<p>So I've narrowed my laptop search down to the ThinkPad T400 or T500.</p>
<p>ThinkPad T400</p>
<p>Sale price: $629.00
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with vPro
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)</p>
<p>ThinkPad T500</p>
<p>Sale price: $649.00
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator x4500HD with vPro
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
15.4 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)</p>
<p>The sale ends soon and I don't want to miss out. Which should I get?</p>
<p>You might want to upgrade to Vista Home Premium ($50?) so that you can have Windows 7 when it comes out.</p>
<p>Well the only difference I can see between the two is screen size. So i guess it just depends on if you want a 14.1 or 15.4 screen. I would say then the T500 since it has a bigger screen which is easier on the eyes.</p>
<p>Make sure you upgrade the screen to a higher resolution one (WXGA+ for the T400 or WSXGA+ for the T500) and the DVD-ROM drive to a DVD-RW drive. Other than that, you’re good to go.</p>
<p>14". it wont strain your eyes and its more portable.</p>
<p>How long does the 4 cell Li-Ion Battery last? Should I upgrade that?</p>
<p>definitely. the standard most manufacturers start off with is 6 cell.
4 cell might expect 2-3 hours. its really hard to say.</p>
<p>I went through the same predicament but decided to go with the t400 bc of the smaller screen.
Can anyone give any input though as to which would be the better config.? 160gb/7200 rpm or 250gb/5400rpm.
Also, does anybody ever go with the additional warranties?</p>
<p>additional warranties are the norm.</p>
<p>the the hdd, it depends on what you’re looking for. the average consumer needs space more than they need hdd speed though. the difference in loading times isn’t drastic.</p>
<p>I have a T500 and I love it. Only thing I’d change it my screen to a WXGA+ CCFL. I didn’t really think about it when I was buying it, but I want more resolution. Also, it’s pretty heavy, so if you’re looking for a portable, get the T400.</p>
<p>the difference in the rpms does make a slight difference but a 7200rpm hdd would eat up more battery life, moreover you get less space…so i would suggest that you go for 250gb 5400 rpm</p>
<p>Thanks for the help everyone! I just purchased a T400 and am excited for it to arrive!</p>
<p>Though the battery sticks out, would it be able to fit into all 14.1 laptop sleeves…?</p>
<p>yes. at worst you can remove the battery and put it in the pocket.</p>
<p>i just use my backpack. keep it between some books to have it secure and you’re good to go.</p>
<p>Oh ok. ^</p>
<p>How long does it take Lenovo to ship things? It says on my order status page that the Est. Ship Date is 10/20/09. WTH?</p>
<p>
Call customer support. You chose a great product, by the way.</p>
<p>Edit: Also, in addition, if you feel your computer is slow, it is very simple to replace RAM.</p>
<p>Actually we just ordered a T500. Originally they gave a ship date of 2 weeks, but we received it in 1. Be prepared to have someone home to sign for it though. We spent more time tracking down the UPS guy than anything else!!!</p>
<p>Phew, my order has just been shipped! Good thing they overestimated the ship date… I would’ve canceled the order if I had to wait 3 months for it.</p>