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examon

Member

Registered: 2011-05-07

Posts: 208

ThinkPad T510 # questions

I have good chance to buy new ThinkPad T510 (model 4314-4KG) for really good money but I need to get some more informations...
After some research I want to make this my last stop I really like Arch and I want run Arch on T510 aswell as I run it on my current laptop and desktop.

I'm trying to find some good user reviews on the Internet but there are not many ppl running Arch on this specific model.

So... specializations...

- Intel i7-620M
- nVidia NVS3100M
- Intel® WifiLink 6300 3×3

- some RAM, HDD & other stuff......

Can you judge this specific model? Will be nVidia chip working 100%? I'm also using at home external LCD via VGA cable. I want to ask also about WifiLink 6300... As I remember there were some problems with 6250 or so.. is 6300 alright?
Do you recommand this model or do you think that new 520/420 are better?

Thanks a lot for help!

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laurentis

Member

From: Montréal

Registered: 2009-06-17

Posts: 17

Re: ThinkPad T510 # questions

I have a T510 and I really like it. The GPU is working perfectly if you use the binary driver. I'm also using an external monitor over DisplayPort with no issues.
As for your wifi card it should be supported out of the box according to http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Intel_Cen … ate-N_6300.

I would advise against going for the T520 for now. The GPU is more powerful but it uses Nvidia's Optimus technology which is not officially supported under Linux.
Some hackers are working on that but it's still very much experimental. See here http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=n … &px=OTQxNg

Revision: Some users are reporting that on the newer Thinkpad models you can turn off Optimus in the BIOS and choose between integrated or discrete graphics. So I'm withdrawing my reservation here about the T520.
The Thinkpad series are staying Linux friendly! 

Last edited by laurentis (2011-05-10 13:43:36)

losl

Member

Registered: 2009-10-25

Posts: 25

Re: ThinkPad T510 # questions

I have a T420, which is fairly similar.

I have the 3x3 6300. I use wicd, and have no problems as far as I can tell with the wifi.

examon

Member

Registered: 2011-05-07

Posts: 208

Re: ThinkPad T510 # questions

guys, thanks for answers! If I'll but one, then I'll report some infos

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my github stuff

ANOKNUSA

Member

Registered: 2010-10-22

Posts: 2,141

Re: ThinkPad T510 # questions

I have a T420, which is fairly similar.

I have the 3x3 6300. I use wicd, and have no problems as far as I can tell with the wifi.

Is that with the default wifi card by chance?  I plan on buying a T520 in a couple weeks, and I'm wondering if I should cough up the money for the Sierra Wireless card they offer.

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