Thickness of T4x models?

[noetus]

Hi all, wow, what a great forum!

I have a question about the physical thickness of the T4x models - specifically, the T42s. I am planning to buy one online, and one of my constraints is thickness and lightness. However, I notice sometimes conflicting information about the specs IBM lists on its site for individual models as compared to what sellers list on their sites - and again with what is listed in the April 2005 version of IBM's "Personal Systems Reference - IBM ThinkPad Notebooks" (which is available as a PDF file from the IBM - sorry, Lenovo - website). Often the IBM website specs say the thickness of a model is 1 inch, then a seller says it is 1.1 or 1.2", then I look in the forementioned Personal Systems Reference, and it says 1-1.2" (which doesn't really help, as it's consistent with all of them). Or it's the other way around - a seller will list thickness as 1", and then the IBM spec on their website will say 1.2". So, my questions are the following:

(1) Is it true that there are REAL differences in overall thickness of some T4x models - i.e., some are 1", some are 1.1", and some are 1.2"? Or does this variation I keep finding have to do with WHERE the measurement is made on the casing - for example, it might be a little thicker at the back (1.2") than at the front (1")? (On one hand, I'd be surprised if the factories making Thinkpads are tooled up to make the same model in such a large variety of thicknesses, but on the other hand, I'd be surprised to find so much inconsistency in the listed specifications.)

(2) If the difference ARE real, and I want the thinnest laptop, WHICH are the definitive specifications? For example, the IBM website lists the 2373K9U (T42) as being 1.2" thick. Should I believe that despite what sellers might be listing on their websites under tech specs for that model?

(3) Assuming these thickness differences are real, does IBM (sorry, Lenovo) manages to get thickness down by compromising on the keyboard travel? If that's true (so that the keys on a 1" model have less travel than those on a 1.2" model) then I might revise my "thinnest is absolutely best" criterion and go for a slightly thicker model in order to get better keyboard feel (keyboard feel overrides thinness as a criterion). I see that the tech specs don't generally change in other respects between models listed as 1" and models listed as 1.2", but I'm guessing there must be a compromise somewhere - is keyboard travel it?

Thanks a lot to everyone!

[mlykke]

1) I believe that there is only a difference between the 14" and 15" versions - But not between the 14" versions for themselfes.

2) I cant help you there. I will be receiving three different thinkpads in a few days - See the thread "The search for the ultimate thinkpad..." and i can measure the machines for you. But honestly - There isnt much difference between 1" and 1.2" - And if it is a 14" model you are looking at i can confirm that it is both thin and very light.

3) No - Keyboard travel is the same and is PERFECT in all the T4x's. It's the best keyboard around.

I believe it is one of two things. Either it is a difference in where the measurement has been made. Or it is just unprecise specs(which is actually very normal - The same problem goes for weight).
But i think that the difference might be whether they just measured the thickness of the case or if they measured the thickness of the case and the small "raised feet" that the laptop rests on to allow air to flow under the machine.

[JHEM]

The confusion arises from the fact that, for instance, the 14.1" display model T4Xs are from 1" to 1.2" thick front to back.

They're slightly wedge shaped! Raises the keyboard slightly for that great "feel".

Regards,

James