I want this laptop to last at least 3 years and I want it to have good performance. I also want to make sure this is a good deal
Thinkpad T410
Intel Core i7-620M Processor (2.66GHz, 4MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 [Lenovo recommended]
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ LED Backlight
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 5700MHD – AMT
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
9 cell 2.8Ah Li-Ion Battery – Dual Mode [add $50.00]
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3×3 AGN) (Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters)
Total Price $1239
Also, should I upgrade RAM? Will it make that much of a difference on performance?
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM) [add $130.00]
8 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) [add $430.00 $240.00]
Limited Time Offer
8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) [add $430.00]
If I get more bang for my buck in another product (other than Macs) please let me know
quote: "I can't have macs for school of engineering. The mac operating system is incompatible with many of the programs were using."
Actually, all the new macs can run windows. Look into a product called boot camp (lets you pick between windows and mac osx on startup), I hear it's pretty easy to setup.
If you aren't looking into a mac still:
Thinkpads though are great for school. They took over the hardware side of IBM. The only issue I see in this configuration is the intel graphics chip. Aim for a nVidia or ATI graphics machine for those times you might need to work with those 3d applications (cad, or whatever). Check out newegg dot com for what they offer laptop wise, you can sort by GPU and get a better deal. always shop around for at least a week to find that perfect blend of good price for performance. you won't regret it. also google product search is a good place to start.
A bit on the expensive side, definitely upgrade your RAM, though – You'll see a noticeable improvement