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bbray · #1 Post by **bbray** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:19 pm

After using Macs and Vaios for years, I need to switch to a mobile workstation in order to run SolidWorks. With the best-offered video cards, the Dell Precision M60 (Nvidia Quadro) and the ThinkPad T42P (ATI Fire) are comparable in price, but I hear that IBM is more solidly built. Plus it has that cool ThinkLight. Comments?

Also, as a designer, even though the T42P is somewhat "aesthetically challenged" being all boxy and black, I prefer its minimalism to the haphazard style Dell uses. It also seems that the T42 would be more durable, since its black shell is a monomaterial, so no paint can scratch off. Thoughts?

(Sorry for the esoteric post, but) has anyone customized or removed the IBM logo on the palmrest and lid? The colors clash with the otherwise no-nonsense, stealth look of the machine.

More specifically, I'd like to hear user experiences from people using their Pads for moderately intensive CAD work, and possible renderings in Rhino.

Finally, if anyone can make me a deal that I cannot refuse on a refurbished or gently used machine, it could make my decision that much easier!

Thanks, Brad

#2 Post by **K. Eng** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 11:23 am

Having used both IBM ThinkPads and Dell Latitudes (the D series particularly, which shares basic structure with the Precision line), I like the ThinkPads better. The Dell machines have terrible keyboards.

As for the exterior covers, the bottom cover is pretty much scratchproof in daily use, while the top magnesium alloy cover has some sort of matte laminate that makes it easy to grip, but tends to scratch a bit. The Dell's top cover is unlaminated magnesium alloy that will scratch easily.

I'd go with the T42p. It probably costs a bit more but the better keyboard and minimal design are worth it.

bbray · #3 Post by **bbray** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 1:14 pm

I definitely am leaning toward the 42P, but the cost is a huge factor.

#4 Post by **BillMorrow** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 5:11 pm

i will sell you a 2373GVU i have on special if you PROMISE not to remove the ibm logos from the palm rest or outer case..

these logos are glue on and that is one agressive glue they use..
you could be injured.. those logos have sharp teeth..
i know you wouldn't think so to look at it, but SHARP teeth..

and

you will surely scratch the surface and you will leave the empty depressed area where the logo once was..

as for "somewhat "aesthetically challenged" " i would disagree..
but this is a subjective thing..

bbray · #5 Post by **bbray** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 10:18 pm

Bill,

In newbie speak, what is the model number you speak of? Is it the FireGL, with a meg of ram, a 60GB HDD, DVD burner, and 15" screen? If so, I will consider keeping those gawdawful logos on there, and perhaps grow to love them!

Regards,
Brad

#6 Post by **BillMorrow** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:10 am

well, no..
this one is 14 inch..and you mean a gig, not meg, of ram..

P M 745, 512MB RAM, 60GB 7200rpm HDD, 14.1 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, 128MB ATI FireGL T2, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD(slim), IBM 802.11a/b/g wireless(MPCI), Bluetooth/Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, 9 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

this is the tail end of an order for 50 units.. which i expect to ship out tomorrow or thursday..

occasionally i will have another special deal..

and if you want a 15 inch display, send me an email and i'll send you the TABook with the T42/T43 models i can sell..
which lists all the specs..

and please, don't pry the logo off the case, it is a subtle status symbol..
like the rolex or gucci logo..
it is an indicator of fine engineering.. and more..

bbray · #7 Post by **bbray** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:35 pm

Bill,
How special are these special deals? Would you have any use for a vaio as part of a trade-in plan? Want. New. Toy.

#8 Post by **BillMorrow** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:05 am

all the GVU are gone..

i have more on the way in..
but these are special order at the same special price..

i am sorry but i just have no real use for a sony viao or any idea of the real value as a trade in..

mattfromomaha · #9 Post by **mattfromomaha** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:36 pm

morrow wrote:
and please, don't pry the logo off the case, it is a subtle status symbol..
like the rolex or gucci logo..
it is an indicator of fine engineering.. and more..

Bill's right. How can you consider a notebook aesthetically challenged if it's had the same look for 12 years and remains the king of notebooks and is even in several museums?!?!

I used to agree with the notion that TPs were boring, but the minimalist look is actually quite hot....rather than being flashy it's just a workhorse that won't let you down!

bbray · #10 Post by **bbray** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:23 pm

It all depends on whether you find the black look "classic" or "stodgy." Precisely because it has had the same look for more than a decade, one could say that IBM's design department is asleep at the wheel. The case color is not what dampens my ardor to buy one of these machines, though: I take issue with the (somewhat) gaudy multi-colored logo about the size of a Buick on the palm rest, as well as the weird, blue Enter key. If they want to be stealthy and black, then be stealthy and black, not wildly asymmetrical and sprinkled with jarring color.

Yet I still want one, because it's priced the same as a Dell Precision workstation, has that cool keyboard light, and the graphics card in my Sony is about has good at graphics as an Etch-A-Sketch.

bbray · #11 Post by **bbray** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:28 pm

and the ThinkPad is lighter than the Dell, too.

asiafish · #12 Post by **asiafish** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 10:30 am

And most importantly, ITS NOT A DELL.

mattfromomaha · #13 Post by **mattfromomaha** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:49 am

asiafish wrote:And most importantly, ITS NOT A DELL.

Amen, brother, AMEN!

bbray, try a ThinkPad. You have a month to return it if you don't like it, but I doubt you'll want to after using it.

Considering joining the family

Considering joining the family

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