Suggestions on pending T42 purchase.

[kaplanfx]

I have decided to purchase a T42 as my first laptop. I would like the following specs: at least 512 ram, SXGA+ screen (1400x1050), gotta have the Radeon 9600, and at least 60GB HD (7200 prefered, but 5400 ok). Bluetooth is nice but not a necessity. The biggest issues in my decision are:

1. Do I get the 735 or 745 cpu. How much of an advantage is the 1.8 over the 1.7, are there any differences in the core other than clock speed?

2. I have had my eye on the 14.1 inch screen, but im wondering if it will be too small for the SXGA res. I really like the idea of having a more portable model, and at home I can plug in to my 20 inch Dell LCD UXGA, so is it worth getting the 14.1 inch screen and giving up size and brightness for increased portabiliy and a bit better battery life (It will be going with me places at least a couple times a week).

3. I noticed there are many different wi-fi cards avialable. Is any particular card prefered? at home I have an old 802.11b router but once I get the laptop I will probably upgrade to a linksys WRT11G so I need something that will potentialy get good network throughput on G routers. Also signal strenght is important as my deck is far away from where the router will be.

4. Are there any particular options (the 9 cell batt, an ultrabay batt) that I should consider for relatively cost effective increases in batt life?

5. Ok im almost done, im just wondering if the thumbprint reader is necessary, and if its optional as it seems some models have it whether you like it or not.

So those are my questions/concerns. As far as price I'd like to get it under $1,500 before taxes and shipping. I'll be buying through a friend at IBM so I'll get the employee EPP so I would expect that I could afford nearly $2000+ retail. Anyhow, can any of you thinkpad gurus answer any of these questions or recommend particular part #'s that you think will be a good fit for the T42 I described?

[censored] well that turned out really long, and there will probably be more questions coming as I'm a very picky/informed consumer Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

-kaplanfx

[mysbca]

Sounds like the 2373M3U (Intel BG wireless) or the 2373M1U (IBM ABG wireless, about $40 more) will fit all your requirements.

1.8GHz P-M, 512MB RAM, Radeon 9600, SXGA+, 7200rpm 60GB HD, bluetooth, fingerprint reader, 3yr warranty

2373M3U with EPP is around $1540 before taxes.
It is not on the website, you will have to call IBM to order.

http://www5.pc.ibm.com/us/products.nsf/ ... p/_2373M3U
http://www5.pc.ibm.com/us/products.nsf/ ... p/_2373M1U

1. no difference besides clock speed.

2. This is a personal preference. As mention many times before, if default SXGA+ resolution is too small, you can always increase DPI setting to 120 or more to make fonts bigger. Browsers have font scaling but not graphics. You can also use a program like Liquid View to scale everything.
I can worked comfortably with SXGA+ with DPI set to 120 on my T23.

3. Some people prefer the IBM card over the Intel card, supposedly have better range.

4. 9 cell battery is a little heavier and will stick out of the back a little, will provide 50% more battery life.

5. Fingerprint reader is not necessary, but some people like it. It is included in the M3U and M1U model, so you can play with it.

[kaplanfx]

Is there a similar model without the fingerprint reader and with a 1.7 proc. That does sound like what I want, but its a bit pricey. I know I said $1500 but that was kinda pushing it especially if the fingerprint reader and extra .1Ghz are going to bring the price up. Thanks for the feedback, I think I'm looking the the right direction now

-kaplanfx

[senthil]

Try 2373-K5U , bit cheaper than 2373M*U models... but without bluetooth.

only 40GB and Intel Wifi.

I ordered 2373M1U initially and I was told that it will take a month to get it.. so i settled with 2373K5U .

[admsteiner]

Try the 2378FVU, upgrade it to 512.

40GB 5400, Intel wireless

[mysbca]

Looks like there have been some price drops this morning.
The 2373M3U is now under $1500 (EPP)

IMHO, the drop-off from M3U to K5U is not worth the less than $30 savings.
K5U might be around $1470 (EPP). 1.8GHz -> 1.7GHz P-M, 7200 rpm 60GB -> 5400rpm 40GB, no bluetooth. The harddrive alone is worth way more than $30.

