help me choose a flexview T-series model

[jjlists123]

I am having a hard time finding the right T-series model on IBM's website ;-(

Here is what I am after:
- Flexview screen
- 1280x1024 minimum resolution
- DVI output for external LCD monitor
- able to use 2Gb of RAM
- minimum 40Gb hard drive

I don't care about processor speed, biometric readers or fancy DVD burners. I just want a large RAM machine, hi-res screen and DVI output at the most inexpensive price possible.

I wish IBM would include some kind of 'search' feature on their website where you could enter minimum 'specs' and then show you the results...

Anyway, which T-series model is the least expensive and has these features?

[RonS]

The 15" display is available in three different resolutions: XGA (1024x768), SXGA+ (1400x1050), UXGA (1600x1200). The SXGA+ and UXGA are both Flexview.

The 1024x768 resolution 15" Thinkpad, and all 14" Thinkpads, do not have flexview.

I've never heard of a laptop with 1280x1024 resolution. That would be 5:4 aspect ratio, and the notebook displays I've seen are 4:3 or 16:10

[cwestwater]

I wish IBM would include some kind of 'search' feature on their website where you could enter minimum 'specs' and then show you the results...

I used the web feedback option to suggest this sort of thing - like some drop down boxes where you would select basic features such as cpu, HDD, scree, etc and it would narrow the search.

Got a reply personal (not automated) replay saying someone from the web team would be in contact but nothing. That was months ago.

[Conmee]

jj-

Start with the Flexview requirement, as that will narrow down your options considerably (down to 15" LCDs). Next, you probably will want the 1600x1200 as that will give you maximum screen-size and maximum built-in resolution for your ThinkPad. With 15" Flexview and 1600x1200 resolution, you can much more easily navigate your choices. Download the Hardware Maintenance Manual or the TABOOK which will list all the choices and configs. There are a few 15" SXGA+ models as well, if you'd rather have 1400x1050 for your Thinkpad LCD resolution. You'll also need a Docking station or port replicator since none of the ThinkPads has a built-in DVI port.

But without teasing you with "look it up in the HMM or TABOOK", here are three bargain basement low-priced models that satisfy your requirements:

2687-D4U - 1.86GHz, 512MB (upgradeable to 2GB), 40GB HDD, 15" LCD SXGA+ (1400x1050), X300 64MB, CD-RW combo drive, no Bluetooth, no Fingerprint reader - US$1,749 retail, US$1,311.75 educational/employee

2668-88U - 1.86GHz, 512MB (upgradeable to 2GB), 40GB HDD, 15" LCD SXGA+ (1400x1050), X300 64MB, CD-RW combo drive, no Bluetooth, no Fingerprint reader - US$2,099 retail, US$1,574.25 educational/employee

2687-D5U - 2GHz, 1GB (upgradeable to 2GB), 80GB HDD, 15" LCD UXGA (1600x1200), FireGL V3200 128MB, DVD Recordable drive, Bluetooth, Fingerprint reader - US$2,899 retail, US$2,464.15 educational/employee


Daniel.

[wolfman]

Another to consider might be the 2379-DXU - 1.7 gigahertz dothan processor, 512 meg of ram expandable to 2 gig, 60 gig 7200 rpm hard drive, bluetooth, 802.11b/g wireless, radeon 9600 GPU w/64 meg ram, gigabit ethernet, windows xp pro, dvd/cdrw combo drive, 3 year warranty, 1400x1050 flexview 15 inch display, no fingerprint reader, $1371 EPP price.

[wn0x]

The 2379DXU is an excellent value. The 1400X1050 display on the 15" screen is very nice.

[Conmee]

Yes, that's a good suggestion too... I had it in my mind he was looking at a T43... but it looks like "cheapest" and "T Series" are key... lol in that case, the DXU is an excellent value, but if going with a T41 or T42, maybe consider the FireGL... the extra 64MB VRAM comes in handy at higher resolutions if graphics/CAD/3D are involved.

Daniel.