Laptop comparison, trying to figure out price difference

[Mike Maloney]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a laptop for my little brother for college, and I've been comparing these two ThinkPads, and for the life of me I can't figure out why the T520 is $850 and the Edge E530 is $680.

T520

Edge E530

Best I can tell, they have the same CPU, dimensions, screen size, RAM, optical drive, webcam, and card reader. In fact, the Edge seems to have a bigger hard drive and some USB 3.0 ports, where the T520 only shows 2.0. Only real discernible difference noted is the T520 seems to have a slightly longer battery life.

So what do you guys think, is there some big feature on the T Series that isn't on the Edge that I'm just totally missing?

On a side note anyone see any issues with the E530? I wanted to get something for my brother that's solid and will last him a while, but at the same time he doesn't need anything too high powered, not much of a gamer or anything like that.

Thanks in advance.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Mike Maloney Hi all, I'm looking for a laptop for my little brother for college, and I've been comparing these two ThinkPads, and for the life of me I can't figure out why the T520 is $850 and the Edge E530 is $680. T520 Edge E530 Best I can tell, they have the same CPU, dimensions, screen size, RAM, optical drive, webcam, and card reader. In fact, the Edge seems to have a bigger hard drive and some USB 3.0 ports, where the T520 only shows 2.0. Only real discernible difference noted is the T520 seems to have a slightly longer battery life. So what do you guys think, is there some big feature on the T Series that isn't on the Edge that I'm just totally missing? On a side note anyone see any issues with the E530? I wanted to get something for my brother that's solid and will last him a while, but at the same time he doesn't need anything too high powered, not much of a gamer or anything like that. Thanks in advance.

Huge difference in the build quality. They are both solid but the T520 is geared more towards the business class, every day and travel use. The e530 weighs about 1 pound less and is thinner (5 lbs vs 6lbs). The E530 is a nice laptop and you can feel confident in the quality but it is not built as well as the T520. So, if it is going to get heavy use, than the T520 is what you want.

[Mike Maloney]

Ah interesting. I didn't think there was much difference in the build as the T520 is 5.54lbs compared to the E530 at 5.4lbs. Dimensions, only seems like there's maybe a tenth or two of an inch difference. But I used to have a T series, so I could certainly see them being more durable.

[glc]

The T series Thinkpads have been "THE" standard in business class laptops for many years. They are true road warriors.

[quartet-man]

Certainly the T series is superior, but IF you are going cheaper you might compare this one to save some money. I haven't thoroughly checked the specs, but a quick look shows the processor is different, but the OM one appears to be newer. Some of the pros here could tell more. I just happened to be in there for a few minutes Sunday and noticed the boxes in the center aisle.

http://www.officemax.com/technology/computers/laptop-computers/product-prod4040013?history=h0zu8f1f|prodPage~15^freeText~thinkpad^paramValue~true^refine~1^region~1^param~r eturn_skus^return_skus~Y

I did find these two links:
Intel® Core

Intel® Core

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Mike Maloney Ah interesting. I didn't think there was much difference in the build as the T520 is 5.54lbs compared to the E530 at 5.4lbs. Dimensions, only seems like there's maybe a tenth or two of an inch difference. But I used to have a T series, so I could certainly see them being more durable.

Interesting. I just sold a T520 and it was 6.2lbs

[Mike Maloney]

Newegg's probably off with their weight listing, although I wonder if maybe a bigger battery might cause the weight discrepancy? I dunno.

Anyways, thanks to everyone for the help, I'll think about it some more and decide how important the durability of the T-series is.

[SpywareDr]

Newegg Comparision

[Khalil]

I have worked on both the T and E series.
The T series is the way to go, the chassis on them is substantially better, the quality of the LCD unit as well makes a lot of difference. You will also find that the hard drive in the T series is better than what they use in the E.
Worth every extra dollar I say. I have to say though, I prefer Asus when it comes to notebooks.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Khalil I have worked on both the T and E series. The T series is the way to go, the chassis on them is substantially better, the quality of the LCD unit as well makes a lot of difference. You will also find that the hard drive in the T series is better than what they use in the E. Worth every extra dollar I say. I have to say though, I prefer Asus when it comes to notebooks.

Khalil lives!

[Khalil]

lol

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Khalil lol

Almost didn't make it out of Syria, a car bomb went off less than 200 feet away from me.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Khalil Almost didn't make it out of Syria, a car bomb went off less than 200 feet away from me.

God is watching over you brother

[Khalil]

I had a concussion, put me off my feet for almost a week. But let's discuss this in the General Forums lol don't want to take over the thread, glc will frown upon us.

[glc]

Don't worry about me - we are just thankful that you are still with us and back home safe!

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by glc Don't worry about me - we are just thankful that you are still with us and back home safe!

Thank you sir!! I am happy to be home and with my pcmech friends again.