Lenovo Thinkpad T400, HP Pavilion dv3t, or Dell Vostro 1320? (DVD, laptops)

[nerak31]

I'm entering grad school and need a new laptop (will be running some statistical analysis software, using Word/Excel/Access/PPT, email, internet). Which of the follwoing would you choose--if any? Do you have other recommendations? All come with free Windows 7.0 upgrade. Thanks!

Lenovo Thinkpad T400, 2764CTO
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
• Genuine Windows Vista Business 64
• 14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera
• ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
• 2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
• UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
• 160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
• DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)5
• No Bluetooth
• ThinkPad WiFi (BGN)
• Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
• 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
• 2764: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

$862.40 (CPP discount)


HP Pavilion Entertainment dv3t, NH680AV
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T6500 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G 105M
• 13.3" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• Webcam Only
• Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth
• No Included Mobile Broadband
• Full Size Backlit Keyboard
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

$899.99


Dell Vostro 1320
• Genuine Windows Vista® Business
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6670 (2.20GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Obsidian Black
• No Productivity Software
• 1 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 1 Year NBD On-Site Service
• Norton Internet Security 2009 30-Day Subscription
• 13.3 inch WXGA Anti-Glare Display
• 3GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz, 2 DIMM
• 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R write capability, roxio and CyberLink PowerDVD™ DX 8.1
• Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• No security hardware installed
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Dell Wireless™ 1397 802.11b/g Mini Card
• Integrated 1.3MP Webcam and Digital Mic with webcam
Service
• 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
• 65W AC Adapter
• Adobe® Reader 9.0
My Services & Warranties
• No Onsite System Setup
• No Online Data Back Up Installed
• Purchase is Not Intended for Resale
Also Included
• Vostro 1320
• Intel Core 2 Duo Label
• Windows 7 Upgrade Web Site
• 400 GB USB External Hard Drive

$748

I was also considering the Latitude e6400, but this Vostro deal seemed pretty good. Is it?

[bs13690]

You might want to find out how much RAM they recommend for your analysis software. It looks like the Dell uses 32 bit Vista so you can only make use of 3 GBs (or so) of RAM.

I can't comment on the processor I don't understand enough about them to tell you the difference between the 3. Depending on what your software does that might make a big difference also.

If 32 bit Vista is fine you might want to go with the Dell. It would be a big advantage for you to have on site service if the display or something breaks.

[mensaguy]

The Dell looks like a good deal to me. Confirm that the internal hard disk capacity is suitable for your needs. Since you need MS Office, having Works included adds no value to your purchase. You really can't go wrong with an HP machine either. I really dislike Lenovo machines. Their laptops are really difficult to work on compared to a Dell or an HP.

[bs13690]

Originally Posted by mensaguy

The Dell looks like a good deal to me. Confirm that the internal hard disk capacity is suitable for your needs. Since you need MS Office, having Works included adds no value to your purchase. You really can't go wrong with an HP machine either. I really dislike Lenovo machines. Their laptops are really difficult to work on compared to a Dell or an HP.

We just started getting Lenovos at work and I have liked them so far. Unfortunately, because of our service agreement I don't get to do a lot of hardware work on them. The Lenovo keyboard is a lot easier to replace than HP, though.

[mensaguy]

I don't know about changing just a keyboard, but changing out a motherboard on a Lenovo is a lot more work than a Dell.

[nerak31]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I think I've crossed the Vostro off my list -- just too many bad reviews to make me feel comfortable about it, as "good" of a deal as it seems.

I've actually heard a lot of good things about the Thinkpad series, so I'm leaning toward the T400 right now. Just have to find a good deal/coupon codes.