Can't decide - T40P or T43

[Troels]

Hi,
I need some help to decide, since i'm not able to. Both laptops cost the same.

Here are the specs of the two laptops that i can choose between:

T40P:
1.6 Ghz Intel Pentium 4-M Centrino
512 MB PC2100 memory
80 GB Harddrive (5400 rpm)
14" SXGA+ TFT (1400x1050)
ATI Radeon FireGL 9000 64 MB
DVD-ROM/CDRW combo drive.
10/100 LAN, WiFI, Bluetooth

T43:
1.86 Ghz Intel Pentium 4-M Centrino
1 GB PC2700 memory
40 GB Harddrive (? RPM)
15" XGA (1024x768)
ATI Radeon X300 64 MB
DVD-ROM/CDRW combo drive

This is for uni work, but moderate gaming use too, like HL2 and the like. I am not a benhcmarking geek, and could care less about 3DMark results, but i need the games to run WELL.

My thoughts:

T40P:
Pros:
- Reasonably fast processor last longer on a single charge than T43.
- Overclocks are more possible since the FSB speed is 400 Mhz ?
- HUGE PRO: 80 GB is a large drive, and faster than 4200 rpm.
- HUGE PRO: SXGA+ tft
- 14.1" for maximal portability compared to 15".
- Bluetooth might come in handy for some semester projects in the future.
- Light
- Great for multitasking due to larger screen resolution.

Cons:
- Video card might be unsuitable for 1024x768 or even 800x600 use in most newer 3D games like HL2, D3 etc.
- I think 1gb of RAM is desireable, so upgrade needed.
- No DX9.0 compatibility.

T43:
Pros:
- Fast, energy-saving Dothan processor, faster than T40P
- Overclocks aren't needed
- X300 - very fast, and DX9.0 compatible, unlike Firegl 9000.
- Light: ~same weight as T40P
- Newer design, so it must be better ?

Cons:
- 40 GB harddrive is smallish these days for dual-boot and many apps.
- XGA on a 15" monitor isn't very good compared to SXGA+ on the 14.1", accoring to many here the 1400x1050 resolution on 14" is great.
- People say the noise levels are higher, and the design feels cheeply constructed compared to earlier TXX.

What I want you to do is give me you oppinions on what i should choose, if you were in the same position: must do school work on it, do some multitasking, watch DVDs and moderate gaming.

To users of a T40P (or anyone with a FireGL 9000):
How is your subjective view of it's performance in newer games ?

Thank you in advance

[nirvana0001]

both are not enoguh for newer games. (even my t43p)
I will pick t40p, since X300 is suck on video either.

[dc81]

What cost are you looking at? Maybe we can guide you to a better deal.

[mysbca]

A few corrections:
T4x uses Pentium M, not Pentium 4-M.
T43 uses PC4200 SODIMM, not PC2700 SODIMM.
15" is almost a pound heavier than the 14" with equivalent battery size.

I would opt for the T40p because of the size, weight, screen. If you want better graphics, go for a T41p with the FireGL T2 which should be as good or better than the X300.

[daeojkim]

Go with with T40p. The main reason is the SXGA+ screen.

Using a XGA on a 15" is a waste of weight.

Seriously do not buy an 15" XGA if you plan to do college work, writing papers, multiple windows open etc, because it is frustrating. There is just not enough room.

So again, unless you get a 14" SXGA+ for T43 do not get it. I can assure you that if you get 15" XGA you will regret it.

[Troels]

Didn't expect answers so soon, thanks both of you.

I maybe ought to say, I decided IBM was what i wanted since i mainly wanted a sturdy construction, replaceable parts and good battery life. Gaming is also a concern, but X600 or 6800 is not what i'm looking for. I'm pretty much satisfied with my current desktop Geforce 3 TI-200 performance, but I am not sure where either of these cards fit in performance-wise.

I tried an Radeon 7500 and can conclude it was much slower than the TI-200.

Nirvana,
What don't you like about the X300 - it's the speed ? Or did you mean the 1024x768 native resolution on the listed T43 is so low that it would make you choose the T40P ?

Dc81,
Well, it started out quite funny. I was willing to buy second-hand equipment for a max of $400-600, but kept walking up the IBM ladder and just couldn't stop: R40->T30->T40->T40P, my budget is about $1200 (but i have to pay 25% VAT/TAX so it will be about $1500 MAX).
Second-hand is completely ok, if it's in good/mint condition. The T40P is $1500 (that includes 25%VAT), T43 is about $1600 (incl. tax).


EDIT: Mysbca, daeojkim: Thanks - i think i will regret 15" and XGA too. T41P would be ideal, but they are rarely for sale here. Am on the look out for one though

[mysbca]

Is that $1500 US or Canadian? Do you have to pay VAT on Ebay purchases?
It think dc81 just bought a T41p from these guys for $1399US + shipping:
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-T41p-1 ... dZViewItem

[dc81]

This link is for a certified used T42 2379DXU on the ibm website. 1.7ghz processor, 64mb ATI Raedon 9600, 15" SXGA+ etc, 6 mo warranty, for $1041.25.

Ignore what the description says regarding the display, I looked up the part number in tabook, and it is SXGA+.

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... logId=-840

Hope this helps.

Also I did buy one of the T41p listed above it is supposed to be delivered Tuesday.

[Troels]

US.
Btw, I live in Denmark, in EU - which means that even the shipping is taxed. Luckyly there's no toll on laptops.

That will be $1399 + $100 Shipping . Taxed this is ~$1875, about the same price in the EU for a slightly used unit, escpecially in countries with low taxes.

DC81, Now that seems more worthwhile
EDIT: They only ship within the US, but thanks anyway

[Troels]

... But

Still, about the Mobility FireGL 9000 - how would this compare to a Geforce 3 ? (desktop video card)

I did a lot of searching here, but it is very hard to compare when all kinds of drivers were used, and few comparisons to old-ish desktop cards like the geforce 3 line.
I might try 3dmark01 right now on a GF3ti200 right now just to see...

[nirvana0001]

Troels, you said wanna play decent games, so i think X300 is not good enough for you. and 15 with XGA just looks bad (personally opinion), should be at least 1280x1024