Thinkpads Forum

Hey everyone. I'm about 90% sure now I'm going to get a new laptop to replace my T22. I think I want to stick with Thinkpads because I've always found IBM to be reliable and good about driver availability, service info, etc. Also I just can't fathom trying to use a touchpad for any extended periods.

My first noob question is what's the difference between the T and R series? I've figured out what the Gs and Xs are all about but offhand the only thing I see different between the Ts and the Rs is the R series is cheaper and they don't put as nice of a video controler in them.

Seond Q: I noticed IBM charges an arm and a leg for larger Hard drives on their site. Would buying a hard drive from a 3rd party and installing it on my own void the warantee? If not I'm not at all squeemish about pulling a system apart to do it, lord knows I've done it dozens of times before and will again.

Third Q: Are the video controlers upgradable? I didn't think this was possible on notebooks but I've seen people talking about upgrading the video card on their laptop in a few places. Can this be done on new thinkpads? Which ones and where would one acquire a card?

ok... for now that's all I can think of although I'm sure I'll come up with more at some point. Basically trying to get as much laptop as I can for the money. Thanks.

Cowman wrote:Hey everyone. I'm about 90% sure now I'm going to get a new laptop to replace my T22. I think I want to stick with Thinkpads because I've always found IBM to be reliable and good about driver availability, service info, etc. Also I just can't fathom trying to use a touchpad for any extended periods.

Good for you

My first noob question is what's the difference between the T and R series? I've figured out what the Gs and Xs are all about but offhand the only thing I see different between the Ts and the Rs is the R series is cheaper and they don't put as nice of a video controler in them.

The Ts are of higher construction quality. Also, they are lighter and thinner than the R. The high-end options are also better (like the videocard that you mentioned). They are consider the "business" laptops while the Rs are the "consumer" laptops in IBM's lineup. They are also much more expensive.

Seond Q: I noticed IBM charges an arm and a leg for larger Hard drives on their site. Would buying a hard drive from a 3rd party and installing it on my own void the warantee? If not I'm not at all squeemish about pulling a system apart to do it, lord knows I've done it dozens of times before and will again.

Shouldn't be a problem with IBM, you can even remove the HD before sending your machine for repair, should you need to.

Third Q: Are the video controlers upgradable? I didn't think this was possible on notebooks but I've seen people talking about upgrading the video card on their laptop in a few places. Can this be done on new thinkpads? Which ones and where would one acquire a card?

Not on a thinkpad, unfortunately.

ok... for now that's all I can think of although I'm sure I'll come up with more at some point. Basically trying to get as much laptop as I can for the money. Thanks.

Unless you play the latest games my advice would be to go for a T40/T41. The speed difference with the newer T42/T43 is not too big, and you can find some great offers here or on Ebay. IMO they feel much lighter and sturdier than R series laptops and should be a welcome transition from your T22. If you require a light and sturdy notebook, go for the X31 which remains the best ultraportable on the planet even 2 (or more?) years after it was first out.


Hope this helps
Stavros

Yeah that a helped a lot, thanks.

I was actually just looking at some T41p notebooks on ebay that seem to be a pretty good deal when compared to a new T42 direct from IBM.

Gaming isn't my priority but if I could fire up something like command and conquer generals between classes that would be nice. Main use of this will be web browsing, office applications, writing COBOL on a mainframe, next semester I'll be writing and compiling Java programs on it.

Cowman wrote:Yeah that a helped a lot, thanks.

I was actually just looking at some T41p notebooks on ebay that seem to be a pretty good deal when compared to a new T42 direct from IBM.

Gaming isn't my priority but if I could fire up something like command and conquer generals between classes that would be nice. Main use of this will be web browsing, office applications, writing COBOL on a mainframe, next semester I'll be writing and compiling Java programs on it.

If you do not play game as often and the games that you play ar C&C and such there is no need to but T42/T43. A T41p would suit you just fine.
Make sure if you are buying on ebay there is warranty left on it just for safety since you are purchasing a used machine from a third party.

daeojkim wrote: If you do not play game as often and the games that you play ar C&C and such there is no need to but T42/T43. A T41p would suit you just fine.
Make sure if you are buying on ebay there is warranty left on it just for safety since you are purchasing a used machine from a third party.

For such games, even a non-p T41 with the 9000 Radeon should be sufficient. Remeber that you pay a large premium for that little letter...