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Lenovo E530 i5 with Integrated 3G, 1600x900 Matte Screen, Carry Bag, Free Delivery $613

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Lenovo E530 i5 with Integrated 3G, 1600x900 Matte Screen, Carry Bag, Free Delivery $613Affiliate
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baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 11:08 shopap.lenovo.com (3655 clicks)
Last edited 05/06/2012 - 11:53 by 1 other user
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If your looking for a great laptop for Business use, read on - battery life is quoted as 6hrs. This coupon code also offers upto 30% on Laptops, Desktops and Servers.

I have been holding tight for the last couple of weeks for this Lenovo sale. I have configured (and purchased) my e530 with the highest res screen available on this laptop 1600x900px, which is still not great, but more realestate than a standard 1366x768. Its also Matte, which I like for its intended purpose.

Optioned with integrated 3G.

I have chosen Integraded Graphics, but a discrete graphics option is available for about $70 extra and increases the HDD to 500 (from 320), if thats your thing - again, not for my intended use of business apps.

Hard Drive is 7200rpm (not slower 5400rpm). I will most likely replace this with a SSD pretty quick just the same.
4gb ram is configured as one dimm, so you can easily drop in another module to bump it to 8gb when/if you need.
If you like, you can spec this in a red, blue or grey screen lid (I chose grey)

Included is a Lenovo carry bag, which will be on Gumtree as soon as I recieve it, is $1 (included in this price), plus free courier delivery.

Total purchase price for this configuration is $613.
The total base config is $539 for e530 15", or $449.10 for e420 14", or $764.15 as i7/6gb/750hdd(red only)

Here is my order description;

  • AU$2,048.16 (RRP, but I think thats a bit of nonsense, probably more like components price)
  • AU$613.00 (Purchase price)

Description

  • ThinkPad Edge E530 - Express - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)
  • Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
  • Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English
  • Display type: 15.6" W HD+ (1600 x 900) AntiGlare, Midnight Black (With WWAN)
  • System graphics: Intel HD Graphics (WWAN or mSATA capable)
  • Total memory: 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
  • Keyboard: Keyboard with Number Pad - US English
  • Camera: 720p HD Camera
  • Hard drive: 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
  • Optical device: DVD Recordable
  • Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery 62WH - 75+
  • Power cord: 65W AC Adapter - ANZ
  • Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: ThinkPad a/b/g/n Wireless BT Combo (2x2 ABGN & BT4.0)
  • Integrated mobile broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband (Ericsson H5321)
  • Selectable SIM: Open SIM Card for WW
  • Language pack: Publication - AP English

Accessories and options:

  • ThinkPad Basic Case

EDIT: 5th June - looks like sexytime has ended. total price now comes to $1,011.00 vs $613.
I will mark this as expired. well done to anyone else that nabbed this deal.

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closed Comments

  • _Bruce_ on 01/06/2012 - 11:21
    +12

    Why?! Everyone STILL doesn't provide an SSD option? Do they not like my money? Is it not good enough for them?

    • sien on 01/06/2012 - 12:48

      Absolutely.

      An optical drive on many laptops is unused these days, the space could be used for an SSD instead.

      • plmko on 01/06/2012 - 13:00
        +1

        Thinkpads = business, business people use dvds/cds. I know because my company expects me to burn final copies of work on disc.

        • _Bruce_ on 01/06/2012 - 13:10

          I've also seen this in practice with stacks of CDs which mostly likely don't even work any more due to the shelf life.

          I do find it silly though that most people will see WAY more advantage having an SSD and minimum specced i3 than these crappy magnetic drives and everything else at max spec.

        • Domingo on 01/06/2012 - 13:55

          I think "business people use dvds/cds" is a bit of a blanket statement. My work assigned T420 has one that I have never opened to use as an optical drive (just fiddle with it occasionally).

        • jace88 on 02/06/2012 - 10:32

          Ditto. If anything my work provided T420 annoys me because I kept knocking the eject button on the optical drive causing it to pop out unexpectedly.

