Is this a decent deal for Lenovo T430s?

[Bonesdad]

Through work, I can get the following specs on a T430s w/ enhanced graphics. What changes would you make (besides more memory, but I'll do that outside Lenovo.com, thanks). Thought about a 500 GB/5400 RPM drive for same price, but I have an HP with a 7200RPM in it now and I kinda like it). Looking at an SSD from outside as well. Any others? BTW, just doing lite gaming on it, don't believe a discrete card is necessary, esp for $330!


ThinkPad T430s - 1 Year Topeseller Express Depot Warranty


• Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
• Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
• 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
• Intel HD Graphics 4000 with Intel Core i5-3320M Processor
• 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
• UltraNav multi-touch touchpad & TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
• 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
• DVD Recordable
• 6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN
• Mobile Broadband upgradable
• 1 Year Depot/Express Warranty



Total cost, shipped: $820.66


I can reduce the cost by selecting a less expensive wireless card or the lesser resolution (really want to keep that though). What are your thoughts?

 

[exia989]

That does actually look like a solid deal for the t430s. Shoot, if i could have got that i would over my thinkpad edge 14. Definitely make sure to throw another 4gb of ram in there on your own though. I did that for my edge 14 with the i7-3612, and it made a world of difference.

And definitely get rid of that mechanical hard drive for at least a hybrid drive. But that deal is definitely worth getting especially since you are willing and able to do your own upgrades, since that will save you a lot of money in the end.

 

[Bonesdad]

That does actually look like a solid deal for the t430s. Shoot, if i could have got that i would over my thinkpad edge 14. Definitely make sure to throw another 4gb of ram in there on your own though. I did that for my edge 14 with the i7-3612, and it made a world of difference.

And definitely get rid of that mechanical hard drive for at least a hybrid drive. But that deal is definitely worth getting especially since you are willing and able to do your own upgrades, since that will save you a lot of money in the end.

I wish you could order one of these without a hard drive or memory...

 

[MarkLuvsCS]

I would check to see if the 3 cell ultrabay battery is compatible. It's about $120 but if you need more battery life it seems the best way to do it since it'll be internal. I'm waiting for a decent lenovo sale to try to get the T530 with 9 cell and that ultrabay battery if its compatible (lenovo specs list ALL T500 models but i dont know if that spec sheet is old or not). Battery life is the most important thing to me, but it might not be a big deal to you.

 

[slugg]

I would check to see if the 3 cell ultrabay battery is compatible. It's about $120 but if you need more battery life it seems the best way to do it since it'll be internal. I'm waiting for a decent lenovo sale to try to get the T530 with 9 cell and that ultrabay battery if its compatible (lenovo specs list ALL T500 models but i dont know if that spec sheet is old or not). Battery life is the most important thing to me, but it might not be a big deal to you.

The Ultrabay battery is only compatible with the "s" variants of the T line. T420s, T430s, etc. The T400/T500 were the last to support the Ultrabay battery across the entire line.

I had a T61 with a 9 cell + Ultrabay battery. That combination was WAY too heavy for my tastes. Just my $.02

 

[Bonesdad]

The above is a customized t430s, the Ultrabay battery is an option, but I will not likely partake either. Looking at some other options, but this seemed like a good price for the 1400x900 resolution.

 

[akugami]

The Ultrabay battery is only compatible with the "s" variants of the T line. T420s, T430s, etc. The T400/T500 were the last to support the Ultrabay battery across the entire line.

I had a T61 with a 9 cell + Ultrabay battery. That combination was WAY too heavy for my tastes. Just my $.02

The Lenovo T430 lists a 3 cell Thinkpad Battery 43 as an option, picture shows that it is an Ultrabay battery. Strangely this doesn't seem available as an option when configuring a T530.

 

[slugg]

Oh? Well then my knowledge is outdated. Cool!