New T43, and SO Disappointed.....

[biosales]

Just got my new T43 a few days ago, and I'm really disappointed. This is my first IBM, and I truly don't know what all the hype is about.

The fan noise is annoying as hell. It's like sitting in front of one of those oscillating fans you use on a hot day. I even have the thing propped up so air can circulate underneath. My piece-o'crap Dell Inspiron that my company gave me sits flush on the bed (ie, hot) and doesn't make a sound.

The battery life is short. Aren't there a bunch of laptops out there now that promise 3 hours on a battery? This one is barely two, fully charged. 2 hours or less to me is useless.

It takes a long time to boot. Yes, I've closed down a bunch of unneeded programs, and it still takes a long time to boot.

The PC card slot is weird. It's like you have to be really, really super careful about how you insert your card.

The DVD Rom tray is weird....unless you close it juuuuuuust right, it won't close and pops back out.

Sorry, I'm not impressed at all, guys. I ran a Compaq business Evo N800c, and had NONE of these issues. 2 years later, it's still a solid little machine.

I agree, the Thinkpad keyboard is the best I've ever typed on, and the screen is very nice.

I hearby rename this machine the STINKPAD.


Now I'm torn, because I want to return it, but it takes a day or two to get a new machine set up and customized how I like it, and I just don't have any more time to do that. However, I foresee being extremely aggravated by this fan. And being a perimenopausal female, I don't need any more extreme aggravation. The last thing that got me extremely aggravated is now living across town. Maybe I'll send him this Stinkpad.

If I ditch this baby, does anyone out there have recommendations for a different brand? Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic (one of those cool little Japanese models)? Anyone?

Thanks.

[K. Eng]

What are the exact specifications of your system? (e.g. Processor, RAM, display, hard disk).

Battery life will vary with your settings. If you are running the CPU at full speed (SpeedStep disabled) and display at full brightness, and WiFi on, battery life will suffer.

DVD-ROM sounds defective. I've never had mine pop back in in the past 2 years.

If you aren't happy with the machine, you should return it. There's no reason that you should pay $1500+ for a machine you don't like. If you liked the HP nc series, you may want to check out their latest models.

[biosales]

It's the 2686 M5U:

Display
External display supported Yes
Simultaneous external display Yes
Screen type description TFT
Viewable image size (diagonal) inches 14.1
Screen illumination Backlit
Max colors or gray shades 16777216
Maximum Resolution 1400x1050


Graphics
Video RAM std/max 64MB
Description ATI Mobility RADEON x300
Graphics type SXGA+
Video RAM type DDR2 SDRAM
Max resolution 2048x1536 16777216 colors
Max colors (with max video RAM) 16777216
Graphics bus interface PCI Express
Video on Planar Yes


Processor
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium M Processor 760
Processor speed[1] 2 GHz
Front side bus (FSB) 533 MHz
Internal L2 cache memory size 2 MB


System memory
Memory (RAM) std/max[8] 1GB
RAM slots total 2 SODIMM
RAM slots available 1 SODIMM
Memory speed 533 MHz
RAM type DDR2 SDRAM
Module specifications PC2-4200


Hard drive
Hard disk size (GB)[4] 60 GB
Interface type ATA-100 (Enhanced IDE)
Hard drive speed (RPM) 5400


Optical device
Optical device DVD Recordable
Optical device speed 8X Max
Device interface EIDE
Optical device speed[5] 24X Max

Is there anything I can do to quiet the fan?

Thanks for your help. I really don't want to go to the trouble of sending this thing back and hunting around for a new machine. I can put up with the rest if I can quiet the fan somehow. Thanks.

[Scorpiontico]

Just got my new T43 a few days ago, and I'm really disappointed. This is my first IBM, and I truly don't know what all the hype is about.

The fan noise is annoying as hell. It's like sitting in front of one of those oscillating fans you use on a hot day. I even have the thing propped up so air can circulate underneath. My piece-o'crap Dell Inspiron that my company gave me sits flush on the bed (ie, hot) and doesn't make a sound.

The battery life is short. Aren't there a bunch of laptops out there now that promise 3 hours on a battery? This one is barely two, fully charged. 2 hours or less to me is useless.

It takes a long time to boot. Yes, I've closed down a bunch of unneeded programs, and it still takes a long time to boot.

The PC card slot is weird. It's like you have to be really, really super careful about how you insert your card.

The DVD Rom tray is weird....unless you close it juuuuuuust right, it won't close and pops back out.

