Q: I want to buy a laptop that will stay with me for a couple of years during my student years. I'll be starting computer science next year. I don't play any kind of games so the graphic card is not important. Thinkpad T61: C2D 2.0ghz 2GB ram X3100 graphic card 120GB HDD 14 inch screen Windows XP Pro Dell XPS M1530 C2D 2.0ghz 3GB ram Geforce 8400m gs 128mb dedicated 250GB hdd 15.4 inch widescreen display Windows Vista home premium The Lenovo costs a little bit(200 dollars) more than the Dell XPS. But which one has a better 'quality' and 'durability' and will stay with me for longer? Both come with a 6-cell battery.
A: Tough call... the Lenovo Thinkpad is more durable from a hardware standpoint, and has XP Pro which is currently a bonus given Vista's early bugs, but a couple of years from now? Doubtless there will be software releases which REQURE Vista sooner than anyone would like to admit. So while the Lenovo is less likely to physically break down, the longevity of its operating system is a question mark. The Dell looks like more of an entertainment system (better graphics card, more RAM for games, larger HD for music downloads) For schoolwork, I'd lean towards the Lenovo- the machine's lifespan will probably be extended if gamers aren't bugging you to borrow it ;)