      • _Bruce_ on 01/06/2012 - 13:07
        -1

        how about throw out the 350G paper weight and use that space?

      • baybeans on 02/06/2012 - 10:37

        A solution would be an ultrabay. Not sure if the current lineup is compatible?

  • scotty on 01/06/2012 - 11:22
    +3

    It's nice that 1600x900 is an option for E530 (only $11 before discount, no brainer). Would like to have it for E430 though as 15.6" is really too heavy for me. They have 1600x900 screen for T420 so how hard it is for them to offer it on E430 as well?!

    • mini2 on 01/06/2012 - 11:45

      They probably don't want the Edge and T's to overlap. There's still a substantial difference between the prices…

    • VVN on 01/06/2012 - 12:34
      +2

      15.6" W HD+ (1600 x 900) AntiGlare, Heatwave Red (With WWAN)
      Selecting this option will include additional $110 for Integrated Mobile Broadband (Ericsson H5321)

      extra $121

      • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 12:37

        it actually adds only $62, so a total extra of $73 (was $121 before this sale). This is for the i5, not sure about the i7

      • scotty on 01/06/2012 - 13:48

        Alright. Sounds like I've missed the fine print. Upgrading to leather seats for $100 extra, but it also selects that $1000 sunroof option for you.

        • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 14:28

          touche'

  • Mikeshashimi on 01/06/2012 - 11:24

    Nice screen resolution

  • nfr on 01/06/2012 - 11:31

    Strange. I got $628 rather than $613.

    • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 11:38
      +3

      Not sure why - I just went back to complete the cart again and I get $613.
      not sure if this deep link will help (may need to copy/paste)
      http://shopap.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/auweb/Leno…

      Just select the 1600px screen (which automatically adds 3G), and then add the $1 carry bag if you want that too.

      • nfr on 01/06/2012 - 12:32
        +1

        Yes your link works!

      • VVN on 05/06/2012 - 11:45

        They increased the price!!!

        -15.6" W HD+ (1600 x 900) AntiGlare, Midnight Black (With WWAN)
        Selecting this option will include additional $110 for Integrated Mobile Broadband (Ericsson H5321)
        [add AU$165.00]
        -15.6" W HD+ (1600 x 900) AntiGlare, Heatwave Red (With WWAN)
        Selecting this option will include additional $110 for Integrated Mobile Broadband (Ericsson H5321)
        [add AU$165.00]
        15.6" W HD+ (1600 x 900) AntiGlare, Arctic Blue (With WWAN)
        Selecting this option will include additional $110 for Integrated Mobile Broadband (Ericsson H5321)
        [add AU$165.00]

        Accessories and options:
        ThinkPad Basic Case

        They also removed $1 option

        YOUR SYSTEM SUMMARY
        Valued at: AU$1,522.91
        Web price: AU$974.00
        Savings AU$548.91
        Total: AU$974.00 inc. GST*
        Ships within 1-2 weeks
        Plus up to 5 days for delivery. More info
        System components
        Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)
        Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
        15.6" W HD+ (1600 x 900) AntiGlare, Midnight Black (With WWAN)
        4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
        Keyboard with Number Pad - US English
        320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
        ThinkPad a/b/g/n Wireless BT Combo (2x2 ABGN & BT4.0)
        Integrated Mobile Broadband (Ericsson H5321)
        Open SIM Card for WW

        • baybeans on 05/06/2012 - 11:52

          Yup - you're right. looks like sexytime has ended.
          total price now comes to $1,011.00 vs $613.

          I will mark this as expired. well done to anyone else that nabbed this deal.

  • ferguscan on 01/06/2012 - 11:32

    These don't dock, do they? A deal breaker for me.

    • scotty on 01/06/2012 - 11:34

      All ThinkPads dock… Except the EDGE series. Not sure about the cheap X121/X130 either. Yes a deal breaker for me as well as I use Lenovo Mini Dock to link up 2 other monitors.

