Dell :: Lenovo W500 Versus M4400
Dec 20, 2008
Well I was trying to buy the M4400 a few days back and the call dropped with the rep and she never called me back. So this gave me time to take a look at the W500 again and I was pleased to find that they had the P9500 offered, so now I am having difficulty deciding which to get.
I will be using the laptop for a lot of CAD work. I do finite element analysis, CAM programming, and part design using CATIA v5r17. I also use MATLAB and Simulink. So CPU, memory, and videocard performance are quite important to me. However I also travel around a lot and I would be bringing this laptop around from the office to the machine shop several times a day, so it needs to be rugged.
What I like about the W500 is that it has the switchable graphics so that it will run cooler and save battery life when graphics power is not an issue. I also like the fact that it has the lower power consumption and higher performance DDR3 memory. Finally, I like that it can be configured with the low power P9500 processor (2.53Ghz, 1066Mhz FSB, 6MB L2, 25W).....................
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Feb 22, 2009
I was all set to buy an M4400 last week until I started reading about all the bios/driver/software issues people have had with them. Is the W500 a better choice for someone looking for stability out of the box?
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Mar 25, 2009
I am looking around for a replacement for my 4 year old Precision M70. It has it is well-built, has a fantastic keyboard, lovely 15.4" WUXGA screen, and strong (for then) but power-hungry gpu. The obvious replacement would be the Precision M4400, but in Australia the WUXGA screen is only available on the lower-gpu'd version the Latitude E6500. I don't really need an awesome gpu anymore, but do want a quiet machine, a great keyboard, good build and WUXGA. I have read so many unfavourable reviews of the E6500 that I am now considering the Lenovo W500. Can anyone comment or help me choose between the E6500 and the W500?
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Jan 3, 2012
I've got thinkpad W500 and the PrtSc  key is not capturing screen I want to copy.  It doesn't require the Fn key because it's labeled on top row ("sysrq" is below it on 2nd row on same button key). Â
-I also tried pressing Fn + prtsc just to see if that would work. Â Didn't work.
-Then I tried pressing Alt + prtsc... nothing.
-I even tried pressing Ctrl + PrtSc.... nothing.
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I've looked all over Forum, no one addresses this, or at least not for the W500 (which is different from the other W510 through W540 series laptops. Or other ways to capture a screenshot?
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Windows 7 (64) W500 4061-BV3
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Jul 4, 2010
I have a W500, ATI Mobility FireGL V5700, Windows 7.
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When I press FN+Home and FN+END to regulate brightness up or down, the brightness symbols turn on and goes up/down, but the screen brightness is not regulated up or down but stays constant somewhere in between.
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What can I do to get "brighness" working?
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It has never worked, the computer is 2 months old. I have upgraded from Windows 7, 32 bit to 64, but brightness is still not working.
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Jun 14, 2014
I have a thinkpad W500 and I'm reinstalling Windows 7 after years of running linux (I got tired of my video drivers being unsupported due to the age of the card). Â However, when I attempt to install system update, I get the message "an error occured while gathering user information" and I cannot continue. Â How can I get the switchable graphics, power, and keyboard drivers properly installed? Â I don't really care about the rest of the software, it just that system update is the only way I know of to get it.
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Jan 6, 2013
In fact, my W500 is over 5 years old but I do not have any complaints on its performance except the WUXGA display is rather dim which makes it hardly useable on open-air. I do not recall that problem at purchase time. When googling around I see different reasons for a dim display
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a) cabling - would not consider this beacuase the screen is not flickering and does not show any discrepancies - it's just dim
b) inverter - this is not a real inverter, is it?
c) display panel - it does not seem very difficult to replace
d) motherboard - I am unsure whether I would challenge a replacement
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Is there a way to find out which way to start working around? I mean buying a panel if it comes out at the end that I had needed a new motherboard would rather make me blue.Â
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Or should I accept the fact that time has gone and I have to look for an other computer because it does not worth bothering. What do you think?
