Considering Thinkpad

[vosscm]

Hi everyone,

After lots of looking at just about every laptop manufacturer, I'm thinking of getting a Thinkpad when I get a new notebook next month. As this is my first laptop, I thought I'd post the specs here and see if I'm making any major mistakes. I'm beginning a Master's program in ME next fall and the main point of this laptop will be running basic to engineering software (Office, Pro-E, Matlab, etc). I spend a lot of time at the computer, so I want a good comfortable screen without too much weight.

Here's what I'm considering:
Thinkpad R52 1.73 GHz 533 FSB Intel Pentium M
1.5 GHz 533MHz SDRAM
15" SXGA+ Screen
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Ultrabay Drive
Intel GMA 9000 128Mb shared video RAM (I think that number is right)
60 GB 4200RPM Harddrive
3 yr mail in rebate

Just a couple of questions:
IBM's website won't let me switch the harddrive to a higher-speed version (I'd be willing to trade to a 40GB HD if it was 5400 RPM). Does anyone know if that's an option I could get if I ordered over the phone?

Also, is the only benefit of an ATI graphics card the fact that it has its own memory, or does it work better in other ways too? Not that it really matters, I think the integrated chip and system RAM I'm planning to get should be fine for the type of applications I'll use.

If anyone has any suggestions or opinions, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks,
Curt

[gazingwa]

3 yr mail in rebate???? that is a long time to wait for a rebate.... sure you don't mean warranty?

Anyways... 4200rpm is rather slow, gma900 isn't too horrible, but make sure you are getting th sxga+ display as far as i know (i could be wrong) it is only available with the ati graphics.

Other than that... sounds good

[daeojkim]

If you tell us your budget limit I am sure that many of us here can suggest you many alternative notebooks that may fit better for your needs. Even perhaps a T series.

Honestly I would sacrifice processor speed for larger high resolution screen, faster HD, and graphics card any day.

Also getting one with 256MB RAM, but with better other specs is the way to go, since you can upgrade RAM on your own w/o much cost.

If you are a ME student would not be using any CAD program? If so definitely go with a dedicated graphics instead of integrated.

[vosscm]

Thanks for the responses....first of all, yes, 3 year warranty, not 3 year rebate. And my price range is <$2,000

As for some of the other stuff....

I would skimp more on the RAM, but since there are only two slots for RAM (correct?) and IBM has a good discount on an extra gig I figure I might as well load up. I run some simulation/programming software that RAM makes all the difference on, so I definately don't want to be low on it.

I will be using CAD software, so I do have some concerns there. I'm not sure if the software is actually that demanding on the graphics card...I would actually think it would be less demanding than 3-d games that have to refresh so fast to keep up. Again, no option for upgrade on the IBM website under the model I'm looking at. It definately is listed as an SXGA+ screen.

I should ask our IT guy if our computers what kind of graphics chips our computers here use....

Thanks,
Curt

[rideDPU]

If you are entering a masters program, you can get an educational discount. This will really open up your possibilities in the price range. I can't get in the educational store right now, but I'll edit this and give you some ideas of what you can find.

Mark

[vosscm]

Thanks for the tip! I've looked at other companies educational specials and not been impressed (old models, no options, etc.), but IBM has great ed prices!

Ok, so here's my latest thought:

Thinkpad T43 1.86 MHz 533HZ FSB
1 GHz SDRAM (2 DIMMS)
15" SXGA Screen
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Ultrabay Drive
ATI MOBILITY RADEON X300 - 64 MB
80 GB 5400RPM HD
4 yr depot warranty (not rebate )

For a price of $1842 ($40 LESS than the setup listed before).

I'm liking this. Any thoughts?

edit: now that I look again, I realize that this price may be for institutions only??? there doesn't seem to be anywhere where it says I can't buy it (I can add it to my card and get all the way to the "enter your credit card" screen), but there is a different link for students and Alumni, anyone have experience with this?

Curt

P.S. I've been meaning to ask someone....what's the deal with integrated vs. add-on wireless? What are the reason's one should upgrade?

[rideDPU]

Someone may correct me if I'm wrong, but integrated means that the wireless card is already installed in your laptop. Add-on means that the antenna (located in the screen of Thinkpads -- a big plus) is already installed, but you would need the card to actually make use of it.

Also, you may add your location to your forum profile...it can help out later on with any problems and will probably be one of the first things JHEM or James (two 4-feathered posters) will ask for.