Sorry, I'm not impressed at all, guys. I ran a Compaq business Evo N800c, and had NONE of these issues. 2 years later, it's still a solid little machine.

I agree, the Thinkpad keyboard is the best I've ever typed on, and the screen is very nice.

I hearby rename this machine the STINKPAD.


Now I'm torn, because I want to return it, but it takes a day or two to get a new machine set up and customized how I like it, and I just don't have any more time to do that. However, I foresee being extremely aggravated by this fan. And being a perimenopausal female, I don't need any more extreme aggravation. The last thing that got me extremely aggravated is now living across town. Maybe I'll send him this Stinkpad.

If I ditch this baby, does anyone out there have recommendations for a different brand? Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic (one of those cool little Japanese models)? Anyone?

Thanks.

i suggest you to go get a sony s series or apple laptop... youll be paying for the brand name mainly.

good luck.

ps:too bad you dont like TPs, one day after experiencing mayor brand systems youll understand us.

[K. Eng]

It looks like you have one of the faster models. There are a few things we can do to improve things.

The main system board of the ThinkPad has several thermal sensors that monitor the internal temperature of the computer. The sensors will trip the fan if certain components go above a set temperature.

The CPU is one of those components that is monitored. Keeping the CPU cool should help keep the fan from coming on.

First, make sure that SpeedStep is enabled. The ThinkPad should have a program called ThinkPad Power Manager. Make sure that CPU speed is set to "adaptive." This means that the CPU will run at full speed only when necessary.

Second, you can use an application called Centrino Hardware Control to lower the voltage on the CPU.

http://www.pbus-167.com/chc.htm

I've got my own Pentium M running at ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) settings. However, this requires some experimentation. Voltage settings that are too low will cause the computer to crash (though no damage will result). Lowering the voltage on the CPU will reduce power consumption and heat dissipation.

That is all I can think of at the moment to make the fan less noisy.

[Steve007]

Just got my new T43 a few days ago, and I'm really disappointed. This is my first IBM, and I truly don't know what all the hype is about.

The fan noise is annoying as hell. It's like sitting in front of one of those oscillating fans you use on a hot day. I even have the thing propped up so air can circulate underneath. My piece-o'crap Dell Inspiron that my company gave me sits flush on the bed (ie, hot) and doesn't make a sound.

The battery life is short. Aren't there a bunch of laptops out there now that promise 3 hours on a battery? This one is barely two, fully charged. 2 hours or less to me is useless.

It takes a long time to boot. Yes, I've closed down a bunch of unneeded programs, and it still takes a long time to boot.

The PC card slot is weird. It's like you have to be really, really super careful about how you insert your card.

The DVD Rom tray is weird....unless you close it juuuuuuust right, it won't close and pops back out.

Sorry, I'm not impressed at all, guys. I ran a Compaq business Evo N800c, and had NONE of these issues. 2 years later, it's still a solid little machine.

I agree, the Thinkpad keyboard is the best I've ever typed on, and the screen is very nice.

I hearby rename this machine the STINKPAD.


Now I'm torn, because I want to return it, but it takes a day or two to get a new machine set up and customized how I like it, and I just don't have any more time to do that. However, I foresee being extremely aggravated by this fan. And being a perimenopausal female, I don't need any more extreme aggravation. The last thing that got me extremely aggravated is now living across town. Maybe I'll send him this Stinkpad.

If I ditch this baby, does anyone out there have recommendations for a different brand? Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic (one of those cool little Japanese models)? Anyone?

Thanks.

Instead of throwing your toys out the pram (StinkPad? WTF?) you should have done your research. T43's are littered with faults as you now know.

T42 is by far the best option, so return the T43 and get a T42. However, you seem the sort of person that if they'd won the lottery they'd still find something to complain about so maybe the T42 won't suit you either. How about a typewriter?

[Scorpiontico]

It's the 2686 M5U:

Is there anything I can do to quiet the fan?

Thanks for your help. I really don't want to go to the trouble of sending this thing back and hunting around for a new machine. I can put up with the rest if I can quiet the fan somehow. Thanks.

ok, first download centrino hardware control. undervolt your voltage settings (you gain batt life, reduce heat and obiously noise).

then use "maximun performance" setting for your TP when plugged in (power management)

and last if you still want more, then apply some new thermal paste to your cpu (ex. arctic silver 5). you need to replace the factory one and open up all your system apart!... somehow risky but worth it.

EDIT: crap, sorry K. ENG.