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Jan 3, 2012
I have Thinkpad W500, Windows 7 Professional, 64bit. Â When I turn on laptop, i forget when (before or after Windows loading) it brings me to the FingerPrint icon. Â This part is ok because the laptop seems to continue booting without my clicking it which I prefer. (I don't even have my own FingerPrint saved in laptop and I find that strange. I bought this W500 used). Â After FingerPrint icon disappears, the User or Admin Icon is shown on screen. Â That picture needs to be clicked for laptop to continue booting up or loading up. No password required, just click the icon. Â I'd like for laptop to just bootup without doing anything, and go to the desktop page automatically (like all my other thinkpads).
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How can I turn off that second Icon or feature? Â Is it a User or Admin icon? Â I'm only user of laptop so I don't need feature to use a password or to click the Icon.
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Jun 10, 2014
I have a W500 running Windows 7 which unexpectedly turns off, usually when asleep but sometimes also while on. The turn off happens as if the power is lost (say, the battery/AC cord are yanked out). After a turn off like that, I sometimes need to reconnect the battery and the AC cord. Did some reading here and elsewhere on the web and came upon the electrostatic suggestion. Was able to get it to turn back on at least a few times by touching the underside of the laptop, but that worked inconsistently.
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Since it mostly happens when the unit is asleep, I pretty much ruled out the temperature and software issues.
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Decided to check out the memory section pin bending solution. My laptop has to have it's palm rest taken off to access the RAM modules. People kept referring to some RAM door pins but since mine doesn't have a special RAM door, I bent some pins on the bottom of the palm rest and so far, not power loss but too early to tell.
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Mar 30, 2010
Just wondering if someone helps me decide how much is difference between two screen type for Dell 16xx. Should you get Dell i5 with RGB or 15.6 WLED with i720?..
If usage is web browsing, movie watching, some digital pics manipulation (non-professional), does it make sense to get i7 with WLED or i5 with RGB?..
I know this has been talked about in various thread, but nothing really solid...
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May 12, 2009
I intend to use it primarily for some fairly intensive gaming (Fallout 3, etc), media (music, movies), and general work stuff (web surfing, word processing, etc)
I have had an IBM for the last four years and it has served me quite well. My experience with IBM tech support was always good, and the one time I had to get it fixed it was returned promptly, no questions asked.
However there is an HP ProBook that looks quite appealing.
It costs $1865
It ships with Windows XP (important to me)
It has a 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
It has a 512 MB ATI video card
3GB of DDR2 Ram
It has a 320 GB 5400rpm HD
It has a 17.3" widescreen 1600x900 display
And here's the kicker: a Blu-Ray drive
The Lenovo is a Thinkpad W500. It is generally quite similar in specs, and a bit cheaper, but it has a 15.4 inch screen (albiet a higher resolution one) and lacks the Blu-Ray drive..............
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Apr 9, 2009
Ok I have a question that has me a bit confused. I have an inspiron e1505/6400 that has the ati x1400 video card in it.
Now when I recently tore down the laptop I noticed the the heat sink goes over the CPU and another element which everyone says is the GPU. The cpu had thermal grey gunk and the gpu had a purple thermal pad on it.
My question is, if I have the ati card isn't that my gpu? Didn't make sense that the intel 945 board has a gpu if there is already a video card handling graphics.
Also is there anyway to monitor the temperature of the GPU? All the applications I have tried are just showing me cpu temperature and not gpu.
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Mar 11, 2009
I've been doing a lot of research lately and I have come to the conclusion that as far as the specifications go, the Dell Studio XPS 13 is what I want.
However, I am concerned about the overheating in the laptop, as reported by some reviewers on the net. I don't mind if I can't keep it on my lap (my dv6137tx couldn't be kept on the lap for too long either!), but I am concerned about failure rate increasing due to heating.
Also, I am wondering if its a good value for money given that it is costlier than the Studio XPS 16, 17, etc and still comes with only a 13.3" screen. I would be happy to hear from other Dell users, Studio XPS 13 owners in particular.
