Help on t61 config please

Hey all,

I'm debating between a t61/r61 and a Dell 1525. I will be using it for general word processing/web surfing, itunes, legal database work (lexis/westlaw), and accessing my firm's intranet (citrix). I also really want something that will run photoshop and have a good enough screen to do some decent photo editing. I will not be gaming. Here are my proposed specs along with some specific questions.


This config would cost me about $1100 before warranty, and I would probably get the 3 yr. depot accidental damage warranty to bring it up to $1,384.

My primary questions:

1) Are discrete graphics beneficial for photoshop? I don't plan on playing any games.

2) Any advice on the processor between t8100 (2.1ghz 3 mb cache), t7500(2.2ghz 4 mb cache), and t8300(2.4ghz 3 mb cache). The 7500 and 8300 cost $40 more than the 8100.

3) Will the Thinkpad display be bright enough for photowork? I have always noticed that their screens seem pretty dim.

4) The Dells I was looking at had lower spec processors and no discrete graphics but a glossy screen, and cost about $300 less.



Thanks for your help. If I go with the thinkpad, it will be tomorrow night as I can get it 40% off with coupons.




System Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T8300 (2.4GHz 800MHz 3MBL2)

Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium

Display Panel: 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT

System graphics: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)

Total memory: 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)

Hard Drive: 160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Wireless cards: Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)

3 Year Depot Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection

 

hey, you might get a biased answer being in a IBM forum

oh, i thought you were purchasing the xps 1530....I haven't own a 1525

 

1) No discrete graphics really aren't a benefit for photoshop.
2) I would just go with the t8100. You really wouldn't notice a difference between that and the t7500.
3) The display on the T61 is a little dim. It really depends how much you plan on using photoshop. If it is just a little side hobby that you might use once and a while the T61 would be fine. Otherwise you might want a glossy screen.

Tim

 

Thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention that I like using dual monitors for writing and maybe for some photo editing too. Any advantage to a discrete GPU for those uses? My 3 yr old cheapo compaq crashes all the time when I plug in a second monitor.

 

I believe a discrete video card will allow you to output to a larger resolution for the dual monitors, but if your monitors can handle a larger resolution.

 

GO for T8xxx or T9xxx instead of T7xxx. Because 8 and 9 series are new penryn which generates less heat than merom (t7xxx). Between T8100 and T8300, I think .3ghz for just a $40 more is a good deal. I infact got T9300 which is 2.5ghz/6MB cache. But u will not require T8300. T8100 would be good enough. It is upto u if r willing to spend little bit more for cpu. My logic was I can never upgrade cpu but RAM/HDD I can buy later.

So I would look at reducing RAM to 1GM(1 DIMM) and buy a 2GB ram outside. I got OCZ for $20 AR AGO(plus if I get pricegrabber rebate it would be $15).