Few T400/T400s questions

I try not to start multiple threads, but it's hard discerning some information when there are hundreds of posts and opinions spanning months of time here!

Right now I'm using a Vostro 1400 and the performance + consistent 50-55C temperatures aren't cutting it.

For upgrades I'm looking at a T400, T400s, or -maybe- an E6400, but I'm not sold on Dell after using this Vostro for almost two years.

From what I've read, it sounds like the T400 is solid, but has some battery/keyboard wiggle/flex, and lacks DVI/HDMI-out.

The T400s seems to have a much better build and DVI, but the $400 premium and integrated graphics seem to kill the deal. My graphic usage is generally 720p video and WoW, and my 8400M GS is just barely cutting it.

Should I spring for the T400 or is the T400s really worth the difference?

Also, here's what I have configured -

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
Genuine Windows Vista Business 64
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera
ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
No Bluetooth
Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
9 cell Li-Ion Battery
2 year depot 9x5 Next Business Day
ThinkPad Serial ATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter II

Total Price: $1,113.46

Does that seem like a pretty reasonable deal? I know there was an extra 5% off a while ago, but I'm not going to wait a couple months and hope it comes around again.

 

the t400 keyboard flex has been fixed
the t400s will not run wow playably
only you can decide if the extra cost for the extra features of the t400s (smaller/lighter, new (better?) keyboard, better touchpad, led wxga+, better camera, esata, dvi) are worth it to you

 

Maybe you want to clean your Dell out. The Core 2 Duo is still a very good setup. I thought WOW wasn't very demanding, GPU wise?

 

I have both, and if I dealt alot with video and wanted to play WoW, I would pick the vanilla T400 with ATI GPU and high nit WXGA panel. While panel on T400s is a big improvement over predecessors, the high nit panel beats the WXGA+ due to much superior contrast ratio. Dark scenes that require good contrast to look good, dont fair that well on T400s, while they are excellent on the high nit screen. That is just my opinion, but realize that I am extremely anal about panels on computers. Some less demanding people might disagree.

 

@wilse: I've read that there's still some keyboard flex even after the fix, but it could just be someone jamming down on the keyboard really hard. I think if the T400s had dedicated graphics I'd pay the premium.

@ZaZ: I had Dell replace my motherboard and the heat issue was fine for maybe 2-3 weeks and then it went back to normal. The vent to take air into the computer is on the bottom, which doesn't help at all.

@zenit: Thanks for the opinion. Personally I don't think the high-nit is worth another $90 - I've been pretty happy with the screen on my Vostro. I'd like the WXGA+ but I've read that the quality isn't entirely there compared to WXGA w/ LED.

 

If you want more performance for a similar price (but heavier), consider the T500. IMO Vostro's are like the R series, not quite as good as the T series. The Latitudes are on the same level as the T series. No switchable graphics, but a better port selection, screen selection, and equal build quality/reliability/battery life.

 

How about a little thermal paste?

 

@sgogeta4: I looked at the R series, but there aren't any options with a dedicated GPU. I'm definitely looking for a T or E quality laptop. I was thinking of going with the T500 for the ports, but the slightly worse battery life and extra weight didn't seem worth it since realistically I can deal with VGA out (my TV is 720p anyway).

@ZaZ: Do you think that would help? Should I just try following a random review on doing it?

 

I have a vostro 1700 which was in the same gen as your 1400 and its by far better built outside then my thinkpad, but at the price of thickness and weight. I love my t400, it is small light and gets GREAT battery life. The keyboard flex is a non issue unless you slam your fists on the keyboard. The battery wiggle is present in most battery options and the majority of units but trust me its secure. I let my 6 month old niece play with my thinkpad (she is addicted to that laptop...it is kinda scary ) and even with her drooling, banging and dropping it ~3ft or more its still in perfect shape.

 

I have to agree with you there - the actual body and keyboard on the 1400 are excellent. It's everything else that's a problem

What sort of battery life are you getting? I'm expecting something between 6 and 9 hours with moderate usage. Also, does the battery wiggle ever "worry" you, or is it generally a non-issue? Although, I'd imagine you don't worry much if you're letting a 6mo play with your laptop!

 

this is true, but it is still more demanding than i'd want to play on integrated graphics

 

Yeah I love every aspect of my vostro, the only issue Im having is that I think the GPU is dying. Im not 100% yet on the verdict but pretty sure.

Im getting 7-9+ on the intel GPU with quite a few things open. I have reached 10 hours a couple of times but more or less its in the 7-9 range for real world usage. The wiggle can be scary at first, but it really doesn't bother me much if at all.

They redid some things to the graphics engine with the 3.0 patch for WotLK and it has quite a bit more demand then before. But I have no issues with the game and the 3470.

Yeah I can play with the Intel enabled, and God knows I have loaded the game without thinking of switching to the ATI. But I wouldn't recommend it as it can get quite choppy at times. I'm sure it would be playable with everything turned down even at 1440x900 but I have everything turned up minus shadows.

 

I have a feeling the GPU is the same problem for me. No way to verify it, though.

7-9 hours sounds great, but the battery wiggle does sound disheartening.. how much wiggle is it?

 

I am in between T400 and dell precision, I dont trust dell as I do trust thinkpads and the T400 looks more ruggid, So essentially guys the T400 will run WOW playable with no problems ? comments would be very much appreciated ^^

 

The T400 will run WoW but not that well since it only has a 64-bit card. Personally, I've had better experience in build quality and ruggedness with the Dells than the latest T series from Lenovo.

 

I think you needs would be better suited if you got a T500 as you can order it with the ATi 3650 which is way way faster than the 3470(which actually isn't THAT much faster than the 8400GT)

On Intel intergrated Graphics I get ~6hours of battery life with 100% screen wifi/bluetooth on, and in balanced mode.

 

Agreed. You really should go for a 128-bit mainstream card.