The rough configuration I was looking for before coming across the Studio XPS 13 was:
1. CPU = Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (or better), [1066 Mhz FSB with 6 MB L2
Cache preferable]
2. Memory = 3GB DDR3 at 1066 MHz
3. Graphics card = nVidia GeForce 9500 or higher
4. Hard disk = 250 GB, 7200 RPM
5. Screen size = 15.4" or higher
6. 8x DVD ± RW Drive
7. Internal Modem
8. Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet card
9. Integrated Wireless adapter
Oh and I am interested in running Linux.
The Latitude E6500 cannot be shipped with the GeForce 9500 card and I am getting it only with an nVidia Quadro NVS160, which I understand is as fast as the GeForce 9200 .....
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Feb 19, 2010
I am considering buying the DV7T, but I am in Japan and for whatever reason, they only offer the 32-bit version. After I get the computer, would I be able to do a fresh install of the 64 bit version with the original key that comes from HP?
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Sep 4, 2009
Anyone knows if there is a big difference between the Z46 with Intel P9700 and Z45 with Intel P8800?
Would speed and heat be noticeably greater with the P9700 processor?
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Aug 9, 2009
I was wondering if the new Neo X2 chips in the dv2z are a big improvement over the original Athlon Neo MV-40 single core. IIRC All three are clocked at 1.6 ghz and the single core and dual core Athlon Neo have the same amount of cache (512k) but the Turion has 1mb. I'm up in canada and am considering getting a dv2 to play some older games on, and the dual cores are not yet availible up here, so I am wondering if its going to be worth waiting for the dual cores to become availible up here or should I just go ahead and get one with an MV-40. I already know I am going to be getting one with the HD3410 graphics (not even going to try to game on the X1250, although its probably better than just about everything Intels got out there...).
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Jul 15, 2009
I just put in the order for my new 13" MBP 2.26Ghz laptop, and I'm looking to purchase some protection for the keyboard. The Moshi Clearguard and the iSkin ProTouch seem like the two biggest/bestest contenders out there right now. What are your thoughts on these products?
I like the Moshi because it's so thin and pretty much transparent, so it'll have less of a "feel" than a silicon cover and I'll still be able to see the fabulous backlit keyboard. However, what is this I am reading about the Clearguard becoming cloudy after a bit of use? Is there a way to avoid this (perhaps by washing it, and if so, how often)?
In the other keyboard protector thread a lot of people are suggesting the iSkin ProTouch.
What are the advantages of this protector over the Moshi? I have a silicon cover on my Sony right now and I don't mind the feel. Are you still able to see the backlit keyboard well enough? If I go with the iSkin I will either get the green one or the clear one with no black keys.
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Mar 14, 2009
I HEAR alot of people say Aluminum is more sturdy...
I HEAR alot of people say Aluminum Warps easier and Polycarbonate is better..
Iv'e read Articles such as [url]
And Yet alot of forums iv'e read Say just the opposite...
Iv'e read a bit about Aluminum macbooks having warping issues?
Iv'e read just as much about the plastic ones having cracking (Polycarbonate is supposed to be near unbreakable?)
One of the biggest reasons I am looking at a macbook is the build quality rumored around it. Which Factually is a better build? The White Polycarbonate Macbook or the Aluminum Macbook? I don't mind paying the extra $$ if the Aluminum is Factually a better build.
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May 22, 2010
I'd like to know how much MORE the high capacity VGP-BPL12 battery weighs than the standard VGP-BPS12 battery?
I did a search on the web and here but probably used the wrong search terms as I did not find any info.
It would be great if someone has both batteries in hand to find the actual difference
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Feb 24, 2009
I currently have an AA1 and am curious to those who tried typing on both the HP Mini and the AA1 keyboards and noticed a difference. I believe the HP's keyboard is 92% and the AA1's is 89% I believe. It feels "okay" to type on, obviously not the best due to its size compared to a normal keyboard, but am wondering if the HP's is worth the price jump (paid 300 for mine).
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Feb 13, 2010
I am trying to decide between the F series and the Z series. Anyone else been debating between these two laptops?
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Nov 18, 2008
First take the battery out and remove the bottom part like so.
Then you have to take the fan off there are 3 screws to take out and unplug the fan connector.
After you take out the CPU heat sink "there is 4 screws".
