Second 2686-DGU worse than the first

[fefland]

Just recieved my replacement T43, after shord customs Hold. I went from 1 bad pixel to two. I went from relatively quiet fan to noticeably louder fan. They run about the same heat level. As for Keyboard, I went from a chicony to an ALPS. I much prefer the Chicony, although it doesn't always register the shift key when I type.

So now I two T43's, neither of which I happy with. The first one is better than the replacement however. In process of calling Lenovo to find out what my options were. I ordered Thinkpad protection on second not on first. I think what I would like to do is put thinkpad protection on the first, if at all possible (past 30 days now) and keep that one. Otherwise I may have to try a new 14" model, or wait until yet another 2686-DGU can be shipped. I would swap the parts through support, but that doesn't solve the fan being louder on the replacement. Sorry this is so long.

[fefland]

Well, seing as how the second laptop is unusable, it will be going back. I am going to try to add thinkpad protection to the first one and keep it. If I can't get the Thinkpad Protection added, I will be returning that one as well. At that point, I am not sure what to so. Suggestions? I really can only afford and IBM due to EPP pricing. The days of having well built Thinkpads may be gone. I never had any of these problems with me A21p.

[hoya]

I ordered a 2686DGU yesterday and it has already shipped, but now I'm wondering whether mine will also have these problems.

I did a parts lookup on the serial number and it looks like I'm getting a Samsung LCD and a Chicony keyboard - I would have preferred a Hydis panel and NMB keyboard but that's life.

what type of displays do your two 2686DGU's have?

is the difference in fan noise very noticeable? is the pitch higher on one of the machines?

also, would you be comfortable taking pictures of the fans on your two T43's? I'm curious to know if there are identical or whether Lenovo is using different manufacturers for its fan assemblies.

[The Counterpart]

I really can only afford and IBM due to EPP pricing. The days of having well built Thinkpads may be gone.

Try the 2886-75U since you have EPP. A quick search in this forum will tell you that a lot of people have ordered and are happy with that model.

[fefland]

Hoya,

I am not sure which display each has, that I will have to check when I get a chance. As for the keyboard, first one was Chicony, second Alps. I prefer the Chicony because the Alps is too clickety and the trackpoint is very stiff. As for the fan noise, the second one is a bit louder. The screen hinges are stiffer on the second one. As for screens, the second one has two pixels next to each other although less visible than the one bright red one on the first one.

I called to say I was not happy and I was told that bad pixels are within spec and not a defect. I disagree but I am not sure I want to roll the dice and wait again. I do have a complaint submitted and am waiting for a callback. It shouldn't be this hard to get a decent quality machine.

As for the keyboard, I already called support and am getting the Alps keyboard switched to an NMB. I figure at least the keyboard should be good. As for the display, it might accidently get damaged, needing a replacement (which is OK I have thinkpad protection).

As for heat, I think they are the same. As for general construction, the plastic feels better on the first one I got, yet overall assembly of both is acceptable. I don't feel comfortable taking pictures of both fans. The first one needs to be packed up and picked up to be returned. I can take pictures of the one I open to switch keyboard.

Sorry so long. Hope this helps. Overall it is a nice laptop and a good price.

[fefland]

Counterpart,

I agree that laptop looks nice. It is a bit more. Originally, I got DGU with 3 years no thinkpad protection, ~1429. I then got the reordered DGU with thinkpad Protection, cost about 1598. This was more than I wanted to spend. turns out the 2668-75U is only 1711 with Thinkpad protection. I had to draw the line at some point. I wasn't planning on buying a laptop, and then my A21p died. I needed a machine and didn't have the funds allocated for it. I had to compromise and get what would work. It would be nice to have bluetooth, bigger drive, but with the DGU you get the 7200 60GB drive which is nice to have. Plus, would that one run any cooler, it has a faster processor. Also, it would still be a roll of the dice with respect to getting a perfect screen.