Have you consider the T43, 266846U (~$13xx EPP)? See this thread:
FAQ - T43, 266846U
Only 40GB HD though.

Or as admsteiner suggested:
2378FVU, upgrade to 3 year warranty for $119 and add your own 512MB memory from Crucial or other places for about $85. Should be around $1350 before taxes. Comes with only 40GB HD which you can upgrade later. If you need to upgrade for more RAM later, you will need to remove the original 256MB RAM.
If you opt for this option, don't wait too long. According to the April, 2005 tabook, this model is being withdrawn in June, 2005.

Or the 23738ZU, same as FVU, except comes with 512MB RAM and standard 3 year warranty for about $1351 (EPP).

[aamsel]

I have never been a huge fan of Opera browser, but it does scale graphics as well. It is the only browser that I have used that will scale graphics. Of course, the graphics become more grainy when blown up, just as with digital zoom on a digital camera...

Andrew
Austin, TX

...Browsers have font scaling but not graphics...

[kaplanfx]

Thanks for the tips so far, the buddy that I will be buying through is in India until the beginning of May so I can't check the epp prices hopefully by then the M3U will be right at my price point, that sounds like the laptop to get.

-kaplanfx

[kaplanfx]

Also, I was looking at the M1U specs, looks like no bluetooth? I won't be using bluetooth now, but when I get a new Cell next year it might be nice if I could use the phone as a modem over bluetooth. I've heard of such a thing being done.

-kaplanfx

[mysbca]

M1U has bluetooth.

Download the tabook.pdf from here:
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pcinstitute/psref/

You can see all the configurations and more accurate specs.

[aamsel]

But the M1U is different from the M3U also in that it has a 80GB 5400rpm drive, instead of the M3U's 60GB 7200rpm drive, correct???

Andrew
Austin, TX

M1U has bluetooth.

Download the tabook.pdf from here:
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pcinstitute/psref/

You can see all the configurations and more accurate specs.

[kaplanfx]

aamsel: according to the spec sheet it differs in a few spots. The M1U has an 80GB 5400rpm drive vs a 60GB 7200 in the M3U. The M1U has an IBM Atheros AR5004G, which according to above posts has better range than the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG, Intel 82532 Chipset in the M3U. And the M1U is rated at 4.1 hours batt life vs the 4 hours even of the M3U, but it really only equates to 6 mins of batt life and real world performance will differ anyhow. I think the deciding factor for me will prob be price, I think I'd prefer the M3U though.

-kaplanfx

[aamsel]

I don't think the chipsets are really different.

For me, I would FAR prefer the 60GB 7200 to the 80GB 5400, however I would much rather have the a/b/g Antheros than the b/g IBM. I have used both and the Antheros connected far more reliably.

So, it would be a tossup. (for me)

Andrew
Austin, TX

aamsel: according to the spec sheet it differs in a few spots. The M1U has an 80GB 5400rpm drive vs a 60GB 7200 in the M3U. The M1U has an IBM Atheros AR5004G, which according to above posts has better range than the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG, Intel 82532 Chipset in the M3U. And the M1U is rated at 4.1 hours batt life vs the 4 hours even of the M3U, but it really only equates to 6 mins of batt life and real world performance will differ anyhow. I think the deciding factor for me will prob be price, I think I'd prefer the M3U though.

-kaplanfx

[kaplanfx]

aamsel: I believe the chipset I listed was the chipset for the wireless card, not the motherboard, and in that case must be different seeing as they are using two different wi-fi cards.

-kaplanfx

[aamsel]

Ahhh...
you are correct, sir!

Andrew
Austin, TX

aamsel: I believe the chipset I listed was the chipset for the wireless card, not the motherboard, and in that case must be different seeing as they are using two different wi-fi cards.

-kaplanfx

[kaplanfx]

Got another question . The spec sheet is a little confusing, do all T42 models have ThinkLight, or only specific models? Will the 2373-M3U and 2373-M1U have ThinkLight? This sound like a real good feature.

