Thinkpads Forum

Hi,
I'm actually leaving my parent's house, can't take my PC with me so I decided about a laptop.
First I though about an apple, but I have a 600E that is on a 4 years non stop running 24/7! Outstanding machine! I really love it, so I decided to looking for a genuine TP!
I have heard somewhere that the last truly IBM TP are the TP4x, and that the TP43 is louder and hotter than the 42, and that the UXGA screen causes addiction, so I'm actually looking for a T42p UXGA, don't really matter about HD and ram, DVD-R would be appreciated.

I'm not thinking about new TP6x because:

1: they cost too much
2: probably the overall quality is lower than the previous serie (?)
3: I think that I don't really need the new dual core CPU brute power, and in case I'll need it I can use my actual pc...

Sorry if this is a problem, but the unit must be shipped in EU, preferably with a lower (paypal?) receipt


I hope I can make a deal with someone on this forum, this place seem to be a really nice with honest people!

superanima wrote:Hi,
I'm not thinking about new TP6x because:

1: they cost too much
2: probably the overall quality is lower than the previous serie (?)

It seems you missed the common agreement on this forum during your reading that the overall quality of T6X is >> T4X.

BTW, two better T43p (than T42p) with FlexView are available here:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=51174

@ superanima:

Welcome to the forum!

I think that you are on a good path, looking for a second-hand T42p! Actually, I was in your position during this spring (wanting a new ThinkPad), and ended up with exactly what you are looking for: A 15" UXGA Flexview/IPS T42p, bought via this forum. I don't know how much you have browsed this forum (and if you haven't already, I'd surely recommend you do it!), and how many posts about T42/p' versus T43/p's versus T6x/p's you have read, but if you wish to know why I did not buy an e.g. T60 (and also not a T43p), you may see the thread Buying a 2nd hand T42p. Also, have a look at the thread WTB: ThinkPad t42p or better > Must ship abroad; there you will find links to several web-shops in Europe.

Having watched this (very fine!) Marketplace for a few years, I have come to the opinion that better deals (in terms of lower prices) are often found at e.g. eBay, where people are not always so enthusiastic (and knowledgeable!) as most of the ThinkPad-addicts of this forum are; eBay sellers tend to accept lower prices than what is commonly seen here. Of course, an auction is an auction to end at some given time, in contrast to this Marketplace, where there is no such sharp deadline - and that may be to the advantage of the buyer. Not that there are not rare bargains also here (from time to time), but I'd still say: Don't expect an European crowd popping up here offering you a wealth of used T42p's at low cost. One huge benefit over trading via this forum however is, that here you are dealing with honest people, always knowing what they sell, and always willing to provide you any information you want. These are huge benefits - which are rarely available when trading via eBay. Consider this carefully!

Well, first - as you probably know already - ThinkPad's (and in particular the "p"-models) are far, far higher priced in Europe compared to in the USA (and hence there are simply fewer e.g. T42p's around over here!), and second, the USA-marked is probably much larger... so in conclusion there are for certain far more ThinkPad's offered for sale in the USA (and to a lesser extent in Canada) compared to here in Europe.

All this said to suggest you broaden your view; although you might find a good, low-priced T42p in Europe (check e.g. a German eBay ThinkPad T42p auction ending in a week; right now it is at EUR 205), there will be more of these in the USA. Check e.g. the thread WTB: T42p laptop (primarily in EU-area) - that T42p was sold for only USD 563!

Good luck with your hunt, and keep us posted!

crzyfrog wrote:It seems you missed the common agreement on this forum during your reading that the overall quality of T6X is >> T4X.

BTW, two better T43p (than T42p) with FlexView are available here:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=51174

To the first "statement": It would probably be in the interest of the readers, if you had supported this postulate to one or more links. I cannot speak of else than what I know personally, but I'd say that I don't agree to very "black-and-white" statement. Comparing the two T42's that I know of (a T42 and a T42p, both 15" Flexview), to the T60 (2007-QPG, 15" Flexview) that I used for a month, I'd certainly say that the T60 was more flimsy. This, however, in my opinion is to weak evidence to draw such a general conclusion, as you suggest.

To your second comment - that T43p's are "better" than T42p's, I'd say again: Browse this forum, and perhaps have a look in the thread The search for the ultimate Thinkpad T4x - The start and end (another very serious Dane!). Also, try search for T43 and "fan noise"... so please be specific what exactly you speak about when referring to T43p's being better than T42p's!

