Thinkpad Series T410-T520 – Which one to buy?
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Thinkpad Series T410- T520 – Which one to buy?
Given the bewildering array of models within each series, making an intelligent selection, is not an easy task. Nevertheless I think that, following the 3 steps given below, will simplify the process to some extent.
- Step 1: Select the screen size you are comfortable with. Is it 14″ or 15.6″?. Because the Thinkpad T410 through T520 comes in only these two screen sizes.
If you choose screen size -14″, you can narrow down your selection in series T410, T410S, T420, T420S
or
If you choose 15.6″ you can limit your search in just two series T510 and T520. - Step 2: Since all of the Thinkpad T410 through T520 laptops have differentiating features classified under 7 broad categories, your choice can be narrowed down to looking under which ever category or categories that appeal to you most.
- Core Technology – If performance is your overriding concern then you need to focus features listed under this category. For information click on the tab Core Technology in the following table and select the series
- Display and Graphics – If great visuals are important to you, than features listed under this category are important to you.
- Security and Protection: If data contained in the laptop is more important and if you must be absolutely sure that it does not fall in the wrong hands, then pay close attention to the features listed in this category.
- Multimedia Features: If you are a social butterfly or into photography or music, movie or used to make Internet calls through the computer, then features listed under here is important
- Built-in solutions and convenience: If ease of use and peace of mind is all that care about, then the features listed here are important
- Connectivity: If you are a professional ‘on-the-go’ and need to be connected to the Internet or your head office wherever you are, then the features listed here deserve close scrutiny.
- Environment and energy: Finally, if you care about the environment and the impact this laptop you intend to buy has on it by way of its manufacture or its use then look into the features listed here. At least you will save on your power bills if not the environment.
Note: if you are not clear about any feature under a particular category say Core Technology ( the current active tab colored red)
then click on the tab(right next to it- to the right I mean, which turns blue as you move your mouse pointer over it) ‘features explained’ to get an explanation.
Here is your much awaited table:
Core Technology
Feature T410 T410s T420 T420s T510 T520 Core technology Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows® 7 NO NO Yes Yes NO Yes Windows® 7 Lenovo Enhanced Experience PC Yes Yes NO NO Yes NO 2nd generation Intel® Core i series processors NO NO Yes Yes NO Yes Previous generation Intel® Core processor technology Yes Yes NO NO Yes NO Microsoft Office Starter 2010 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Solid-state storage drives Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports NO NO NO Yes NO NO
Features Explained
Core technology
Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows® 7
Identify those Lenovo PCs that have superior functionality using this certification. Such Enhanced Experience 2.0 PCs employ Lenovo’s RapidBoot technology. System files, processes, and hardware settings are optimized for performance; Example: Booting into Windows and shutting down the system is made noticably faster ( on an average startup time reduced by 20 secs).
Windows® 7 Lenovo Enhanced Experience PC
Similar to the one above but with emphasis on faster start up and connection times and with additional entertainment and business features.
2nd generation Intel® Core i series processors
Select T series models that come with 2nd generation Intel® Core i series processors benefit with the later version (2.0) of Turbo Boost Technology. End result: Better performance and improved built-in visuals.
Previous generation Intel® Core™ processor technology
As the name implies the technology employed is an older version but still tuned towards impressive mobile performance, longer battery life through energy-efficient processes.
Microsoft Office Starter 2010
All models within the series T410 through T520, come with the free Microsoft Office Starter 2010 productivity suite. The suite comes Word and Excel, but with the limited functionality. Powerpoint or Outlook are not included. The cost of the software is offset with advertising. Option is there to upgrade to a full-featured, comprehensive suite, free of ads through purchase Product Key or DVD.
Solid-state storage drives
Solid-state storage drives that replace the current magnetic storage hard drives, use Flash memory to store data. Because these drives have no moving parts, they are lighter, consume less power, offer improved performance(faster boot times, faster access to stored data) and reliability.
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports
Out of the many series listed only T420S comes with latest USB 3.0 interface. The USB 3.0 port is distinguished from the other USB 2.0 ports through its unique blue color. Since USB 3.0 interface is capable of transferring data @ roughly 4.0 Gbits/ Sec (which is 10 times faster than the traditional USB 2.0 ports) it is particularly suited for very fast transfer of large files. USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB 2.0 interface thus enabling connection of USB 2.0 devices in USB 3.0 port.
Display and Graphics
Feature T410 T410s T420 T420s T510 T520 Displays and graphics NVIDIA® Optimus technology Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models LED backlit displays Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Features Explained
Displays and graphics
NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology
Some select T series models employ Optimus technology for graphics. As the name implies, it optimizes power consumption by switching between CPU driven graphics and discrete NVIDIA graphics depending on the application. Graphic intensive applications like 3D games, high-def videos are run with discrete NVIDIAgraphics while applications like typing out email or word processing is driven by on-board graphics adapter. Net benefit: longer battery life with out compromising performance.
LED backlit displays
All the models in all the series listed use the newer LED backlit technology. Compared with traditional CCFL technology which uses a flourascent lamp to light the LCD, LED technology consumes less power while providing the same level of brightness.
Security and protection
Feature T410 T410s T420 T420s T510 T520 Security and protection Roll-cage technology Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Hard/storage drive impact protection Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Shared docking station with other ThinkPad Series NO NO Yes Yes NO Yes Long battery-life for all-day computing NO NO Select Models Select Models NO Select Models Combined hardware/software security Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Integrated Fingerprint Reader Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Password management software Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Intel® Anti-Theft protection Yes Select Models Yes Yes NO Yes
Features Explained
Security and protection
Roll-cage technology
It is a collection of features that enhances durability. Thanks to the magnesium alloy frame that surrounds ThinkPad parts, any shock the notebook suffers on accidental drops is absorbed – reducing failures and improving durability and reliability.