[Steve007]

ok, first download centrino hardware control. undervolt your voltage settings (you gain batt life, reduce heat and obiously noise).

then use "maximun performance" setting for your TP when plugged in (power management)

and last if you still want more, then apply some new thermal paste to your cpu (ex. arctic silver 5). you need to replace the factory one and open up all your system apart!... somehow risky but worth it.

EDIT: crap, sorry K. ENG.

You shouldn't have to go all through that crap on a new machine! The T43's are [censored].

[K. Eng]

NO. If you found the T43 fan annoying, DO NOT get a Sony S series. Fan noise and heat have been two major complaints about these machines. Sony has a traditionally terrible customer service system as well.

Although I own a ThinkPad and generally like them, ThinkPads are not the god machines that some people make them out to be. However, IBM's technical support is second to none IMO... far superior to Dell and Sony. PC World did a survey awhile ago, and IBM won the cust serv category hands down.

i suggest you to go get a sony s series or apple laptop... youll be paying for the brand name mainly.

good luck.

ps:too bad you dont like TPs, one day after experiencing mayor brand systems youll understand us.

[K. Eng]

Don't worry about it!

EDIT: crap, sorry K. ENG.

[Scorpiontico]

NO. If you found the T43 fan annoying, DO NOT get a Sony S series. Fan noise and heat have been two major complaints about these machines. Sony has a traditionally terrible customer service system as well.

Although I own a ThinkPad and generally like them, ThinkPads are not the god machines that some people make them out to be. However, IBM's technical support is second to none IMO... far superior to Dell and Sony. PC World did a survey awhile ago, and IBM won the cust serv category hands down.

i suggest you to go get a sony s series or apple laptop... youll be paying for the brand name mainly.

good luck.

ps:too bad you dont like TPs, one day after experiencing mayor brand systems youll understand us.

well i mentioned sony because i thought cool brand name and style might be more appropiate for this user (instead of hardware power, warranty service, life and etc in a small and light TANK).

biosales please reconsider, thinkpads really rock. look at it for good positive sides and pointers... or get a much expensive but BETTER TP!

[Navck]

I would go with the 30 day no questions asked thing
My T43 is quiet... But thats just me because I used to sit with a computer with 80mm Tornados in them... Those things are LOUD. Now I have an Sapphire X800 Pro heatsink fan making the worst noise you can hear from a fan, what sounds like GRINDING.
I love my 2687DDU and I'm not giving it up for a gaming system (While that was what I wanted, I'm not even going to think about them after I got my T43)

[Scorpiontico]

You shouldn't have to go all through that crap on a new machine! The T43's are [censored].

007 thats a really nice message righ there... especially for "already" t43s owners like my self.

[Steve007]

You shouldn't have to go all through that crap on a new machine! The T43's are [censored].

007 thats a really nice message righ there... especially for "already" t43s owners like my self.

What's your point?

EDIT:

Ok, maybe I should have said "Compared to the T42, the T43's are [censored]"

[Scorpiontico]

007 thats a really nice message righ there... especially for "already" t43s owners like my self.

What's your point?

my point is that you shouldnt be saying that kind of [censored]... if i was you i would save such comments for myself (like what i think of t42s).

EDIT: i dont want to start any argument here, so there: you win!

[biosales]

NO. If you found the T43 fan annoying, DO NOT get a Sony S series. Fan noise and heat have been two major complaints about these machines. Sony has a traditionally terrible customer service system as well.

Although I own a ThinkPad and generally like them, ThinkPads are not the god machines that some people make them out to be. However, IBM's technical support is second to none IMO... far superior to Dell and Sony. PC World did a survey awhile ago, and IBM won the cust serv category hands down.

well i mentioned sony because i thought cool brand name and style might be more appropiate for this user (instead of hardware power, warranty service, life and etc in a small and light TANK).


Just because I'm not delirious over this ThinkPad doesn't mean I want a "Sony" purely for "style." I've had "retail" (Gateway years ago) and I know they are jack. I maintain that the Evo N800c was (is) an excellent machine..but that was pre-HP/Compaq merger.

I paid over $2400 (minus tax) for this machine, and the above poster is right...a machine of that cost should not have to be torn apart, altered, etc. And it should have a darn quiet fan for that price.

That being said, I got into the Power Manager and changed some settings (thanks K Eng) and the fan does seem to have quieted down a bit.

[Steve007]

What's your point?

my point is that you shouldnt be saying that kind of [censored]... if i was you i would save such comments for myself (like what i think of t42s).