Then the Video card heat sink 3 screws.
Once that is done I took the CPU out you don't have to take it out I just wanted to see it. You do have to take out all the extra thermal past from DELL from the CPU and GPU and the 2 heat sink like so.
I use a plastic card and paper towel to remove the extra paste and it workes grate.
Now for the AS5 put on each of the components you just clean as in the CPU and GPU and the 2 heat sink like so.
same go's for the CPU and GPU then jsut use a falt plastic card I just use a master card but any thing similer will do to even out the SA5 like don't try to get it all nice and flat just make sure it covers all the surface of contact of the CPU GPU and heatsink and you should be good, it soule look like that now.
Now just re insert the GPU heat sink and tight the 3 screws back.
After it's the CPU heatsink and it's 4 screws like so.
Now the fan 3 screws and one connoctor.
Close it all up and boot Hope it helps some of you.
Mine was 55 and idle and now 49/50.
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May 20, 2009
Considering that this is a "heavy duty" notebook, how much would a 25W processor (e.g., P9600) increase battery life and decrease heat? In my experience, the difference has been very little for relatively similar notebooks.
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Jun 28, 2009
I am considering buying a Precision M4400 but I've read about various audio problems, even with the audio outputs .....
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Jun 10, 2009
I'm currently trying to decide between the M4400 and the HP 8530W. Please could any M4400 owners let me know their thoughts (happy or otherwise)?
The basic specs are as follows:
Dell: P8600 CPU, 4GB RAM, 160GB 7200rpm HDD, Quadro 770M, 1920x1200 display, 6-cell battery.
HP: T9400 CPU, 2GB RAM, 160GB 7200rpm HDD, Quadro 770M, 1680x1050, 8-cell battery.
They're about the same price where I live, and both have a similar lead time. I've had no major problems with Dell in the past, but the M4400 seems to have been slated here and elsewhere for its build quality and design issues. The HP is by no means immune, but it does seem to come off lighter .....
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Aug 17, 2009
When I got my M4400 last week, it had Vista Business installed - wasn't bad and unlike most people, I've NEVER had issues with Vista Anyway being a Microsoft Gold customer, I got my hands on the Windows 7 Ultimate RTM version and installed this on the laptop.
It has transformed the laptop just like it did my PCMUCH quicker, the graphics seem a lot happier in W7 too.
I've installed all my other tools such as SQL2008, Office 07, Virtual PC with VMs, VS 2008 etc etc but it doesnt even flinch under pressure.
If you are happy with M4400 and Vista, you will be even happier with W7 - small mini review but I thought I should give you my quick thoughts on it.
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Mar 2, 2009
what kind of battery life you're getting from your M4400, with specifics...
list down your spec, which battery you have, and what programs you were running..
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Mar 29, 2009
I'm getting about 15-20MB/s (transfer speed) transfering files from my Lacie d2 Quadra(eSATA 3 Gbits port) to my M4400 with Vista 32Bit thought eSATA port.
eSATA port has 3 Gbit/s bandwidth, so I wouldn't get about 300-375 MB/s transfering data?
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Jul 8, 2009
I'm looking to replace a 3-year old IBM X60s that recently failed.
I'm considering a refurbished M4400 from Dell Outlet, and I have a couple of questions:
1.) How is Dell Outlet service and what quality can I expect from them? I know from Lenovo Outlet, most of the refurbished items are actually in immaculate condition. Is that the case for Dell Outlet? Is customer service and shipping times good?
2.) When browsing through the available M4400s, I see listings for both 15.4" WXGA and 15.4" WXGA LED. Are there M4400s with CCFL backlit WXGA panels? When configuring a new one, the only option for WXGA is LED.
And any other comments, advice, warnings, etc,
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Jul 2, 2009
Can I use a 95W Power Supply for my M4400 along with the 130W Supply I would leave at home?.
Its new and nice as #&$*#(### for guys like me who spend an hour to an hour and a half on the metro then a 2-6 block walk into the offfice?.
This is small @
Dimension 75 x 17 x 145 mm ; 2.9 x 0.7 x 5.7 inches....
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