<p>Since I have done an insane amount of research on which computer to buy, I'll share my findings.</p>
<p>decided to go with a 14 inch laptop to combine power/portability. 13 inch seemed too small when I looked at them, 15 inch are fairly big.
some of the top models I considered:
dell e6400: didnt like the form factor as much as the lenovo, also much more expensive for the same specs.
xps m1530 - graphics card has been updated in over a year, didnt want to buy old tech. also 15"
studio xps 13 - heat management issues, graphics card not as good as the t400, also 13"
macbook pro- not worth the extra cash, especially if I have to learn a new OS. seems like a waste to just install vista. same specs on pc available for about 700-900 cheaper</p>
<p>here's what I got
go to Lenovo.com---> select your language----> solutions for government and education-------> Higher education -------> students select your school and hit go (no school email required) ------> notebooks ------> thinkpad notebooks-----> thinkpads ------> t-series ------> t-400-----> Elite ThinkPad T400 with discrete graphics -------> customize</p>
<p>
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ThinkPad T400 - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
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wont need it, its a thinkpad
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Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P9500 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2) 25W
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chose this processor over the 2.8 ghz t9600 because it is only slightly slower, but uses much less power. check out the comparison here: Notebookcheck:</a> Comparison of Intel Centrino 2 CPUs
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Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Business 64
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64 bit so i the os can use 4 gigs of ram (32 bit limits you to 3 gigs), compatability not an issue because I wont be gaming on it
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Display type: 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera
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1440 x 900 resolution and a webcam. doesnt have the led backlight which uses less power, but I would have had to get a lower res screen (1280x800) to get an led backlight.
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System graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
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adequate dedicate graphics for a laptop, not trying to run the latest games
see here for graphics rankings: Notebookcheck:</a> Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List
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Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
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4 gigs is good, 2 dimms are cheap
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Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
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goota love the red dot pointing device on thinkpads
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Hard drive: 250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm with Disk Encryption
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fast drive (7200 rpm) with enough space
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Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
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System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 7-1 Media Card Reader
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<br>
read most camera cards, use express cards
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Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN
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<br>
pair with a bluetooth laser mouse so I dont have to use a usb port for an external mouse
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Wireless card: Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
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work with pretty much any wireless network, from past experience intel makes the best wireless cards/ software by far<br>
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Battery: 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
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the difference in size between the 6 cell and the 9 cell is small so I went with the 9 cell. Pic: <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2774790879_83011a1d6a.jpg%5B/url%5D">http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2774790879_83011a1d6a.jpg</a>
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at the current time the price is $1,302.98, which I thought was an awesome deal considering the specs of the laptop and that its a thinkpad.
other thoughts: thinkpads, particularly this model, ahev amazing reviews and are extremely durable. this model was recently updated to be even more sturdy.</p>
