laptops. I personally hate the white interior (keyboard, palm rest) of the Y450, so I the Y550 appeals more to my taste. But I'd probably take a Y430 over either one! And a U330 over any of them!

As for choosing between the T6400 and P7450- the P7450 is the one to get! At most, it's $50 more than the U330 with a T6400.

 

Ditto- buying a T400 with integrated graphics is a waste of $100 or so. The R400 is a near-twin and it's made from the same durable materials as the T400. *Note- the same isn't true of the R500 compared to the T500.

 

Greg2230,
Before you buy from Lenovo make sure you realize that their return policy is not free. Personally I consider this crazy for a computer company, but I like Thinkpads, I'm familiar with them and I know what I'm getting.

I suggest your read the post titled "Thinkpad Sticky", it's second from the top in notebookreview.com's lenovo forum.
link:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=334616

Here's Lenovo's return policy.
Lenovo will accept the return or exchange of a product in its original, sealed package for a full refund in cases of Lenovo error. Returns allowed for any other reason will be subject to a r estocking fee equal to 15% of the purchase amount. All returns must be initiated within 21 days of the invoice date.

 

Although I do NOT like return policies with restocking fees, there are quite a few companies/retailers who have them-

Dell- 15% restocking fee from the Home & Home Office division
The Small/Medium Business division allows 30 days, no hassle, 100% refund!

Toshiba- 15% restocing fee

Sony- no restocking fee if returned in the proper packaging and with all accessories, manuals, etc.- otherwise they charge an undisclosed fee

Best Buy- 15% restocking fee on returned laptops unless defective

Newegg- no returns allowed unless defective, then only for exchange

For the good guys who don't charge restocking-

HP- they don't charge a restocking fee, even on custom configured models, and they even send you a pre-paid FedEx label!

Dell Business- 30 day, no-hassle return period with no restocking fees

Costco- 90-day Return Policy with no restocking fee!

 

Hmmmmm, does the R-400 have the same roll bar and internal shell as the
t400 has? You say "it's as durable". Are you sure?

Renee

 

The R400 has the "Top Cover Roll Cage" (display/lid) and the "ThinkPad Roll Cage" (case/chassis) as the T400.

The lid exterior is made from Super-Elastic PolyCarbonate (SEPC) and the bottom/case is Carbon-Fiber-reinforced Plastic...just like the T400!

The T500 has all of these features, but the R500 doesn't have the "Top Cover Roll Cage" just the "ThinkPad Roll Cage". The R500 is also made of PC/ABS plastic, like most consumer-oriented laptops. But the R400 and T400 are virtual twins.

 

Now is one of those good times. USPSEARCH = 15% coupon. You can get an R400 with Vista Home Premium, P8600 CPU and 1GB RAM for $620. 6-cell battery is a cheap upgrade. You can get a 2GB stick of RAM for under $30, delivered, and be good to go.

T400 comes out to about $60 more, but with a P8400.

 

Lenovo's return policy used to be free. People abused it by ordering multiples of a notebook (including customized configurations), picking the one they liked best and returning the rest which could then not be sold as a new item. Now it's not free.

 

Get the T400. Buy the extended warranty, and add accident protection.

 

The U330 is virtually the same as the T400 but in a smaller chassis and it will NOT survive a bail-out of a 20MPH car...lol

The only differences are the finishes, the slightly down-clocked GPU (3450 vs 3470) and a smaller display (13.3 vs 14.1). Now the U330 has the P8600 CPU, making it even better.

 

The U330 will also deliver a superior multimedia experience with it's VibrantView LED (300nit) display compared to the Anti-Glare displays available on the T400. Lenovo's description states that the VibrantView "provides better color intensity and contrast ratios" compared to the Anti-Glare variety. So, for watching videos and web surfing, the Vibrant View is the better choice (although they are synonymous with glare when light hits them at certain angles and they're horrid under flourescent light think office). But at home, as long as you don't have an overhead light source or lamp immediately beside/behind you, they're great!

 

forget ideapads.. go thinkpads all the way!

 

IdeaPads are not that bad bro.
Yes, ThinkPad build quality is better, but IdeaPads are very good as well. You just cant compare consumer to business laptops, its like comparing a Latitude to a Studio, not fair!! lol

 

So let me ask you guys this, Which would you choose in the following

1: Lenovo U330 or Lenovo Y450

2. Lenovo U330 or Hp Dv4

3. Lenovo T400 or Dell Latitude e6400

4. Lenovo T400 or Hp Dv4

Keep in mind that I am looking for a notebook for college and I will primarily be using it basic browsing, schoolwork, and movies.

 

for movies you might want a glossy screen, if that matters?

 

U330 if you ask me. second choice T400. Followed by E6400, Y45o and HP DV4.

 

anyone else?

 

Wait, I re-read you FAQ, and the U330 wont give 4 hours, unless you turn off many things. The T400 on the other hand is quite capable of this.
So:
1. T400
2. E6400
3.U330
4. DV4t

 

I am partial to Thinkpads myself, so I say go for the T400. It is a durable machine that would be great for college, in my opinion. At college I think you would need an even more durable machine than one you would just use at home, so a business class machine, like the Thinkpad, should be a good fit. If you need it to last all of your college time, then make sure you get a warranty. If you are in a risky environment, make sure to get the warranty that has accident coverage as well.

BTW - I love the look of the Thinkpads, all black and sleek and professional looking. To each his own I guess.

 

T400 1st, E6400 2nd. perfect machines for college. but of course configuring it right is the key. devil's in the detail..

 

Yeah, I am in a total slump right now and cant decide. I have a friend that has the T400 and Im not too fond of the looks and its too business like for me. How about an Asus or Acer? Any reason someone can give me to rule them out real quick? If the Lenovo U330 can in a 14 inch screen or Lenovo made a more mainstream version of the T400, I would buy it in a heartbeat. And if the HP Dv4t had a non-metallic touchpad and a little better battery life, I would get that. Sooo frustrating that there is nothing out there that I really love....

 

Asus is famous (notorious?) for its short battery lifetimes, except when it comes to their EeePC netbooks. Personally, I dislike the look of their laptops as well, but that's personal preference. Acer is okay, although I don't particularly like their build quality.

Have you looked at the Dell Latitude E6400 or the Dell Studio 14z? Both are nice laptops, although with the 14z, you will need an external CD/DVD burner.

 

Okay, yeah I figured there had to be something wrong with them. I have looked at the Latitude and its a little out of my price range but not by much. I could do it. What about the Vostra? I hear that is pretty close to the same thing as the latitude. And yes, I am considering the 14z. My only holdup is the lack of optical drive. I have thought about it and I really dont use the optical drive very often but it would be nice to have the ability to watch a movie while away from home or on a plane. I havent decided on that yet.

I am currently using a Lenovo 3000 N200 and I really like this and I also get the Contractor Purchase Program so I get an amazing deal on Lenovos so thats why I really want to go that route. It may just not be for me though.

 

Then how about an Inspiron 14? It has 900P if not mistaken and LED screen in a 14 inch size. It has built-in OD. It is slightly larger than the 14z, and not as graphic powerful, unless you get the ATI 4330HD, which would give it a good configuration.

 

I just saw your Lenovo U450p post and Im super excited about that. I realllly hope it comes out soon and I will get that.

 

I am hoping the same. I read somewhere that the p in the ThinkPads mean high performance, lets hope this stays the same with the IdeaPad U450p

 

What are you thinking price will be about?

 

Knowing Lenovo this will most likely be the configuration:

So I would say around the 1K mark? Or slightly above if my supposition is correct. If not, expect it to be around %800ish...