Hard/storage drive impact protection
Sometimes the data stored in the hard drive is more valuable than the laptop itself. So care is taken to give an added level of protection to the hard drive by encasing the hard drive in a metal cage and using rubber isolator. In addition there is an Active Protection System™ (on models with traditional magnetic hard drives) that uses an accelerometer to detect movement of the system , stop and lock the hard drive in a safe position. Example:unusual acceleration (due to gravity) when the notebook is accidentally dropped
Shared docking station with other ThinkPad Series
This features saves on equipment costs by enabling the sharing of docking station used by this (T) series with other Thinkpad series like X, L and W.
Long battery-life for all-day computing
Some select models in the T420, T420S and T520 series come with extra long life batteries. Select models in T420S have battery life as long as 9 hrs and with an external slice battery on the models under T420/T520 series battery life can be as high as 24 hrs.
Combined hardware/software security
Select ThinkPad® models feature the Trusted Platform Module 1.2, Client Security Solution software and the integrated Fingerprint Reader for a seamlessly integrated security package. Additional available security features include 32-byte pre-boot passwords and the ability to disable input/output ports at the BIOS level.
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
Fingerprint Reader grants access to your password protected system with a simple swipe of the finger. It also works with the TPM hardware and Client Security Solution.
Password management software
Password Manager safely stores the various passwords in use and retrieves as and when required. There is an option to make it work with the Fingerprint Reader.
Intel® Anti-Theft protection
Intel® Anti-Theft protection (AT-p), an extra layer of security and manageability incorporated with Computrace® Data Protection™ and Intel vPro™ technology. Thanks to AT-p, your PC and the data contained therein is secure if it is stolen or lost.
Multimedia features
Feature T410 T410s T420 T420s T510 T520 Multimedia features Integrated webcam Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Multiformat memory card reader Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Voice-over IP (VoIP)-optimized NO Select Models Yes Yes NO Yes
Features Explained
Multimedia features
Integrated webcam
This is a feature available in select models that contribute to a great video conference experience. Those models that sport this feature has a 720p HD camera capable of 30 frames - per - second display and has a low light sensisitivity.
Multiformat memory card reader
All models of T Series include an integrated memory card reader, perfect for easily accessing photos and other files stored on a variety of memory card formats.
Voice-over IP (VoIP)-optimized
720p HD webcam , noise reduction technology that reduces background noise from different sources (even while typing- say from the keyboard) plus well placed multimedia keys - all together contribute to an exceptional VoIP experience while on Internet calls.
Built-in solutions and convenience
Feature T410 T410s T420 T420s T510 T520 Built-in solutions and convenience Backup and recovery tools Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes UltraNav® multi-pointing system Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Multitouch touchpad Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Features Explained
Built-in solutions and convenience
Backup and recovery tools
ThinkVantage® Rescue and Recovery®, an industrial strength system-backup and recovery tool to help preserve your data and settings is a feature available in all the ThinkPad® systems. An one-button recovery feature that employs a single key on the keyboard makes restoration a snap.
UltraNav® multi-pointing system
This is a feature available in select models of T series. The red TrackPoint® button works in tandem with the UltraNav touchpad and mouse/scroll buttons for greater flexibility.
Multitouch touchpad
Use simple one- and two-finger gestures to zoom in and out, rotate images and scroll—right from the touchpad
Connectivity
Feature T410 T410s T420 T420s T510 T520 Connectivity Industry-leading connectivity options Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Network connection software Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Mobile broadband (WWAN) Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models GPS capability Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models Select Models
Features Explained
Connectivity
Industry-leading connectivity options
ThinkPad® T Series gives you the best wireless performance with a variety of connectivity choices, including mobile broadband readiness, Ultra-Wide Band Bluetooth®, and WiMAX readiness.
Network connection software
ThinkVantage® Access Connections™ software can manage your wired and wireless connection settings so you can easily connect to a network wherever your work takes you. Includes a variety of security and customization options.
Mobile broadband (WWAN)
Mobile broadband lets you stay online through a mobile network connection provided by a third-party mobile phone carrier.
GPS capability
ThinkPad® T Series models feature a wireless WAN option that uses native GPS functionality built into the system.
Environment and energy
Feature T410 T410s T420 T420s T510 T520 Environment and energy Cool and quiet Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes EPEAT® Gold environmental rating NO Yes Yes Yes NO Yes EPEAT® Silver environmental rating Select Models Select Models NO NO Select Models NO ENERGY STAR-compliant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Features Explained
Environment and energy
Cool and quiet
Third-generation fan and Adaptive Thermal Technology combine to make the ThinkPad® T series the coolest and quietest ever. Owl-wing inspired designed blades push more air at a very low audible level. Advanced thermal design with tuned airflow provides cooler systems and balances temperatures across the system. As a result, ThinkPad base cover temperatures run lower than any previous generation's.
EPEAT® Gold environmental rating
Under the federally funded EPEAT® program in the US, manufacturers declare their products' conformance to a comprehensive set of environmental criteria. EPEAT Gold products must meet all 23 required criteria and at least 75% of the optional criteria.
EPEAT® Silver environmental rating
Under the federally funded EPEAT® program in the US, manufacturers declare their products' conformance to a comprehensive set of environmental criteria. EPEAT Gold products must meet all 23 required criteria and at least 50% of the optional criteria.
ENERGY STAR-compliant
Energy star compliance means lower operating costs, less overall energy use and reduced heat emissions. All Lenovo notebooks carry the ENERGY STAR label attesting to this compliance.
- Step 3: Now that you have narrowed down your choice to just one series say T520 click on its hyper link on the table above to take you to the models listed under this series and go from there.
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