X41 vs T43p

Message

incvn03 · #1 Post by **incvn03** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:41 am

Hi everybody !

I want to order a laptop thinkpad, i have used thinkpad for 5 years, x21, t21,t23,t40,t41,x40 and used sony S, T, GR and panasonic CF-T4 long time 12 battery, but i love thinkpad, now after selling out every laptop , i want to have a thinkpad. I decided to chose T43p or X41, help me choice between T43p or X41 !

Price T43p = x41 + 650 usd,

x41 1.5 LV/2MB/1.5GB DDR 2/128MB video share/ Intel900/ 60gb/wifi bg/ 12.1 XGA Pcworld benmark 64 , as same as t41 1.6/512/40gb

T43p sonoma 2.26/14.1 SXGA+ /100GB 7200/ DVD-RW/wifi BL/2GB ram DDR2 533 /9 cell/ 128MB ati 3200V/

thanks
Hanoi-Vietnam

holr · #2 Post by **holr** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:51 am

I guess it depends on what you are after. More power, or more battery life? The t43p is a physically bigger machine but will give you a lot more oomph than the x41. The t43p has a minor irration where the fan is always on. I guess the x41 wouldnt suffer from this as it has a lower voltage cpu and would probably run cooler.

Graphics + gaming wise, the t43p would be better with the better graphics card.

incvn03 · #3 Post by **incvn03** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:03 am

thanks, i think, use photoshop cs on x41 with 1.5GB Ram DDR2. How ?

christopher_wolf · #4 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:25 am

I would actually like to point out that *not* all, if any

, T43s have this "Fan always on" Problem, I am, right now, typing on mine that has been on for 50 minutes now and has yet to have the fan come on; also, there have beed significant reports of T42s having this problem as well...due to its variability and personal preference of the User, I don't actually think it plays a big role in the decision process. you willl end up worrying about some, quite tenuous, problem that may never manifest itself or, if it does, is greatly exagerrated and does not bother you at all. The X41 is a pretty good machine, but it all depends on what you want to do. There is a bi difference in performance between the T43 and X41. If you will just be using Photoshop on it, then the X41 with larger memory might not be a bad choice; you never know, though, when you will need an Optical Drive. Unless you are so mobile that the lightweight of the T43 is a burden, the X41 takes out a few features for the sake of mobility.

incvn03 · #5 Post by **incvn03** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:51 am

okie, but i have been never used x41 with 1.5GB ram, Do you think about 1,5GB ram with 1.5 sonoma 2MB LV on x41 . How run ? and as the same which laptop ? T41 1.6/512 or T40 1.5/512 .

I have used x40 LV 1.2 with 1gb RAM, it run slow , x41 1.5/1.5 GB ddR2 faster x40 1.2/1GB ram Pc2700 is 250% ?

ratoto67 · #6 Post by **ratoto67** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 1:59 pm

I am using both Photoshop and illustrator with 1 Go Ram without any problem on my X41

kyrotech · #7 Post by **kyrotech** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 2:18 pm

For photoshop use T43p, Power

redrumchoy · #8 Post by **redrumchoy** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 2:19 pm

To Christopher Wolf

Just pointing out that holr said:

The t43p has a minor irration where the fan is always on.

while it seems that (From your signature) you have a T43 (not a t43p).

it doens't seem as if normal T43's have the fan problem.

However, to incvn03.. i own a t43p G2U (check the signature). I have no complaints about this machien at all. Admittedly, the fan is louder than some other computers but hardly bothersome unless you seriously attempt to focus on the fan noise... My opinion, after seeing both an X41 in person and owning my t43p for about 4-5 months now... the only reason to choose an X41 over a t43p is for 1: price and 2: mobility. If you really really need the mobility of the x41 then it's an easy pick. Otherwise, the t43p's formfactor is light enough and its hardware is easily powerful enough for the serious user.

DIGITALgimpus · #9 Post by **DIGITALgimpus** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:27 pm

I have a T43 (not p), and my fan is always on.

christopher_wolf · #10 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:23 am

From what I have seen, the Fan being on "all the time" is a function of many variables, many of which we do not know of. The biggest ones seem to be when the T43 was made, what the power settings are, the ambient temperature, and the personal preference of the user. It can't be said that all T43s have this problem, regardless of p or not p. IBM gives you 30 days to send back you Laptop and "exchange it" if you will for something else. If there is a doubt, you can try one out and "test drive it" so to speak. Now, however, they have Thinkpads at Office Depot, so you might want to go over there and check out the T43 against the X41 if they are available.

ddutta · #11 Post by **ddutta** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 1:16 am

I have owned a X22 and I now have the Tseries. I felt the need for a DVDrom for loading external data and I had to carry a small usb DVDrom which added to the weight. If you need to carry an external drive and the X series, then its better to buy the T series.

holr · #12 Post by **holr** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:13 am

incvn03 wrote:okie, but i have been never used x41 with 1.5GB ram, Do you think about 1,5GB ram with 1.5 sonoma 2MB LV on x41 . How run ? and as the same which laptop ? T41 1.6/512 or T40 1.5/512 .

