Thinkpad T520?

[idlaxstar]

I was just talking with a customer service rep from Lenovo and was asking about what laptop I should buy. I need it for school related stuff and also for editing photos. He suggested the thinkpad T520 with the specs below on it. He said he could get it for $930. What do you guys think about this? I am on a tight budget and would really like to spend less but I want a fast enough computer for photoshop and a really nice display. Do I need the i5 processor or will i3 be fine? Also do you guys have any other suggestions on cheaper laptops?

I also have a Samsung 32" 1080p TV (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+...&skuId=2363054). how would it work as a monitor if I were to get a desktop or I was looking at gettting a mac mini?

Intel Core i5-2430M Processor (3M Cache, 2.40 GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel HD Graphics 3000
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
720p Camera
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD recordable multiburner
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
ThinkPad b/g/n
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable

[YP5 Toronto]

(trying not to bias, working for Lenovo Canada).

But that t520 is a tank. It meets US Milspec minus submersion.

i5 is a minimum IMO when it comes to CPU.

[imsellingmyfoot]

Hard drive is on the small side, but I don't know what you have externally. I would want more RAM too. Either from lenovo or a third party depending on prices. I'm very envious of the Lenovo stuff though. If I didn't have a perfectly good laptop I'd have one of those, preferrably the X series convertible for notes at school.

[idlaxstar]

I am not worried about the hard drive size right now. I don't need to much memory right now and if I need more later I can just buy an external hard drive. But do you think I should get more RAM? I don't know anything about computers but I am trying to learn. But these Lenovo laptops sound like reliable machines.

[imsellingmyfoot]

Most people tend to recommend 8 gigs of RAM, but they don't recommend getting it from the manufacturer. I see you have the large 7D files to play with so it would probably be beneficial. I just have 10 mp raw files to play with, and I get by with 4 gigs of RAM.

[idlaxstar]

I do remember reading about upgrading RAM yourself. How easy is that and how much would it cost to upgrade to 8 or more gigs of RAM

[imsellingmyfoot]

Originally Posted by idlaxstar

I do remember reading about upgrading RAM yourself. How easy is that and how much would it cost to upgrade to 8 or more gigs of RAM

If I remember correctly, Lenovo is very friendly about upgrades by putting it in the instruction manual. A good place to buy computer parts is Newegg.com. Just make sure the RAM is compatible.

[gotaudi]

If Lenovo has it as having 4GB of ram right now Its a safe bet that its only occupying one memory Dimm. That will allow you to upgrade the other dimm with another 4GB for a total of 8GB for the system. I bought my x220t with the minimum amount of ram then upgraded to 16GB (8GB per dimm). Upgrading ram is very easy, on the bottom of the laptop their is a cover that is held in my one screw, loosen the screw and remove the cover. you align the ram module to the dimm on the motherboard and insert, replace cover and boot.

[idlaxstar]

Thanks for the info gotaudi. Very much appreciated.
Do you guys think I should get the 1080 resolution screen or will 720 be good enough for photo editing?

[Moppie]

When you order from Lenovo you get the option of selecting 1 4GB DIMM or two 2GB DIMMs.
If you select one DIMM then adding more RAM later is much easier.

I have an E520 and its been fantastic, a T520 would be even better, but was out of the budget at the time.

I get 3-4hours of real use batter life and it's pretty solid and well built.
The T Series are even better built.

[gotaudi]

Originally Posted by idlaxstar

Thanks for the info gotaudi. Very much appreciated.
Do you guys think I should get the 1080 resolution screen or will 720 be good enough for photo editing?

1080p is the best. the extra screen real estate is helpful when it comes to all the toolbars in lightroom and Photoshop.

[idlaxstar]

Originally Posted by gotaudi

1080p is the best. the extra screen real estate is helpful when it comes to all the toolbars in lightroom and Photoshop.

I know 1080 is the best, but is it needed. I am trying to get a quality laptop for as cheap as I can get it.

[YP5 Toronto]

Go 1080p....