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    I want a Thinkpad T400 but... (Windows 7)

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Y4NK335, May 10, 2009.

  1. Y4NK335

    Y4NK335 Notebook Geek

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    Alright well I am looking to purchase a T400 within the next few months (Summer).

    I was looking at a T400 with around these configurations:
    2.53-2.8 GHz Processor (Both 1066MHz 6MBL2)
    LED Backlit
    ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
    4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
    250-320GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm)

    Now my only question is. I know I need a 64 bit operating system to fully utilize the 4 GB of RAM, is it a smart idea to upgrade to the Vista Business 64 Bit or would there be anyway I could wait until Windows 7 - 64 Bit OS is released and stick with Vista Home Basic?

    I eventually want to run Windows 7 on my T400, what process would I have to go through if I buy one now and then purchase Windows 7- 64 Bit upon release?

    What are the chances my drivers wouldn't be recognized?

    What is a roundabout cost of Windows 7-64 Bit upon release?

    I understand if some of these questions may not have a definite answer but looking for opinions from people with better computer knowledge.

    Thank you.
     
    Y4NK335, May 10, 2009
    #1
  2. Andrew Baxter

    Andrew Baxter -

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    Wait until July 1 to buy and then you'll be a part of the Windows 7 Upgrade program:

    http://www.osnews.com/story/20735/The_Microsoft_Windows_7_Upgrade_Program/

    You have to buy Windows Vista Premium or Business to qualify for this, so basically I'd recommend getting the 64-bit OS you need now and don't cheap out on Vista Basic otherwise you won't get the Windows 7 free upgrade when it releases at end of year.

    Lenovo will of course provide all necessary driver updates for Windows 7 at the time of its release and you could get those updates from Lenovo.
     
    Andrew Baxter, May 10, 2009
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  3. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Does buying the oem stand alone version also entitle me for the free upgrade?
     
    Luke1708, May 10, 2009
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  4. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    Highly unlikely.

    The reason why these free upgrade programs exist is so that PC sales do not fall off a cliff in the months leading up to a major OS release. As such, they only apply to machines purchased from an OEM with the soon to be phased out OS installed BY THE OEM.
     
    jonlumpkin, May 10, 2009
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  5. Y4NK335

    Y4NK335 Notebook Geek

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    Andrew, thank you so much for this information!
     
    Y4NK335, May 10, 2009
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  6. mrjohn

    mrjohn Notebook Consultant

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    I would doubt it, all the literature I've seen mention retail only.
     
    mrjohn, May 10, 2009
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  7. docdeh

    docdeh Notebook Geek

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    As for drivers, I am running Windows 7 RC1 on three machines currently, including the T400 I'm using for writing this response. Windows 7 has been better at finding drivers than any previous OS I've installed. I thought I'd have a problem with the wi-fi driver on one machine, but when W7 was installed it put all the former installation into a windows.old folder -- and all the drivers were there that had worked before. I pointed the new installation to that folder and it immediately had what it needed.
     
    docdeh, May 11, 2009
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  8. jedisolo

    jedisolo Notebook Deity

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    Windows 7 runs fine on my Thinkpad T400. After I installed 7 RC1 32 bit, Windows found most of my device drivers.
     
    jedisolo, May 11, 2009
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  9. zeusmd

    zeusmd Notebook Enthusiast

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    Same here, except the HotKey & PowerManager.
    Didn't try the thinkpad security and connection solutions, don't need them.
     
    zeusmd, May 11, 2009
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  10. jondl

    jondl Notebook Enthusiast

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    ^^Were any of you guys able to get the switchable graphics to function properly? I have a T500 and can't get it to work.. currently running the discrete graphics exclusively.
     
    jondl, May 12, 2009
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