[gtstiefel]

Hi! Looking for a new computer to replace my HP G60. I don't need anything fancy (G60 worked fine, but crashed)-- word processing and web browsing. thinking about getting photoshop.

Mostly, I want something durable on a budget. Would like it to last 3+ years for that price. My HP broke several times.

I'm looking at the Thinkpad Edge e520 15.6" 500GB 4GB. At $570 on amazon, it's at the top end of what I would like to pay but could afford more.

Is it worth extra money to get a Panasonic Toughbook?

Here's the e520L

Intel Core i5 2430M Processor 2.4GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
500GB Hard Drive
15.6-Inch Screen, Intel HD Graphics 3000
http://www.amazon.co...34584322&sr=8-1

Other suggestions I've received - Toshiba brands, Asus, and Sony.

Many thanks!

[LiveBrianD]

Thinkpads are definitely well built, and I fully recommend them. Note: the edge ones aren't quite as durable as the regular ones, though still pretty good. If you want a really durable machine and are willing to pay more, look into something like a T520.

[gtstiefel]

LiveBrianD, on 16 April 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

Thinkpads are definitely well built, and I fully recommend them. Note: the edge ones aren't quite as durable as the regular ones, though still pretty good. If you want a really durable machine and are willing to pay more, look into something like a T520.

Thanks - is the ruggedness of the T420 on par with the T520? And, will paying more for the T520 (or T420) likely extend the life span of the computer?

[LiveBrianD]

gtstiefel, on 17 April 2012 - 01:03 PM, said:

Thanks - is the ruggedness of the T420 on par with the T520? And, will paying more for the T520 (or T420) likely extend the life span of the computer?

The T420 is just the smaller (14") sibling of the T520 (15.6"). They should be equal in terms of build quality. Also, yes, those laptops should last a long time (they're well built even by business laptop standards).

[gtstiefel]

gtstiefel, on 17 April 2012 - 01:03 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 16 April 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

Thinkpads are definitely well built, and I fully recommend them. Note: the edge ones aren't quite as durable as the regular ones, though still pretty good. If you want a really durable machine and are willing to pay more, look into something like a T520.

Thanks - is the ruggedness of the T420 on par with the T520? And, will paying more for the T520 (or T420) likely extend the life span of the computer?

Thank you for the advice! All set to order today.

Final verdict T420 for 660.44 plus 5% discount for signing-up for Lenovo spam (have not received code yet) = $627.44. Plan on calling a sales rep to try knocking price down some more.

--A free upgrade from 4gb RAM to 6gb RAM disappeared today;
--decided against $38 upgrade less 5% discount for Windows 7 Professional, will just stick with Win7 Home Prem
--decided against "frill" upgrades (fingerprint reader, bluetooth, smart card reader) that added cost (would have cost $38 total for all three, less 5% discount), would slow booting, and just more stuff that could break in the future
---haven't decided on warranty option, either 3 year base for $65.83 or the extensive warranty (spill/drop protection) at around $175; going to try negotiating a better deal with a sales rep on that.
----for an extra $7.6 less 5% discount, I could upgrade my HD from 320gb to 500gb but speed drops from 7200rpm to 5400rpm.... right now the speed or size difference don't really matter to me

ThinkPad T420 - 1 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty
Estimated ship date: 4/27/12**

Intel Core i5-2450M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor graphics with dynamic frequency
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) without Fingerprint Reader
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
6 Cell 2.6Ah Li-Ion Battery
None (no camera/mic)
Intel WiFi Link 1000
Mobile Broadband ready (no mobile broadband module)
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

[LiveBrianD]

4GB RAM is enough for most purposes. If you need more, you can grab some from newegg pretty cheaply and install it yourself (which is easy to do).

Unless you need to join a domain or something, stick with Win 7 Home. I feel that fingerprint and smartcard readers are useless, and BT is also unless you have a mouse or phone for it. I wouldn't bother with an extended warranty. I suggest talking to a rep and asking for a lower price on the machine. (Waldojim said he got a good deal on his W520 that way - I'll PM him and ask him to tell you the name of the rep)

I'm not entirely sure that 1600x900 is worth it on a 14" screen (to me 1366x768 seems about right), but it's up to you.