      • Cobalt_ on 01/06/2012 - 12:14

        I can confirm that the X1 does not dock either

  • v1c on 01/06/2012 - 11:43
    +6

    Maybe hold out for a few more hours (1 June USA time) to find out if you're eligible for a Windows 8 upgrade? http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Press/2012/May12/05-31Wi…

    • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 12:06
      +4

      great tip. I just called Lenovo - their Invoice date is actually the Build date, which for orders placed today, will be something Like June 5th.
      Bonus.

  • tightartist on 01/06/2012 - 11:46

    "The total base config is $449" is this for E530 i5? Can't find this on the site…

    • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 11:52
      +1

      their site confuses the heck out of me.. $449.10 seems to be a e420 (14" screen). $539.10 seems to be the e530. Will update the description (unless you can see 449 somewhere on the e530?)

      • Make it so on 01/06/2012 - 11:59
        +1

        Impossible to navigate their website in general.

    • davidl2 on 01/06/2012 - 13:39

      I found out it's actually e420 i3 = $449.10

  • Make it so on 01/06/2012 - 11:58
    +1

    I actually think this is a nice deal for a budget i5:

    Description
    ThinkPad Edge E420 - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
    Processor: Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50GHz)
    Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
    Display type: 14.0" HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, VibrantView, Midnight Black
    System graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 in processor
    Total memory: 2 GB PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 (1 DIMM)
    Camera: 720p HD Camera
    Hard drive: 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
    Bluetooth: Bluetooth 3.0 wireless

    $468.00

  • IJustKnowStuff on 01/06/2012 - 12:18

    Do these still have those really annoying single headphone/mic port? I got a E530 last year and didn't realize you can't plug a mic into it.

    • skeptik on 01/06/2012 - 13:04

      do u mean u got E520 last yr? Same issue I got with my E420.

      Try searching "pc headset phone adapter 3.5mm" on ebay for a solution. I havent had time to buy one yet though.

      • skeptik on 01/06/2012 - 14:35

        deleted

        • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 14:36

          I think Ex30 replaced Ex20 series.

  • VVN on 01/06/2012 - 12:36

    How about i7 for $868.00… worth it?

    System components
    Intel Core i7-3612QM Processor (6MB Cache, 2.10GHz)
    Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
    15.6" W HD+ (1600 x 900) AntiGlare, Heatwave Red (With WWAN)
    6 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
    Keyboard with Number Pad - US English
    750GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
    ThinkPad a/b/g/n Wireless BT Combo (2x2 ABGN & BT4.0)
    Integrated Mobile Broadband (Ericsson H5321)
    Accessories
    ThinkPad Basic Case

    • _Bruce_ on 01/06/2012 - 13:21

      I'd min spec the HD, through it at someone you don't like, then put in an SSD. Will work much better.

      • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 13:23

        I agree, but i think 750G is the smallest capacity offered on the i7?

        • VVN on 01/06/2012 - 13:26

          yes

    • VVN on 01/06/2012 - 13:28

      vs Dell Inspiron 15R $898.90
      which one better value/performant???