Well I used to work for IBM up until June 2005. I was testing T43's prior to their release so I think my opinion on T43's is well founded. I found them a massive step backwards from the T42 and later T41 models.

Not to sure what you think of the T42's, perhaps you'd enlighten me?

[STS06]

I agree...you shouldn't have to modify a computer to that extreme. I even think you shouldnt have to undervolt or anything to reduce the fan noise...when you first start your comp, it should be quiet....performance is obviously a big deal when buying laptops. Having said that, if you have used your comp for a few years and its cluttered...i can see then that you may need to make adjustments to lower noise or what not.

Having said THAT, I recommend the T42...there are very little differences in a T42 and T43 (from my months of researching and asking)...if you configure a 42 the same as you did your 43, I'm positive you won't see a difference in performance. Also, the T42 is more "proven"...all its kinks have been taken care of and I haven't heard anyone say a 42 is a bad computer....and if they have its due to factory problems (someting not installed right or what not). I say return this machine and go for the T42.

This was my first comp and I was just as aprehensive about paying so much for it when I could get a Dell with better specs. But after getting it this past week, I can truely say this is the best laptop I have ever seen (and I've used Dells, Compaqs, and the occasional Toshiba- haven't touchd HP yet). Sorry you're dissapointed. I don't think a TP is for everyone and I certainly wouldn't take offense to the fact that you didnt like it (as some already have- and voiced it). Dells are good comps as well, but from my experience, their computers dont last very long...get quite hot...but are typically just as quite. Toshiba satellites are good comps....probably better than most, if not all, Dell's. I certainly wouldnt go for a compaq any more.....you will probably be unsatissfied in all departments.

My recommendation, give the T42 a shot...if you don't like it, I'd go with Toshiba then Dell. Good luck and hope you find a great match!

[biosales]

However, you seem the sort of person that if they'd won the lottery they'd still find something to complain about so maybe the T42 won't suit you either.


Now that's just not true at all. Actually, I'm pretty easy to please. Maybe I'm just a little more objective than some of the posters who have bought into the TP hype. It's possible these machines were, at one time, the ideal. And now they've gone the Michael Dell route....full of the cheapest in Chinese parts.

[Steve007]

However, you seem the sort of person that if they'd won the lottery they'd still find something to complain about so maybe the T42 won't suit you either.


Now that's just not true at all. Actually, I'm pretty easy to please. Maybe I'm just a little more objective than some of the posters who have bought into the TP hype. It's possible these machines were, at one time, the ideal. And now they've gone the Michael Dell route....full of the cheapest in Chinese parts.

All PC's are full of cheap Chinese crap - it's the IBM software, chassis & support that make them stand out from the pack. It's never been about performance. Intel are partly to blame here as everyone relies on their chip sets and it doesn't help when they release a dud.

[Scorpiontico]

Not to sure what you think of the T42's, perhaps you'd enlighten me?

how could i my friend???? oh no t42s are so much greater than t43s. plus since you worked for ibm you should know of what you talk about, right?.

ps: i wonder if ibm thinks the same about t43s being a backward of the t series, because if so i dont think they wouldnt even had it realeased/for sale or whats worst called it t43/latest t series model.

[STS06]

my point is that you shouldnt be saying that kind of [censored]... if i was you i would save such comments for myself (like what i think of t42s).

Well I used to work for IBM up until June 2005. I was testing T43's prior to their release so I think my opinion on T43's is well founded. I found them a massive step backwards from the T42 and later T41 models.

Not to sure what you think of the T42's, perhaps you'd enlighten me?

Well Steve should voice his dissatisfaction because this is a big part of what new-buyers have in terms of deciding which computer to get. People kind of like Steve sure helped me. I say kind of like b/c unlike most, Steve is offensive at times. So, I recommend you keep posting your ideas, but you don't have say things like its "[censored]" or comments that offend people- plus they don't take you as seriously when you do that..even with your IBM experience . Give useful commentaries...such as details as to whats wrong or what you don't like.

The reason I chose a 42 is because I never heard a bad thing about it...what I mean is that its performance, likeability and etc was proven and no one denied it's "rank" as one of the best. The T43 on the other hand, had a few problems (like those the OP stated) but I couldn't find ANYTHING (from reviews to posters) stating why I should go for the T43 over the T42 other than the fact that the 43 has more up-to-date parts (DDR2, etc.). So in the end, my impression of the 43 was that it had a few kinks but it wasn't a huge upgrade in power, performance, or weight over the T42...so I went with the proven technology. That was my mentality behind my choice.