-kaplanfx

[JHEM]

All T, A and X series machines have the Thinklight.

Regards,

James

[brainpicker]

The ThinkLight in theory is a good idea and it was (to me too) a big selling point when I decided to upgrade to a newer T series, but I found it somewhat lacking in ability and quite variable from laptop to laptop. For example, to ME it is more useful on 14" models than on 15" as the slightly larger case (and distance) makes to ME a noticeable difference in brightness. Also, I've tested the lights side by side on similar aged machines and was able to notice a difference in useable brightness. IBM does warn that it's more of an emergency feature and not to be used for any long length of time due to eye strain and possible damage because it is NOT a sufficient light source to do any serious work with. To finish up a quick note or other short-term task on a night flight where one does not want to bother one's seat mates it make sense. Personally I'd recommend actually seeing one in practice on the 14"/15" model you desire, to see if it is the selling point you think it is in case an older model without the feature might be just as useful as a lesser cost. A $10 USB powered light (mine has 8 LEDS) gives more serious light for a bit longer work, though I would not recommend even THAT for work beyond 15-20 minutes or so. For what it's worth, these are my thoughts on the ThinkLight. Good luck with your purchase!

[pae77]

The only thing the thinklight is supposed to do is illuminate the keyboard so you can make out the keys in the dark. This it does very well (at least on the 14 inch display that I currently have). I really find it useful at times.

[kaplanfx]

Is the thinklight something that is turned on and off by some kind of switch, or is the keyboard illuminated any time the laptop is in use?

-kaplanfx

[pae77]

Pressing the FN key and Page Up at the same time toggles it on and off.

[baraider]

aamsel,

i'll pickup the t43 74u pretty soon, maybe end of may...after i have time, hopefully the price will drop under 1500 epp then... it's still 1670 now

[kaplanfx]

baraider, I see you have the 2373 M3U, that is the model on the top of my list. Can you give me any pros/cons for purchasing it?

-kaplanfx

P.S. How much is it on EPP now?

[baraider]

the m3u is a perfect machine for me...but i'm the kind of person who can't be happy using a 42 knowing some john doe out there using t43


i think the price is pretty good for m3u now...around 1500 epp. if i have to do it over, i'll choose that or m1u because of the ibm card. Last time i order them they have only 3 in stocks..they may have more or back order on that model now.

go with the one you can afford and you will be happy

[brianfu13]

I'm about to place an order....but still can't make decision between T43 266846U or T42 2378FVU. Can anyone help?
Thanks,

[jmt]

I'm about to place an order....but still can't make decision between T43 266846U or T42 2378FVU. Can anyone help?
Thanks,

I went through the same as you and ended up getting both. T43 2668 73U and T42 2378 FVU. I sent the T43 back because a could not tolerate the loud constant fan noise. I added 512 ram and interal IBM Bluetooth and could not be happier. I hope this helps.

[kaplanfx]

Ok I've still been researching. It seemed to me before that the 2373 M3U had a 7200 rpm 60GB HD. In the spec sheet its listed with a 60U. But elsewhere I have seen it listed as a 5400 rpm HD. Anyonem know the definitive answer on this? If its 5400 rpm I might go for the M1U which has a larger HD, but I'd really like a 7200 rpm HD.

-kaplanfx

[mysbca]

The tabook (spec sheet) has the most accurate info. It ships with the 7200rpm HD. Baraider has one; he can give you the definitive answer.
It is listed in his sig.

A forum member called IBM CS to confirm that it is 7200rpm HD near the end of this thread:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=8138

[Inky]

The only thing the thinklight is supposed to do is illuminate the keyboard so you can make out the keys in the dark...

Pae,
If I need the Thinklight to
"make out the keys in the dark"
then in the darkness, how do I
do the FN/PageUp key combination
to turn the Thinklight on? Is there
any other way to turn it on?

IOW, I would hope the Thinklight on/off switch is
easy to find and operate in the dark (by touch)
or it creates a kind of catch-22.

-Inky

[JHEM]

Inky,

You need only find the bottom leftmost key and the top rightmost key, dead simple even in pitch black conditions.

Regards,

James