      Driver Intel® 2230 Driver
      Wireless Intel® 2230 802.11n + Bluetooth v4.0
      Cable Power Cord (ANZ)
      Documentation SERI Document (English/ S-Chinese/ T-Chinese/ Japanese/ Korean)
      Bundle V510663AU-Inspiron 15R Special Edition (7520)
      Additional Hard Drive None
      Packaging Shipment Box - Brown
      FGA Module A5TRBO1303_027/AN/A
      Optical Software None
      System Information Waves MaxxAudio® 4 Studio-quality Sound Enhancement Suite + Skullcandy Speakers
      System Information Integrated single digital microphone
      System Information 8-in-1 Memory Card Reader: SD, SDXC, SDHC, MS, MS-Pro, MMC, MMC+, XD
      System Information Internal 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet
      System Information Discount is only valid if the corresponding upgraded item is selected above.
      System Information Limited time promotional offer only. No further discounts apply.
      Non-Microsoft Application Software Additional Software (For Windows Bundles)
      Facial Recognition Sensible Vision FastAccess Facial Recognition Software
      RECYCLING PROGRAM Wireless Display (WIDI) Application & Driver
      PROCESSOR 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3612QM Processor (6MB cache, up to 3.1 GHz)
      OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64bit (English)
      PROCESSOR Inspiron 15R (7520) BTX Base
      DISPLAY 15.6" HD WLED True-Life (1366x768)
      MEMORY 8GB 2 DIMM (4GB x 2) DDR3 1600Mhz
      HARD DRIVE 1.0TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
      DATASAFE BACKUP SERVICE 1Year Dell Online Backup2GB
      OPTICAL DRIVE 12.7" SATA Tray Load DVD+/-RW
      VIDEO CARD AMD Radeon™ HD 7730M DDR3 2GB
      BATTERIES 6-cell Lithium Ion (48WHr) Battery
      WIRELESS NETWORK CARD Mobile Broadband Not Included
      KEYBOARD Dell™ Backlight Chiclet Keyboard with Multi-touch Touchpad (English)
      Camera Integrated 1.0 mega pixel widescreen HD (1280 x 720)
      Daughter Board Daughter Board For WLAN
      Item Included in the System Items Included (AU) - BTO only
      Freight Charges FGA NB-OS-BTO Freight Charges(Australia)
      Additional Delivery Requirements Standard Delivery: Delivery 9am-5pm - Monday to Friday (excl. public holidays)
      Dell Service: Remark Laptop Batteries Carry 1 Year Warranty Only From Invoice Date
      Dell Service: Remark Dell's Terms and Conditions apply
      Dell Services: Item Included Technical Support
      http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=v51066…

      • Alzori on 01/06/2012 - 19:49

        Graphics is a little better on the Dell, but (as a guess) a business model Lenovo would probably be built better than a mainstream model from Dell (but I'm really just guessing).

        The main difference here is the display; you'd have to move up to an XPS15/XPS17 with a screen upgrade to get something similar on a Dell.

  • davidl2 on 01/06/2012 - 13:16

    OP is wrong on pricing for e430 which is actually e420 for $449.10

    • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 13:20

      Thanks. Will update the deal.

  • skeptik on 01/06/2012 - 13:23
    +1

    Do any of you know if this has the same surface finish on the cover as E420 (& i assume E520)? The top cover on my E420 has a type of matte rubber coating that seems quite easily scratched.

    I'd like to recommend the E530 to my friend but will warn him if it has the same finish. Also the tapered edge on the top cover has silver paint that would quite easily wear off with a little rough handling on the E420.

    Other things on E420: lack of charging & HDD LED are annoying. No caps lock LED is OK for me. Would have been awesome if it could have been optioned with something better than 1366x768. For a while after I bought mine, I was looking around for info on replacing with aftermarket screen & even 16:10 screen :P (if any1 knows, pls tell me)

    PS. I still love this lappie tho! Just want ppl to be aware of what niggles to expect. Coming from a C2D lappie (BenQ S42), it has enabled me to run BF3 & D3 just fine on med to high settings & in a smaller package with less wattage! All for a (Oz)bargain(™) price! Do still wish for 16:10 once in a while ;)

    • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 13:31

      I aftermarket upgraded my t520 to 1920x1080, but the edge series only supports upto 1600x900.
      Doesn't the logo on the outside of the lid have an LED for charge status?
      E520 definately has that same soft touch lid, and I assume (am hoping) the 530 does too. On the t520, and pretty much all the Thinkpad back to t21 have had that same finish and it's actually quite durable, but does rub on the edges - this model doesn't have hard edges where the touch points are.

      • skeptik on 01/06/2012 - 13:44

        The LED on the cover which is duplicated on the palmrest (kinda pointless & I instinctively look at my power button for that which it doesnt have) only shows power status. On, sleeping (slow flashing) & going into hibernation (quick flashing) after which the LED is off. There is a green LED next to the power input, but it only shows that the adaptor is powered & not whether battery is charging. It's also located in a very awkward position where you either have to pick up the lappie or move your head a good distance to see.