[STS06]

Some have gone from helping the OP to defending themselves..come on...useful stuff people.

[Scorpiontico]

Well Steve should voice his dissatisfaction because this is a big part of what new-buyers have in terms of deciding which computer to get. People kind of like Steve sure helped me. I say kind of like b/c unlike most, Steve is offensive at times. So, I recommend you keep posting your ideas, but you don't have say things like its "[censored]" or comments that offend people- plus they don't take you as seriously when you do that..even with your IBM experience . Give useful commentaries...such as details as to whats wrong or what you don't like.

The reason I chose a 42 is because I never heard a bad thing about it...what I mean is that its performance, likeability and etc was proven and no one denied it's "rank" as one of the best. The T43 on the other hand, had a few problems (like those the OP stated) but I couldn't find ANYTHING (from reviews to posters) stating why I should go for the T43 over the T42 other than the fact that the 43 has more up-to-date parts (DDR2, etc.). So in the end, my impression of the 43 was that it had a few kinks but it wasn't a huge upgrade in power, performance, or weight over the T42...so I went with the proven technology. That was my mentality behind my choice.

thank you... a really "understanding t43 owners" comment there.

[STS06]

But who knows...I knew nothing about undervolting or controlling anything on laptops...so maybe you'll learn stuff in the process of eliminating the problems in the T43?!

You're welcome Scorpiontico. Good day!

[vliou]

Let's all just shake hands and acknowledge that we have opposing views, rather than start arguing

[biosales]

Well I used to work for IBM up until June 2005. I was testing T43's prior to their release so I think my opinion on T43's is well founded. I found them a massive step backwards from the T42 and later T41 models.

Not to sure what you think of the T42's, perhaps you'd enlighten me?

Well Steve should voice his dissatisfaction because this is a big part of what new-buyers have in terms of deciding which computer to get. People kind of like Steve sure helped me. I say kind of like b/c unlike most, Steve is offensive at times. So, I recommend you keep posting your ideas, but you don't have say things like its "[censored]" or comments that offend people- plus they don't take you as seriously when you do that..even with your IBM experience . Give useful commentaries...such as details as to whats wrong or what you don't like.

The reason I chose a 42 is because I never heard a bad thing about it...what I mean is that its performance, likeability and etc was proven and no one denied it's "rank" as one of the best. The T43 on the other hand, had a few problems (like those the OP stated) but I couldn't find ANYTHING (from reviews to posters) stating why I should go for the T43 over the T42 other than the fact that the 43 has more up-to-date parts (DDR2, etc.). So in the end, my impression of the 43 was that it had a few kinks but it wasn't a huge upgrade in power, performance, or weight over the T42...so I went with the proven technology. That was my mentality behind my choice.

Well, that was smart. I read all about the fan noise on this board before I bought the T43....but I gambled that I'd get one with less noise. So much for gambling.

I appreciate everyone's input and comments on this thread.

One last question...how come I can't brighten the display when on battery to the same level it's at on AC power? I know, I know...it'll cut into battery life.

[Ground Loop]

This isn't something we can resolve for you, biosales.

The machine doesn't make you happy. The fan noise is a valid complaint, and IBM/Lenovo needs to hear it more often.

Take them up on their return guarantee, get your cash back, and search for a laptop you like better. It's really that simple. There are hundreds to choose from, and there's bound to be something else out there that works better for you.

Your optical drive sounds defective, at the least, and needs to be replaced.

[wiesl]

my point is that you shouldnt be saying that kind of [censored]... if i was you i would save such comments for myself (like what i think of t42s).

Well I used to work for IBM up until June 2005. I was testing T43's prior to their release so I think my opinion on T43's is well founded. I found them a massive step backwards from the T42 and later T41 models.

Not to sure what you think of the T42's, perhaps you'd enlighten me?

What is exactly the Problem with the T43 Series? (Fan? Power? anything else?)

Ciao,
Wiesl

[nrj45]

I THINK (not to offend anybody) that the t43/p is the better in the t serie. Even if my t43p is noisy, i forgive it.
I think also that t42/p serie would be better for persons that use their laptop only for office purposes (i mean not game/multimedia/encoding/...).

I feel that the t43/p serie is too young at this time. But if in a future bios version we can disable the 2010 error message (for hdd) and if there is a way to avoid the t43/p blowing cold air, it would become a great machine...

BTW oooo people !!!! Avoid quoting a quote that quotes a quote. That makes threads unreadable