You can't get any screen that I would consider to be better than mediocre at $550, but for slightly more ($580) you can get a Thinkpad T530 with the 1600x900 display (which has great contrast)
Lenovo Thinkpad T530 through the Barnes and Noble Gold discount
- Barnes and Noble Gold discount T530 link: http
/shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/barnesnoblegold/StdAffinityPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=DC8F3B79220E3BCF3B7C12AAA11F7BFB&action=init[/url] (you will need to create a free Barnes and Noble Gold account)
- Generally, you should start with the cheapest base configuration.
- On the configuration page, you will need to upgrade the "Display type" to at least HD+ (1600x900). This laptop should not be bought in any configuration that includes the default HD (1366x768) display. The 1366x768 display makes things onscreen large and has very poor image quality due to low contrast. The upgraded displays are substantially better.
- You may want to upgrade the "WiFi adapter" configuration option to something other than the default "Thinkpad 1x1 b/g/n", because some have reported issues with that adapter. The "Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200" option does not cost extra.
- The backlit keyboard is worth considering.
- In the cart, remember to click the green "Activate eCoupon" button in order to get your discount. If you have a separate coupon code for another discount, enter it in the box below and click Apply.