    • skeptik on 01/06/2012 - 13:34

      BTW, my E420 uses dedicated graphics so not sure how those games would run on Intel graphics.

  • sash213 on 01/06/2012 - 13:33

    Does it have:
    USB 3.0?
    Backlit keyboard?

    I assume not from what I read but just in case, can anyone confirm?

    • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 13:36
      +2

      530 has 3x USB 3 ports and one usb2
      No backlit or think light

      • sash213 on 01/06/2012 - 13:39
        +1

        thanks, they should really promote that more.

  • davidl2 on 01/06/2012 - 13:40

    what's the difference between e420 and e430?
    was it the USB 3.0 & SATA3?

  • looks on 01/06/2012 - 13:43

    I'm worried about the weight of this thing. Anyone know? I know Lenovos are generally quite heavy?

    • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 13:46

      Feels nimble. 2.5kg?

      • tristanmarsh on 01/06/2012 - 14:29
        -4

        I would say about the same as a 15" Macbook Pro ~ 1.5Kg

        • looks on 01/06/2012 - 14:30

          Thats a big difference. Who's right?

        • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 14:35
          +1

          E430 2.15 Kg
          E530 2.45 Kg
          http://www.partnerinfo.lenovo.com/partners/us/products/downl…

        • miloaissatu on 01/06/2012 - 15:33
          +1

          typical weight of a 15" laptop is around 2.2-2.5kg. also weight for a 15" macbook pro according to apple's site is 2.54kg

        • baybeans on 01/06/2012 - 15:35

          ah cool. so it looks like Tristans comment was just a typo. Though the new MacBook Pro is rumoured to be lighter when its released. Not MacBookAir light, but lighter than the traditional Pro.

  • skytree on 01/06/2012 - 15:02

    Good deal, does it have HDMI though?

  • miloaissatu on 01/06/2012 - 15:30

    a plus for the 1600x900 matte screen. glossy is just, ugh.. can get real annoying depending on lighting. and i dont know why 1366x768 is so popular, i have that res on my 13" and i would prefer a higher res.

  • looks on 01/06/2012 - 15:53

    Graphics cards
    nVidia N13P-GL (Lenovo E530) vs AMD Radeon HD 7730M (Dell 15R)

    Which one is better? Both are 2GB but I can't seem to find a benchmark that can compare both…

    • Alzori on 01/06/2012 - 20:06
      +1

      Here you go:
      http://www.notebookcheck.net/Computer-Games-on-Laptop-Graphi…

      The nVidia card on the e530 is actually the 'gt 630' from nvidia, that n13p thing is a codename (not sure why they're listing with the codename).

      Notebook Check seems to be ranking the the 7730 a fair bit higher than the 630, though it hasn't actually had any benchmarks run so it's a bit of a guess really.

      • looks on 01/06/2012 - 23:38

        Thanks! Yeah I was wondering what that N13P business was about….

  • RedHab on 01/06/2012 - 18:13
    +3

    Nice deal!

    You'll also be able to get $42 refund from Microsoft (after 10mins on hold to their call center) by not accepting the license agreement on Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit). Tell them you install Linux.

    • looks on 01/06/2012 - 18:27

      Has anyone tried this?

  • Alzori on 01/06/2012 - 22:32

    Anyone know about replacing the hard drives in these? As in they haven't made it really complicated or something?

  • inxie on 02/06/2012 - 20:58

    How long will this deal last?

    • baybeans on 02/06/2012 - 21:00

      I had been waiting for this deal to re-appear and last time it was gone by Sunday evening.

      • inxie on 02/06/2012 - 21:40

        Thanks for quick response, i'm contemplating a purchase right now. Is this a hard to beat spec for the price?

        I hate having regrets lol

        • baybeans on 02/06/2012 - 21:45

          If there was a medical diagnosis for "buyers remorse", I would have it.
          Been waiting for this price on this spec for a while, so I am safe on this one. You would have trouble finding a price like this on a second hand laptop of this spec, and that would be cash spen unwisely.

