Need help picking a replacement Thinkpad

[JLoft]

All,
Even with all the info here, I'd like real opinions on a replacement Thinkpad. The disk drive in my perfect running 600E died. Yes, you can laugh at still using a 600E, but I've kept it because it ran so well.

I use my system mostly for.....
- Wireless throughout the house/deck when I just don't want to sit in the office at the big desktop. Generally reading email, spreadsheets, surfing, creating docs.
- Car programming and diagnostics. Hook up to the cars for repairs and reprogramming.
- Use around town when needed to gather data, help friends, etc.
- Some personal travel. Keep up on email, etc.

Would really like to have a serial port since the car diagnostic cable has that. Can't use a USB/serial converter. But I can break down and get a new USB cable for $160 if I really have to.

Also would really like to have an IR port for printing, but it won't kill me if I lose that. Not too worried about huge screen size. Will run XP so 1GB memory is a nice sweet spot. Don't need a monster hard drive.

So what does anyone think? Is around $500 reasonable, or higher needed? Keep me from straying to a Dell as friends have suggested.....

Thanks!
-Jon

[Tholek]

Sounds like an R or Z series is best for you, along with an UltraBay Serial/Parallel port adapter.

[GomJabbar]

I am partial to T42's myself (we have 3 in the family!). You should be able to get a Serial to Parallel converter or a PCMCIA Serial Port card for your needs.

Example 1: Serial to Parallel converter

Example 2: RS-232 serial PCMCIA cards

[whizkid]

Heck if you really like that serial port, get a 600X. Load it up with 576MB RAM and XP runs just fine. For $300, you can get a working machine AND upgrade the hard disk to 5400 or 7200RPM. It can handle up to 120GB disks natively.

[qviri]

Forgive me if I'm missing something, but why not just get a new hard drive for the 600E?

[whizkid]

Forgive me if I'm missing something, but why not just get a new hard drive for the 600E?

Yeah. What he said. You can also put up to 544MB RAM in a 600E, and XP will run really well with that, if you don't open too many big applications or windows at once.

[SMA]

Will replacing the old Thinkpad with a new one, also mean that you will have to go to a new Windows version ?
If so, then your existing car program(s) may not be compatible.
If they are communication through the serial port directly - without going through a driver - then they will not
be able to run on Windows XP or Windows 2000.

[JLoft]

Thanks for the ideas. Yes, just replacing the hard drive (or going to a 600X) is certainly an option. But I was hoping maybe it's time to upgrade to a little faster machine with XP included (then both home units will at least have the same op sys).

The car interface program and cable (vagcom for an Audi for those wondering) fully supports XP.

I was not aware that there were serial Ultradock serial adapters (that's why I ask the experts here!!).

So maybe a T4x or R50? I also saw an R40e - how can I add wireless and more memory to that?

-Jon

[tomh009]

VAGCOM still only supports COM1 through COM4? Too bad.

Another option is to go with the X series: you should be able to pick up an X31 with UltraBase for about $500. Use the UltraBase on your desk or in the car (it includes a serial port) and otherwise without it. That gives you a nice 3.5-lb system for portable computing and a still manageable 5-5.5-lb one for use in the car.

The question for you, based on your description, is whether you would prefer a larger screen (with possibly more resolution) or a smaller, more portable system. The X and Z series, in spite of their proximity in the alphabet, are really quite at the extreme ranges of the ThinkPad choices.

[GomJabbar]

Consider the following option if you want to upgrade to a T60 or R60 series ThinkPad.

The ThinkPad Serial/Parallel Port Bay Adapter fits inside the Ultrabay Slim on T60 Series and select R60 Series systems, so serial and parallel ports lay flush to the system. The adapter delivers native serial and parallel signals, operating like a set of integrated ports. It is ideal for customers who must connect to serial or parallel devices and need a cable-free solution or require a native connection that cannot be achieved through USB-attach alternatives.

ThinkPad Serial / Parallel Port Bay Adapter - $79.00

[Tholek]

Consider the following option if you want to upgrade to a T60 or R60 series ThinkPad.

The ThinkPad Serial/Parallel Port Bay Adapter fits inside the Ultrabay Slim on T60 Series and select R60 Series systems, so serial and parallel ports lay flush to the system. The adapter delivers native serial and parallel signals, operating like a set of integrated ports. It is ideal for customers who must connect to serial or parallel devices and need a cable-free solution or require a native connection that cannot be achieved through USB-attach alternatives.

ThinkPad Serial / Parallel Port Bay Adapter - $79.00

I forgot to post a link.

[The Spirit of X21]

I would recommend an X-series machine with a dock. At 3.5 pounds it's great for bringing with you to various places, plus you get the benefit of al of the dock's ports at home (that you probably wouldn't need on the road anyway.)

[JLoft]

Folks,
Thanks for all the replies. Sorry it's been a while since the original post (too many family medical issues).

I have thought hard and think I can do a T4x unit. I really don't need the ultra lightweight X series, but can spend a little more for a T rather than an R.

Here is the scoop.... I can get any of the IBM certified used units for 25% off. http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... Id=2576396

So for example:
T43-W4P at $569. 1.8GHz, 14.1", 1GB, 40GB, 802.11a/b/g
T42p-C96 at $637. 2.05GHz, 15", 2GB, 80GB, 802.11b

I'll get by without the serial port. What would be better? Or any others on the list?

Thanks!

[whizkid]

For your stated uses, I'd stay with the 14" screens. I miss the 13.3" on my 600X, but 14.1" isn't TOO huge. Especially in the car, I think 15" would be beyond my comfort.

The T43 is kind of on its own, as the T40-T42 can share nearly every component. The T43, T60 and T61 are all more different than similar (I think, I'm sure those more knowledgeable will correct me), but if you're only going to have one, it shouldn't matter. (I've got a T60 and a T42 in the house, and can't even share the AC adapter, but I can share the optical drive.)

[RealBlackStuff]

If USB2.0 is not a requirement, you could still consider the T23 (max 1GB) or T30 (max 2GB RAM).
Both have a serial port. A T23 with built-in WiFi is sometimes difficult to find. A number of T30s have a problem with one memory slot, but the other slot can still take a 1GB RAM stick.
Both have 14.1" screens.
For less than $300 you'd be in business!

[robpm]

I'd second the preceding recommend recommendation of a T23 - I replaced my dead 600E (hard drive died after some jerk knocked if off a table while it was running) a couple of years ago. The 600E was getting a little long in the tooth for work, but I just used it for word processing, document review and the internet, so as long as I could have the documents I needed on it, it got me by... I used a wireless card (linksys a/g), so that was nicely portable.

The T23, despite no USB 2.0 and being a PIII (1.2GHz), has worked very well with Win2000Pro and 512mb ram.

I'm replacing it with a T61, because I'm going 1 machine with docking stations in the office and at home for seamless work/play, but otherwise it still works very well - well enough that I'm going to strip it down almost clean (just the basics + firefox and open office) so my mother-in-law can surf the net from her apartment.

[steveg47]

If it was my 600E I'd replace the harddrive (they're cheap) and also buy a new T60 or T61