[STS06]

What's stopping you from getting a T42? If you went with one orginally, it would have saved you all this trouble, chances are. Its almost guaranteed that a T42 will be quieter, run less hot, and have comporable (if not exactly the same) performance...and the cost will be the same. You have tried two T43's with some bad luck. I suggest the T42...I got it and have absolutely no problems (see specs below). Unless you have very good reasons for getting the T43, then I'd try my bet with the T42. Like most of us here, I'm sure you want a reliable, comfortable, and powerful computer...it shouldn't matter too much that its not the latest model out...maybe unless you plan to sell a new T43 within a year or two. In any case, good luck and have a good day!

[fefland]

My main complaint, other than heat, is that the two I have recieved have had bad pixels. Odds are that both shouldn't have had bad pixels. As for the T42 model being a better choice, in hindsight I probably should have considered it. I guess I was stuck on getting the latest chipset, graphics, etc. I could try to get the new T43 deemed defective and have it shipped back but I am still risking the possibility of getting another bad LCD. Plus, I already contacted support to get an NMB keyboard for the T43. I have Thinkpad protection so if the screen gets worse or it happens to get damaged in a fall, I can have the LCD replaced. As for the heat, I just can't play games with the laptop on my lap (Ouch!). I have not yet downloaded the latest bios update for the second laptop yet. Maybe that will help. Maybe not. I am thinking that if the second T43 has a louder fan maybe it is pushing more air. One could only hope.

[ddutta]

For a similar T42 you must shell out more dough The T43s might be noisy but they are cheaper and budget conscious customers (like me) are forced to get a T43.

[fefland]

Hoya,
I checked which display each DGU has. The first one (one red stuck pixel) is the HYDIS, the one I have already scheduled to return. The second one (two stuck pixels) is the Samsung screen. The Hydis screen seemed a bit clearer sharper, where as the Samsug screen seemed brighter, less sharp. Hope this helps.

[STS06]

What are the specs on the 2686DGU, I can't find it in the Tabook.

I can't find the webpage on IBM's site that allows you to type the model number in and it gives you the specs and the cost. I used to be able to access if through the education link on their homepage and from there to Student Discounts or something like that. THey changed it a bit and so I have no clue now.

[fefland]

You can find specs by going the normal Lenovo Thinkpad products page, view all models, and then locate by model, 2686-DGU

Or try:
http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... &langId=-1

[hoya]

fefland - that's interesting what you said about the Hydis v. Samsung panels. aamsel said that his Hydis panel seemed slightly brighter with slightly improved viewing angles.

sts06 - the 2686DGU is on the regular thinkpad.com site selling for $1779 (EPP is $1329). click on "view all models" when you get to the T series page.

[fefland]

I guess it subjective. I thought the Samsung was brighter, not better. The HYDIS had sharper picture. As for viewing angles they seemed about the same for me. I thought they were both more than adequate.

[hoya]

I just received a 2686DGu and posted my first impressions on this thread:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=95719#95719

fefland - I would highly recommend trying the NMB keyboard (I remember you mentioned receiving the Alps and Chicony keyboards on your two DGU's). it sounds like you'll be returning both of your DGU's so hopefully your next machine will have an NMB keyboard (the M5U I have on order has an NMB keyboard)

I tried all three keyboards several months ago when I first bought a T series, but using the Chicony on this DGU reminds me why I insisted on getting the NMB keyboard. the difference is significant.

[fefland]

Just received the NMB keyboard and installed it. In my opinion, it is superior to either of the other two keyboards. I really like it.

I am still concerned about heat. I am going to download CHC to get number for heat.

[STS06]

fefland, did you order it or is there a way to have it exchanged?...swap the Alps or whatever keyboard with the NMB. If I can swap them, I'll do it, but otherwise they dont cost too much so I may do that...too tempted to get the better keyboard. I have an Alps and its good...but better is always nicer.

[fefland]

I had mine swapped under warranty. I had ALPS, and it was unusable to me. Basically, there was too much flex, creak on left "mouse" button, and the trackpoint was too stiff. As for typing, way too loud for use in meetings. They understood and sent me a new keyboard. I requested the NMB. It is much nicer. Quieter than ALPS, more sensitive than Chicony. Trackpoint just right, no ultranav creak. Very nice. Some clicking under arrow keys, but that is due to metal backing of keyboard against chassis under keyboard. I will probably add very thin strip of foam or rubber under keyboard on that side.