        • inxie on 02/06/2012 - 21:56

          Thank you. I'm gonna go for the discrete graphics version with the 500GB HDD for just under $700.

        • baybeans on 02/06/2012 - 21:57

          Maybe also look at the i7 base model.

        • skatoz on 03/06/2012 - 19:33

          I am looking at the E530 i7 for ~$730 with a student discount but would like to get the higher res, which adds more than $100 to the price :(

          There is something wrong with the "1600x900 screen will cost $110 extra and include WWAN" as for the i5 version the higher res screen's premium is only about $60.

          It is a pity that the smaller E430 on special now is more expensive than E530 by about $100. I would actually prefer the 14", i7 with 1366x768.

          Baybeans, how often do these offers come up and do you think the E430 i7 will be on special again in the next 2 months?

        • baybeans on 03/06/2012 - 19:41

          the WWAN and 1600px screen was $110 presale and is just what I was hanging out for and what makes this config extra good value compared to the other builds.

          are you sure you really want a 1366 screen?

          I cant comment on future deals, but there could be something with the new processors become more mainstream? maybe end of tax year? try calling Lenovo on Monday and ask - thats how I found out about this sale comming up two weeks before it landed - but I knew exactly what I wanted.

        • skatoz on 03/06/2012 - 20:59

          thanks baybeans. I meant that I would prefer the smaller E430 for mobility and I would be happy with the standard resolution on the 14" screen. If needed I can always use an external monitor anyway so I am not fussed. Forgot to mention that I am only looking at the models with the GT630M graphics.

          For the E530 I would love the higher res but it is at too big a premium.

  • kaikor on 02/06/2012 - 22:15
    +1

    So hard to decide, DELL or LENOVO? which brand is better as a gaming machine?

    • inxie on 02/06/2012 - 22:20

      It's more to do with the graphics card. If you choose discrete graphics then it will come with Nvidia GT 630m which holds it own. Check youtube for "GT 630m" and there will be videos of people playing games using that card. Same with other cards if your curious…

    • baybeans on 03/06/2012 - 06:00

      This laptop is specs as integrated graphics, which is great for my use and the preserve battery and keep heat down, but for gaming, you want a discrete graphics card (or a dedicated graphics card). Maybe also processor, ram, and screen considerations?

  • inxie on 02/06/2012 - 22:18

    Just a quick question, does this have HDMI out so I can hook it up to my TV and watch movies?

  • ashpete02 on 02/06/2012 - 22:43

    yep, HDMI & USB 3, I just pulled the trigger, went the 500gig 7200 drive, screen upgrade and extended the warranty to 2 years, thanks OP!

    • baybeans on 06/06/2012 - 08:03

      Nice purchase.

  • maldrat on 03/06/2012 - 16:09
    -1

    Almost bought it but no displayport. Dealbreaker.

    • skatoz on 03/06/2012 - 19:23
      +2

      What alternatives are you looking at for <$1000?

    • skeptik on 04/06/2012 - 01:42

      Get an adaptor? THey might even have cables that go straight from hdmi to DP.

  • inxie on 03/06/2012 - 21:08

    I don't understand the people that have to nitpick at everything. The spec for the price is practically unbeatable how can you complain that it doesn't have this, and doesn't have that?

  • Chongy288 on 04/06/2012 - 09:41

    Hi all,

    Sorry very noob questions but what is the difference between 8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM) and 8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)? the only difference is the DIMM (which i dont know) and they are both the same cost.

    I'm also intending to use this mainly for photoshop, any other specs should i look out for to upgrade?

