Question about Lenovo thinkpad R400

[CadDan]

Hey guys how's it going? I was wondering if this laptop would run Rivet Arc and Autocad Arc.

Specs:

CPU: Intel celeron 575 (2.00 GHZ)
OS: Vista Ultimate
Display: 14.1 WXGA
Graphics: Intel graphics accelerator
RAM: 3GB
HDD: 250GB

[Tankman]

Don't know about Lenovo™ R400 but, do know plenty about the Thinkpad™ laptops running AutoCAD.

After numerous laptop PC's, I wouldn't shop another brand.
The IBM/Lenovo laptops rule!

Never a problem running AutoCAD '05 or '07 on these laptops.

Graphics Media Accelerators (GMAs) are intelligent and responsive graphics engines built into the chipset that is on the motherboard. This integration provides improved visual quality, faster graphics performance, and multiple display options. These GMA's also allow an integrated graphics machine to be built without a separate graphics card, which can reduce cost and streamline power consumption.

I like the 14" screens too, crystal clear, bright, easy on the eyes! Smaller business size, easy to transport.

[ReMark]

Can you find a model with a dedicated graphics card? Graphic chips aren't the best way to go when you're doing serious work. They tend to underperform thus putting the burden on system memory and/or the CPU. At that point system performance begins to suffer.

[CadDan]

That's the thing though. I've looked around and can't find anything under $1000 that's Autocad worthy (dedicated graphics). This lenovo is originally $1300, but with student discount it knocks off $400 making it about $900.

If there is a better laptop that can work with AC, then please point me in the right direction, as I know didly squat about laptops as I've never had one.

[ReMark]

Budget woes huh? Well if you go with the Lenovo then max out the RAM. At least you'll go a little longer before you see a performance hit. Make sure you look at the settings for virtual memory when you get the laptop too. Might have to be adjusted (upward).

[ReMark]

The ThinkPad T400 2764 has a "discrete" graphics option. The base price is $100 higher. I suggest you also opt to increase the RAM to 4GB (another $110) as maxing this baby out is way to expensive for your budget.

[CadDan]

I did find a different lenovo with an ATI Mobility Radeon for about $1300 (includes discount). I might be able to flex the budget to that amount, or see if my credit is good enough for the bill later option.

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor P8800
Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate
Display type: 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera
System graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
Total memory: 3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Hard drive: 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm

[ReMark]

Talk to a rep and plead poverty. Maybe they'll take pity on you and cut you a better deal. I think you'll find that if you add a graphics card you'll be happier in the long run. Six months down the road you don't want to be kicking yourself you didn't go that route.

[ReMark]

Hope you didn't buy that Lenovo yet without first checking this out:

http://www.xicomputer.com/products/PowerGoIntelLT.asp

[CadDan]

I have yet to buy anything as I'm still considering the options and waiting for the pay to come in.

That axi looks pretty good. Is it a reputable company?