Solved! HD 3650 vs Fire GL v5700

[tab1981]

I'm looking at buying a new laptop and have the Lenovo T500 and W500 in mind. Besides everyday use I play games like modern warefare, team fortress, and WoW. I also do some photo editing and paiting for a side hobby (nothing professional). Both systems are almost exactly the same except the GPU. Which would be the better buy?

W500
Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8700 (2.53GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32
15.4" WSXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
ATI Mobility FireGL V5700 (512MB VRAM)
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
No Bluetooth
Wireless Card10
ThinkPad WiFi (BGN)
Mobile Broadband
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
Battery60
6 cell Li-Ion Battery

T500
Intel Core2 Duo processor T9900 (3.06GHz 1066MHz 6MBL2)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 32
15.4 WXGA TFT, w/ LED Backlight
ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB
3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Integrated Camera
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Intel Turbo Memory 2GB
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Intel WiFi Link 5300 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
6 cell Li-Ion Battery

 

[frozenlead]

The 3650 would be better - the FireGL is a professional card meant for things like Solidworks and CAD.

The 3650 is rather old, though - I'm sure you can get a newer card with your budget.

 

[megamanx00]

The Fire GL V5700 is essentially the same as a 3650. The only difference is that the drivers for the Fire GL card are optimized for professional applications, while the Radeon is better for gaming. Of the two, the T500 is the better option with more RAM, a faster CPU, and of course the Radeon for games. For gaming though it would be best to get something a little more modern, at least with a Radeon 4650.

 

[tab1981]

my main problem is that I went to a Lenovo reseller and tested out a T series. Just picking it up, opening the lcd lid, typing, and overall feel of it won me over. I've owned a few laptops and they were all disappoints after a few months. As I was saying the business line of lenovo just feels great even tho its just a black box. Yes, I do wish I could find one in my price range with a better graphics card but, there isn't one unless someone has seen something I haven't. If you do have a link for something as reliable, and durable as the T or W series please link it.