    • baybeans on 04/06/2012 - 10:28
      +1

      what is the difference between 8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM) and 8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)? the only > difference is the DIMM (which i dont know) and they are both the same cost.

      when its configured as 2 dimm, your actually getting 2x4gb = total 8gb.
      when its configured as 1 dimm, your actually getting 1x8gb = total 8gb
      the laptop has capacity for a total of 2 dimm (physical ram modules).

      typically, it would cost more to get 1x8 module compared to 2x4 modules, and if the price is the same, definately choose 1x8 - that leaves one blank dimm slot should you want to upgrade to 16gb in the future. you would then just buy 1x8gb module and install it (very easy). if you had it configured as 2x4gb and you wanted to upgrade to 2x8 later, you would need to remove the 2x4 and buy 2x8 modules - then you have to throw them into your desk draw, or try sell them yourself.

      summary: if it doesnt cost you more to get it as 1x8, or the premium is small and you think you might want more ram in the future, then choose 1x8.

      Performance wont be affected either way.

      I'm also intending to use this mainly for photoshop, any other specs should i look out for to upgrade?
      You need windows 64bit to take advantgage of ram beyond 4gb, which is included in this spec. Make sure your Photoshop version is also 64bit.

      The harddrive in this spec is also 7200rpm, so thats already faster than standard 5400rpm. A SSD hard drive will give you ultimate performance, but since your dealing with large files, consider that an SSD will cost you more for each GB, so it may not be an option for you. (as an example, a 256gb SSD will cost around $200-$400 plus labour or your own time to transfer your data).

      Dell XPS models have a nice screen from memory - so again, since your working with images, consider which model makes the best (most acurrate colour reproduction, wide spectrum) for you. At a minimum, calabirate your screen. You might want to use an external monitor making this less important (more choice with external screens, and less $'s).

      • Chongy288 on 04/06/2012 - 12:09

        thanks for the reply, but in your opinion should i be getting the i7 with a 5400rpm hard drive (there is no 7200rpm option..) or the i5 with the faster hard drive? will the up graded processor make a difference?

        • baybeans on 04/06/2012 - 12:23

          if your going to install a SSD, the configured hard drive wont be of concern at all.
          an i7 processor is faster than an i5 and I guess you might use that more than the slight increase in hdd speed - Check the transfer rates, there might not be much in it. your not moving a lot of data.

  • Shadow_1 on 14/06/2012 - 12:18

    Has anyone received their order yet? I ordered mine on June 1 and it still says that it's In Production with an estimated shipping date of June 24 and an arrival date of July 1. I thought this might just be a tentative estimate but is this typically how long it really takes?

    • baybeans on 14/06/2012 - 13:45

      If you ordered on June 1st, you will probably get a shipping confirmation today/tomorrow. I have received my laptop bag and my laptop has moved from production to shipped this morning.

      What did you order? My eta is 19th.

      • Shadow_1 on 14/06/2012 - 13:57

        Great to hear, thanks!

        I ordered the e420 base spec with upgrades to the CPU (i5) and the RAM (4GB). Hopefully I hear something tomorrow :)

      • baybeans on 20/06/2012 - 13:07
        +1

        Recieved my lappie today. sweet.

        • Shadow_1 on 20/06/2012 - 22:12

          Awesome, hopefully mine makes it here by Friday too.

  • sayap on 26/06/2012 - 17:02

    Just got mine delivered to Malaysia, using the excellent proxy service provided by http://sutocorp.com

    Hit a snag last week when Australia Post refused to ship by air anything that comes with battery. Had to pay extra for FedEx, though the super fast delivery time (24 hours) is well worth the money.

    Typing this on my new E530 :)

    • scotty on 27/06/2012 - 21:55

      Many Malaysians buy Lenovo from Australia and then shipped to Malaysia? I don't know the pricing there but people usually think that Asia = cheap computers. Also do you manage to get GST refunded?

      • sayap on 28/06/2012 - 12:05

        The pricing is actually about the same. When there is a sales going on at Lenovo US/UK/AU, the additional shipping cost can be covered by the discount.

        The problem is variety. For some reason, the distributors only want to bring in the "best sellers". You can get E420 and E430 here, but not E520 or E530. On top of that, you can only buy pre-configured models with no customization (e.g. screen resolution and dedicated graphic card).

        Anyway, still have to pay GST since I got it through the proxy service. Lenovo only ships to local addresses.

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