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    Difference between L520 and T520?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ethamajin, Jul 9, 2011.

  1. ethamajin

    ethamajin Newbie

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    I am trying to decide between purchasing a Lenovo L520 and T520 from the Canadian website. I've narrowed both down to the performance specs I want, but I want to know if there is any substantial difference between the keyboards and the displays at 900p or anything else I might be missing.

    When configured with the 900p displays, are they identical, or is one "better" than the other? I would also consider looking at a T420, since I can get the same hardware specs along with a 900p screen. Any input on this would be appreciated!

    Thanks.
     
    ethamajin, Jul 9, 2011
    #1
  2. Pylon757

    Pylon757 Notebook Evangelist

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    T520 has the advantage of a 7-row keyboard, a much tougher chassis (magnesium alloy roll cage, CFRP lid), a Thinklight, Ultrabay, and probably a few more.
     
    Pylon757, Jul 9, 2011
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  3. kirayamato26

    kirayamato26 Notebook Deity

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    I think the L series has the Thinklight as well. But, yeah, the T series has all the goodies Pylon757 mentioned. The T series also looks better in my opinion and are lighter and less bulky, I believe. There is also the lid latch on the T series. I don't know if the L series has a docking connector or not, but the T series has one.
     
    kirayamato26, Jul 9, 2011
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  4. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    if you have the money, i would get the T series for all those extra features mentioned.
     
    lead_org, Jul 10, 2011
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  5. ethamajin

    ethamajin Newbie

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    That's great, thanks a lot guys. Now I just need to choose between the T420 and T520.
     
    ethamajin, Jul 10, 2011
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  6. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    If you're set on the 1600x900 screen for both laptops, what it essentially comes down to:
    T420 - smaller/lighter, not as good 1600x900 screen
    T520 - bulkier/heavier, a better 1600x900 screen (better colors, contrast)

    The T520 can also have a very nice, albeit pretty expensive 1920x1080 FHD high-gamut screen.
     
    MidnightSun, Jul 10, 2011
    #6
  7. ethamajin

    ethamajin Newbie

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    The T520 might have to be the way to go then. I would like the FHD display, but I can't afford the extra $250. This is what I'm looking at:

    Intel Core i5-2410M Processor (2.30GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)
    Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
    15.6" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED backlight Anti-Glare display
    Intel HD Graphics 3000
    2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
    UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) No Fingerprint Reader
    320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
    DVD Recordable
    6 Cell 2.6Ah Li-Ion Battery

    With a 15% off coupon I can get this for $789.65 CAD plus 13% tax, about $150 more than the L520 with similar hardware specs - except for the hard disk.
     
    ethamajin, Jul 10, 2011
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  8. ethamajin

    ethamajin Newbie

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    Well, in case anyone reads this and was wondering, I finally decided on going with the L520 with the same specs as the configuration for the T520 above. The difference in price didn't seem to be worth it to me. Since this is my first Thinkpad I don't think the difference in keyboard layout will make as much difference to me as it would to veterans. And I don't mind a little extra weight and the lack of the roll cage. Also, I don't think I would ever need to use the ultra bay.

    My primary use for the machine will be coding and doing research work for my M.Sc. in Computer Science. I still live at home (ouch!) and I've got a great desktop setup, so I should be all set for the next few years :)
     
    ethamajin, Jul 10, 2011
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  9. k2001

    k2001 Notebook Deity

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    Just to put it out there L series does not have Thinklight. The T series is also allot tougher and more forgiving to bump and knocks.
     
    k2001, Jul 11, 2011
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  10. wwcanoer

    wwcanoer Newbie

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    Major difference: The T520 has available discrete graphics card allows up to 3 external monitors plus the notebook display = 4 total simultaneously! (Usign the siThe L520 can only display to 2 displays total. (notebook + external; or notebook off + 2 external)

    I also thought that I had read that for the L520 "ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 eSATA and audio ports are inactive" but from the links below this is only stated for the L412 & L512.

    T520: 7-row keyboard
    L520: 6-row keyboard

    REF:
    ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3
    ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 for Mobile Workstations - Overview

    NVIDIA Optimus - ThinkPad Multiple Monitor Configurations:
    NVIDIA Optimus - ThinkPad Multiple Monitor Configurations

    Multiple display configurations:
    http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pu...iple_monitor_config_nvidiaoptimus_jun2011.pdf

    MORE:
    NVidia Switchable Graphics adapters vs NVidia Optimus Graphics adapters - ThinkPad T410s, W510
     
    wwcanoer, Sep 24, 2011
    #10
  11. makaveli559m

    makaveli559m Notebook Enthusiast

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    When it comes down to it the T series has better materials not to mention the keyboard.
     
    makaveli559m, Nov 20, 2011
    #11
  12. Kurusi

    Kurusi Notebook Enthusiast

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    It would be great to get feedback on your experience with the L520. What display did you choose? Do you also experience the constant fan noise problem? How do you like the keyboard? Anything else worth mentioning?
     
    Kurusi, Dec 9, 2011
    #12