I'm eyeing the P51 as my next Thinkpad (currently running modified T440s).
I'm a bit hesitant though, seeing as how it's north of $2000 in a quite modest specification, probably closer to $2500 if I got it spec'ed the way I want it.
So, my question is really, why is it so expensive compared to say the T570? Also, is it worth it, do you think?
Thanks.
Posted Jul 10, 2017, 4:00 PM UTC
I think the reason is simple. It has quad core CPU and a DGPU.
The dGPU is important for doing the real job or playing with VM where you do not want OR you can not use an eGPU. The Intel GFX simply is slow for such tasks.
The quad core is important if you are going to get an eGPU!. Just add an eGPU and it will cover EVERYTHING for you by next few years. Dual core CPU put a limit on what you can get from eGPU.
If you are not fun of eGPU. I say wait and get a VR ready P52 by next year.
Finally, lots of RAM and multiple storages help you to get most of your device no matter what!
I kinda wish I'd waited for the P51. Problem with Lenovo's site is... there's no freaking indication whatsoever when the next model will actually be available and if it will have all the options you want: case in point just take a look at the X1C not having QHD display options available.
What "real job" do you need a dGPU for? What's the benefit of a dGPU for a VM? Haven't had any issues with my VMs on my T470, nor have I noticed the Intel GPU causing any slowdown.
What "real job" do you need a dGPU for?
cad/photoshop/video editing etc
What's the benefit of a dGPU for a VM?
pcie passthrough for running e.g. premiere on a windows vm with a linux host os and getting 90% of bare metal performance.
Having tested the T570 and owing the P51, I can say that the P51 feels much more premium in comparison. The T570 is glass fiber all-around, which can feel a bit cheap especially on the base. In contrast, the P51 has a Aluminium/Magnesium base thats really stable and robust. So I think that certainly adds to the price.
Of course the Xeon CPU and Quadro GPUs also command a heavy price-premium, as well as more ports, a bigger standard battery and much larger cooling system. If you compare the 4K screens, P51 has a much more expensive Wide Gamut panel, while the T570 has one that only covers sRGB.
I would say that it is absolutely worth it, if you have the money and if its fits in your usage scenario.
You shouldn't pay anywhere NEAR that much.
Get the base model and upgrade the ram and SSD yourself.
The xeon is not worth the premium. The better GPU might be if you game, but otherwise is not.
Speccing out one i'd buy (base, 8gb, quad i7) 1100~, plus 240 for 32gb more ram for 40gb total, (120 if you only need 24gb), and $300 for a 1TB SSD. Total 1500-1700 for a monster config.
(with NJ*PERKSEPP)
Even a xeon + better GPU is 1400 base price with 4k.
Is this worth the price tag? It's a monster workstation, well built, milspec, studio quality 4k screen, at like half the price of a 15" macbook pro.
I like the xeon since it provides the option of ECC memory. The 4K display and the xeon+ecc are the reason to go with the P instead of the T for me. Otherwise I'd much rather have the reduced weight of the T470p
For the price of a P51, you can build a desktop and buy a cheaper (used?) Thinkpad that will do your mobile computing. Choose wisely. I got a fully maxed X230 for ~300USD with 16GB, IPS and SSD, which theoretically would have left me 1700$+ (with your budget) for one very strong desktop PC.
r/BuildAPC shameless plug :v)
If you need to run 64G of memory, that's a big boost of the P51. Otherwise, a comparblity equipped T570 is around 400 bucks cheaper
Also, ECC is kinda nice.
Be sure to use the perks/B&N discounts. The base P51 is $1,042.30
Could you pm me links to the discounts? On looking to grab a t570 or p51 soon! Thanks!
I got the 4K Xeon P50. Got it during president's day sale with an additional coupon. ended up costing 1600 USD (maxed out except for ram and storage). I think it's a cool machine but sometimes I wish I had just spend less and beefed up my desktop computer more.
The p51 should be capable and powerful enough to last you 5 years, easy. It seems like the perfect Thinkpad for someone who wants a workstation with the best of Thinkpad specs.
Thank about getting a P50 instead if you can find a deal. The P51 is a modest upgrade at best and you might be able to get a good deal on "last year's model"
Get P51 if you need Xeon and ECC RAM. If you don't know what those are, you don't need them so don't pay the premium.
Not worth it. This kind of power in the laptop form factor just isn't price/performance or power efficient. Get a cheap(er) mobile computer and build an HEDT for the $2k and just remote login to the HEDT when you have computationally intensive tasks to run. No worries about carrying around a giant power brick or being able to cook food on your laptop once computations get underway.
And again with the minus votes. Wtf?
At least have the decency to explain your downvote.
To whom it may concern, what is this subreddit for, if not asking questions on Thinkpads??
Yeah people on here are dicks sometimes. If you want to get downvoted, try to have a rational discussion on the pros and cons of macs vs thinkpad portables.
that's been happening everywhere, I was on r/sysadmin asking about the old ThinkVantage software, downvoted to hell. Some parts of Reddit are just so toxic, take a look at r/TheDonald if you don't believe me (seriously tho, dont)
As much as i hate The_Dumpsterfire, can we keep national level politics out of this sub? :P (F/OSS politics welcome..)
yea, sorry, I was just making a point about toxicity
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If you don't use an X220 I gonna downvote you! :D