I'm set on getting the boyfriend a nice laptop for xmas, but can't seem to decide between these two laptops.
The Thinkpad E550 has an Intel Core i7-5500U processor (4m cache, up to 3.0 GHz), 1920x1080 display, AMD r7 m265 graphics + integrated Intel HD 5500 graphics, 500 gb hard drive (7200 rpm), 8 gb ram, fingerprint reader, comes w/ Windows 7, and strong build. The screen is not smooth though, it is TN and images look different when the screen is tilted.
The Z50 has an Intel core i7-4510U processor (3.10GHz Turbo, 2.00GHz Base 1600MHz 4MB), full HD 1920x1080 display, 1 TB hard drive, 8gb ram, comes w/ Windows 8.1. I'm unsure of the graphics card information. This one has a smoother non-TN screen which might be better for videos and/or games? But I haven't tested it in person so I don't really know.
I want to get a nice computer that will last a long time that will be able to handle most things thrown at it. He has a dinosaur desktop that is on its last legs. So anything new will be a huge upgrade. He does not store much one the computer or do any serious gaming. He has an Xbox One for that. He may go back to school. The screens for both aren't awesome, the Z50 I would assume is better? But the build of the Thinkpad is much more sturdy. I'm getting him an HDMI cable to hook it up to his TV when he watches things also. The Thinkpad is only 30$ more than the Z50. What do you guys think?! Suggest other laptops at same price point? Thanks for any input and happy Monday! 