Lenovo X201 or T410

[Kalario]

Which do you recommend?

I don't use any graphics. This will be a work computer, heavy SQL querries with lots of data, excel too.

I need a lot of computing power. Does anyone know which is better from their specs?

 

[TrainableMan]

The specs you are showing are almost the same. Unless there is something drastically different in the bus speeds they should run about the same.

The first one has a 9cell battery that will likely last longer than the 6cell but you can probably upgrade to a better battery in the second unit.

There is no DVD burner listed in option #1 - I would definitely want one.

I had an issue with a Hitachi HD with sound & heat (though it wasn't a laptop HD and I would be surprised if they would allow too much heat in a laptop), so I personally would prefer the Seagate in Option #2

Option 2 weighs an extra pound and a half and is wider and thinker which to me is worth it for ...

the biggest difference: extra 2" of display so I would go with option #2.

(Well the biggest difference might be price but I can't see that in photo #2 )

I also see no mention of how many USB2.0 ports are available - my nephews has 2 and I wish it had 3 or 4 so it may be important information depending if you add a usb keyboard, usb mouse, flash drive(s), laptop fan. Of course you can plug in a 4-port usb extender.

And ethernet connection (or even phone jack, though dial-up is almost dead) are not mentioned - you may want an ethernet connection if you ever want wired instead of wireless.

To be honest, since it has bluetooth I would recommend a bluetooth keyboard and mouse for wherever you are using it most. I had to use one of my nephews usb slot to add bluetooth for his keyboard and mouse but both of these have it built-in.

 

[Kalario]

Thanks TrainableMan...I should have mentionned that screen size and availability of USB ports is not an issue, as I use a docking station and a separate monitor. Also I prefer a better battery that will give me longer power.(especially when I am on the road)

Weight is important because I carry it daily between home and the office.

So if both are pretty much the same in computing power, I would prefer option #1
unless someone convinces me otherwise.

 

[Ian]

If you want something that you've got to carry round, I'd go for option #1 - simply because the weight is going to be the biggest factor. I'd agree with TrainableMan's points, but if portability is important then it may overrule them.

I'm after a similar laptop myself - but I'm going the Acer 1830T. The build quality probably won't be up to the same standard, but it's priced between a netbook and laptop, so suits me

 

[TrainableMan]

There is no DVD burner listed in option #1

I find it hard to believe it wouldn't have at minimum a dvd player. I haven't looked in a while but they used to offer a player and you could upgrade to writer; these days you might even be able to go for blue-ray reader or even writer. If it comes with none and you have to add it as an extra that will add a few ounces to the weight.

 

[Kalario]

I find it hard to believe it wouldn't have at minimum a dvd player. I haven't looked in a while but they used to offer a player and you could upgrade to writer; these days you might even be able to go for blue-ray reader or even writer. If it comes with none and you have to add it as an extra that will add a few ounces to the weight.

I see what you are saying, unless you use an external one. I just love the idea of a 3.5lbs everyday laptop.