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abhiroopb
August 10th, 2009, 01:35 PM
I am interested in getting this laptop:

Lenovo ThinkPad W500
Intel Centrino Mobile Technology - Intel Core 2 Duo T9600
(2.8 GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 6MB Level 2 Cache);
Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset;
4GB (2x2GB) PC2-8500 CL5 DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM (no slot left);
500GB Hard disk (5400rpm);
Integrated Multiburner (DVD-RW/CD-RW) Drive;
15.4" WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050), Anti-glare, CCFL Backlight Display;
ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 (512MB) and Intel GMA 4500MHD (Switchable Graphics);
1.3 Mega Pixel Webcam;
3 USB 2.0 Ports, IEEE 1394 Port, Digital Microphone, Mic input Jack, Headphone Jack;
1 Express Card Slot, 1 PC Card Slot, DB-15 Monitor Port
Integrated Bludetooth, Modem, FingerPrint Reader;
Built-in Intel 82567LM Gigabit LAN;
Built-in Intel WiFi Link 5100 (A/G/N);
Built-in Stereo Speakers;
Microsoft Vista Business Edition;
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Web Premium;
Microsoft Office 2007 Standard;
Notebook carrying case;
USB Optical Mouse;
2.6 kg (with Optical and Battery).
6-cell battery (up to 6.2 hours of usage);
[3 years Local on-campus and 3 years International Carry-in warranty]

The price is $1,500

It comes with Windows 7, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office 2007, and an anti-virus (it is an University deal).

What does everything think? Does it SEEM compatible with Ubuntu? I know ATI may have problems. I've always had an nVidia card, so on that front are there any issues?

I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

mikewhatever
August 10th, 2009, 03:16 PM
Having two graphics cards is asking for trouble. You'll probably have to disable one of them in the BIOS, might want to read up on how to configure that.
On the unrelated to Ubuntu side, I think the notebook is overpriced and overstuffed, unless of cause you'll be editing HD videos or the like night and day.

Best of luck.

abhiroopb
August 10th, 2009, 03:19 PM
Well I do consider myself a bit of a gamer so thats why I'd rather get something with a lot of power. The price is exactly what I was looking for as well.

The dual graphics card is an interesting point. I have no idea how that works though!

Orlsend
August 10th, 2009, 03:28 PM
Since the thinkpad are owned by Lenovo, their quality has dropped amazingly.

abhiroopb
August 10th, 2009, 03:29 PM
O dear really? That was one of the main reasons I was going for them, as the IBM versions were always rock solid.

BURGStaa
August 18th, 2009, 05:40 PM
i also consider buying the w500.

the bottom line of all the reviews pointed out, that the w500(lenovo) is a good follower to the t61p(IBM).
see notebookcheck.com and note, they have made two tests, one with a pre production sample, which had a lot of beyboard flex, and one with a final sample, were all the problems were fixed. so i dont think quality decreased dramatically, just because thinkpad now belongs to lenovo. but i could not test this by my own.

i also want to know about hardware compability to ubuntu 9.04, specially the ati graphics. i think i dont really need the switchable graphics.

abhiroopb
August 19th, 2009, 08:23 AM
Since I wanted something for gaming this laptop was apparently not suitable.

Therefore, I am interested in going for the new Asus G51 (http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/asus-well-rounded-g51-gaming-laptop-reviewed-lauded/)

Model
G51VX-RX05

Display
15.6" (1368x768)

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 2.0GHz

Memory
4GB DDR2 800MHz (2x2GB)

Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M 1GB GDDR3

Storage
320GB 7200RPM

Optical
SuperMulti DVD

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium x64

Wireless
Intel 802.11 A/G/N

Webcam
1.3 Megapixel

Wired Internet
10/100 Ethernet, 56K Fax/modem

Ports
4 USB, 1 FireWire, HDMI, VGA, ExpressCard, eSATA, 8-in-1 Media Reader

Weight
7.3 lbs with battery

Dimensions
14.6" x 10.3" x 1.6" (WxDxH)

Warranty
1 Year Parts / Labor

Price
$1049

Lavaeagle
August 19th, 2009, 08:36 AM
I work with laptops like these everysingle day. This laptop is worth about $1000 if not less but you're paying a lot for the software that comes on it. I would look a bit more, theres better deals out there.

If you spend $1500 on a laptop get:
6GB RAM
Nvidia 285
500GB HDD
Quad Core

Thats what a $1500 laptop should look morel like.

abhiroopb
August 19th, 2009, 08:37 AM
Thats what I assumed!

What about the Asus that I posted?

Thanks for your thoughts.

abhiroopb
August 19th, 2009, 08:48 AM
I work with laptops like these everysingle day. This laptop is worth about $1000 if not less but you're paying a lot for the software that comes on it. I would look a bit more, theres better deals out there.

If you spend $1500 on a laptop get:
6GB RAM
Nvidia 285
500GB HDD
Quad Core

Thats what a $1500 laptop should look morel like.

Which laptop is this?

I am looking for something that has the latest nVidia graphics card. Other than that I am flexible on the specs, size and price.

I would prefer to get something that is known to work with Ubuntu. Obviously this is difficult with a newer laptop but suggestions are appreciated!

amitabhishek
August 19th, 2009, 08:48 AM
Since I wanted something for gaming this laptop was apparently not suitable.

Therefore, I am interested in going for the new Asus G51 (http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/asus-well-rounded-g51-gaming-laptop-reviewed-lauded/)

Model
G51VX-RX05


Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M 1GB GDDR3

.
.
.

Price
$1049

GTX 260M at this price is a steal!!! Go for it!!!

Lavaeagle
August 19th, 2009, 09:07 AM
That Asus you posted isn't bad as long as it's in the $1100 and down range.
I think my Best Buy actually sells that one.

abhiroopb
August 19th, 2009, 10:01 AM
Are there any laptops selling the GTX 280M?? (i.e. the newest nVidia?)

amitabhishek
August 19th, 2009, 10:21 AM
A bit of Googling gave me this:

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/range.html?t=nb&c=gaming&r=X9R


and also this:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/29/alienwares-m17x-gaming-laptop-truly-is-all-powerful/

Phew!!!!:o

If its for real...then this is an ultimate powerhouse...

abhiroopb
August 19th, 2009, 10:50 AM
Wow these are absolute monsters! I wouldn't mind getting one of those!

Nburnes
August 19th, 2009, 10:51 AM
Wow these are absolute monsters! I wouldn't mind getting one of those!
+1 Those things are beast.

amitabhishek
August 19th, 2009, 11:01 AM
Wow these are absolute monsters! I wouldn't mind getting one of those!

"Just" $200 odd more than Lenovo's junk; think about it ;)