To emphasize: Having said all the above, I only intend to share my views, and share my personal experience, in order to help the young Italian gentleman (an honored new forum member, remember!) get what is best for him! Others may like T43p's more (than the impression I have), and others may recommend T6x's, but I am simply completely addicted to my T42p!

Best regards,

Johan

First of all, thanks to both crazyfrog and Johan, every opinion is VERY appreciate, and will help me making clarity about what exactly model I need.

and Johan, I think that our requirements about a laptop perfectly fits!
I know that UXGA models are pretty rare in EU, probably for the really high prices they meet, I will keep an eye to EU-ebay, but there are few auction, and after all I think that this is a gentleman corner, the only limitation for me to deal here is about international shipping and custom taxes, but maybe that's not a big limitation after all!

I read your TP story , that would be perfect to find one in really good condition and extended warranty, I think that I will find one here much well that in EU, I only wait a fair offer.... if it will cost too much I will start looking for a cheaper sxga 42p...

BTW, what is a fair price for an T42p UXGA without remain warranty?

EDIT: I finally understand, I made a typo!!!
Wrote "Sorry if this is a problem, but the unit must be shipped in EU, preferably with a lower (paypal?) receipt" when I wanted to mean "to EU"... that's why I asked for a lower receipt, only for custom taxes...

I apologize for my bad english...

Hmmm...

Having owned T42Ps in UXGA form, I'll state that these are amongst the best machines I've ever owned.

However, a comparable T43P (running 1.8 against 1.8 or 2.0 against 2.0) will be significantly faster, and pretty much leave the former in dust...Any T4 with processor above 2.0 is best left alone IMHO...

The issue with the fan noise and heat can be pretty well controlled and is not as evident in the machines with processor under 2.0. Also, the newer HDDs-at least ones made by Hitachi-work without giving the infamous 2010 error even without any additional software from IBM.

Bottom line is:T42 will be slightly quieter and cooler, but slower than T43 of comparable specs.

If I were in the market for a T4 with UXGA screen, I'd give these two T43Ps an extremely serious consideration, especially given the price that they're being offered at, and the seller's reputation that I can only describe as immaculate with a reason.

To put it honestly: If I had the money right now, one of them would be on their way to me, no questions asked.

BTW: No seller in their right mind will accept PayPal from Europe excluding UK, unless they know you personally, or can have someone vouch for you 1000%.

ajkula66 wrote:Hmmm...

Having owned T42Ps in UXGA form, I'll state that these are amongst the best machines I've ever owned.

However, a comparable T43P (running 1.8 against 1.8 or 2.0 against 2.0) will be significantly faster, and pretty much leave the former in dust...Any T4 with processor above 2.0 is best left alone IMHO...

The issue with the fan noise and heat can be pretty well controlled and is not as evident in the machines with processor under 2.0. Also, the newer HDDs-at least ones made by Hitachi-work without giving the infamous 2010 error even without any additional software from IBM.

Bottom line is:T42 will be slightly quieter and cooler, but slower than T43 of comparable specs.

If I were in the market for a T4 with UXGA screen, I'd give these two T43Ps an extremely serious consideration, especially given the price that they're being offered at, and the seller's reputation that I can only describe as immaculate with a reason.

To put it honestly: If I had the money right now, one of them would be on their way to me, no questions asked.

That's obvious that t43 cant be that bad, I won't mean that, they are for sure excellent machines, I'm only looking for a TP that fits my requirements, the cheaper it is the best it is.... I'm using for email and internet (also for p2p) an 600e with 512M ram, so I'm sure that a T42 can also handle iTunes and divx (maybe also 620p divx?) for sure....

ajkula66 wrote:BTW: No seller in their right mind will accept PayPal from Europe excluding UK, unless they know you personally, or can have someone vouch for you 1000%.

Can you please explain that? Where is the problem?

I'll gladly explain:

For the seller to be on the safe side, he/she must ship to a confirmed address, to be eligible for seller protection program under the PayPal rules.

Two and half years ago, I've sold an X30 ($500 at the time), and shipped it to The Netherlands. The buyer received the item (It was trackable all the way, USPS Express Mail) and claimed he never did. PayPal sided with him, since I've shipped to an unconfirmed address, and I was out a nice amount of money.

I am by no means the only one who has lost money in such a fashion. A little Googling of different words, such as "scam" along with "PayPal" will bring you an idea, I'm sure.

Only residents of USA, Canada and UK can have confirmed addresses.

Oh man, that really such! Unbelievable...