Considering upgrading from T23 to newer T series - questions

[WSelzer]

Are there any trade-in programs from IBM or elsewhere?

I use my notebook for presenations and connect to LCD and other projectors at various venues. My personal LCD projector is has resolution of 1024 X 768 so I purchased a T23 that matched for default resolution.

I'd like one of the newer, larger displays with higher resolution but past experience is that changing the default resolution downward to match external LCD projectors sometimes caused distortion. Anyone here have experience with projectors and know if this is a problem with the newer models?

I notice that ThinkPads with 15" displays are only warranted for 1 year instead of 3 years as other models... is that a statement on reliability/durability of those displays?

Is there a noticeable difference in the models with 5400 RPM drives vs. 7200 RPM drives? Also, for general business graphs and web design, what is the recommended graphics card/memory... I see that TP's have several different graphic cards across the product line.

Thanks.

[JHEM]

Are there any trade-in programs from IBM or elsewhere?

Nothing official from IBM but many vendors, including Bill, will often take units in trade.

I use my notebook for presenations and connect to LCD and other projectors at various venues. My personal LCD projector is has resolution of 1024 X 768 so I purchased a T23 that matched for default resolution.

With one of the new T series you can easily set an external projector or display to a different resolution than the primary display. I do this all the time with my SXGA T30 and an XGA projector.

I notice that ThinkPads with 15" displays are only warranted for 1 year instead of 3 years as other models... is that a statement on reliability/durability of those displays?

That's not correct. Only model 2378 T42s have one year warranties, all other models (2373, 2374 and 2379) come with 3 year warranties regardless of display size.

Is there a noticeable difference in the models with 5400 RPM drives vs. 7200 RPM drives? Also, for general business graphs and web design, what is the recommended graphics card/memory... I see that TP's have several different graphic cards across the product line.

There is a difference with the faster HD, but most business users won't notice it unless they're into large compilations or renderings. Any one of the new graphic cards is more than adequate for the "average" power user. That statement might appear to be an oxymoron, but most Thinkpads are built for power users and not casual users.

Regards,

James

[G-Man]

IBM has a trade in program, but the link currently doesn't work:
http://www-132.ibm.com/content/quote/st ... _form.html

"ibm.com Trade In Trade Up program
Customers can trade in old product (any brand) and get a quote on new products from IBM ... valid for 30 days to trade in and trade up any combination..."

Regards,
G-Man

[jdhurst]

Is there a noticeable difference in the models with 5400 RPM drives vs. 7200 RPM drives?

I can notice the difference easily in any kind of processing. Faster application loads, smoother operation, and generally a less sluggish feel. I put a 5400-rpm drive back in my T30 after I had used the 7200-rpm drive for several weeks. It was *noticeably* slower. I would not voluntarily use a slower drive any more. ... JDHurst