I have used x40 LV 1.2 with 1gb RAM, it run slow , x41 1.5/1.5 GB ddR2 faster x40 1.2/1GB ram Pc2700 is 250% ?

I think the x41 would be quite fine for your needs. Choose the portability over the extra power of the t43p. Processors are fast enough these days to do anything you can throw at them - you would only need the t43p if you were doing some 3d modelling work (or gaming).

Roy_W · #13 Post by **Roy_W** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:41 am

Due to current processer capacity, I would put forward the following criteria as being the principale arguements :

1 : Screen Real Estate - Do you need it ? IF so then the T43p is the winner.

2 : Portability , I travel a lot and I find that the T43p (and all necassary bit and bobs)) weighs too much. ?

I love the T43p but my next machine will undoubtedly be geared towards portablility.

incvn03 · #14 Post by **incvn03** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:03 am

thank to all, i will buy x41 , i think x41 enough battery and performance , for use photoshop everywhere, t43p heavy for me and fan alway on ! but i love t43p too !

#15 Post by **aamsel** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 1:39 pm

The speed of the hard drive is also a large factor:

T43p has a 7200rpm 2.5" hard drive.

X41 has a 4200rpm 1.8" hard drive (same as in an iPod) and the speed can NOT be upgraded.

There is a large difference in these in addition to any speed differences in the CPU and memory interfaces.

Andrew
Austin, TX

christopher_wolf · #16 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:35 pm

I really have to say this again; The T43, p or non-p, does *NOT* constantly run its Fan. Period. It runs perhaps a little faster than the T42, but cools the T43 off a lot better than the T42's Fan does. This depends on a single person's preference as stated. Same with the keyboard. There are also quite a few examples of T42ps having worse problems where the fan actually *is* constantly on. When I booted up my T43 today, it was from a Cold Start and on AC; the Fan came on..then shut off at the XP Loading Window and stayed that way for around 1 hour. If indeed the fan is on constantly for *all* T43s , I would have heard mine run at full throttle for this one hour; that is something I cannot stand. Yet the fact that I have not reported, or exagerrated, any claims of Fan Noise. The fan does come on more than the T42s, but it does its job better than the Fan in the T42 from what I have seen; namely, cooling the Thinkpad off. I would take 90% of all claims of "Fan and Heat" Problems with the T43 here with a massive grain of salt.

End of Discussion.

#17 Post by **aamsel** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 4:05 pm

Wow, I never knew it was so easy to end a discussion!!

We could have done this awhile back and saved about 60 threads on T43 fan noise.

Andrew

christopher_wolf wrote:...I would take 90% of all claims of "Fan and Heat" Problems with the T43 here with a massive grain of salt.

End of Discussion.

christopher_wolf · #18 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 4:30 pm

Well? It isn't as if it isn't going to be brought up again and again as a Reason. It is the same thing as the Keyboard, it is a matter of personal preference combined with perceived problems. Oh, is it actually possible, besides doing a CTO, to actually say what type of Keyboard you want?

#19 Post by **aamsel** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 4:37 pm

It is not possible to pick the keyboard you want even doing a CTO. I have done several CTO's, and you get whatever keyboard Lenovo happens to be assembling notebooks with that day.

As for the fan/heat issues of T43's (having never entered the discussion)...it is a "perceived defect" by some people, which may or may not be a true defect. That is about all you can say about it. There is no way to prove that it is a true defect. There are pros and cons to the T43 vs the T42, and generally, the people "griping" about the T43 are people who were T42 owners who decided that the T43 was louder and hotter.
But then...since it is a faster CPU with faster memory, the system HAS TO generate more heat. Notebook designs by any manufacturer I have seen that use the Alvisio chipsets are all hotter and louder. Some are much hotter and louder than the T43 is.
Then the only question remaining is:
Is the fan on the T43 as efficient and quiet as Lenovo can make it be?

But then....the subject is closed! <grin>

Andrew

christopher_wolf wrote: Well? It isn't as if it isn't going to be brought up again and again as a Reason. It is the same thing as the Keyboard, it is a matter of personal preference combined with perceived problems. Oh, is it actually possible, besides doing a CTO, to actually say what type of Keyboard you want?

davidspalding · #20 Post by **davidspalding** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 6:16 pm

In my last job, in an IBM lab, I had the opportunity to put my fingers on a number of Thinkpads. I was tempted by the X41 tablet, but none of the "hot" models that I'd want were available through my channel. The markdown was also pretty slim. So I considered an X41, X40, but ... noted that performance "feel" of them wasn't up to the T4x line.

Finally, the choice point wasn't performance. An X41, I'd have a light, slim portable. Even with the larger 9-cell battery, it was petite. But no DVD. And the X Ultrabase was needed for DVD. So if you want other than an external (USB) optical drive, you want a machine-model type (XXXX-XXX) that includes an Ultrabase. Also, the larger batt makes the body bigger.

Now ... the T4x can pack either a 6- or 9- cell battery (the 9-cell makes the footprint bigger), and you can put a battery in the Ultrabay. Or keep the provided optical drive. Also performance is excellent. And choice of "docks" (rather than ultrabase) is wider: three to choose from. Not petite, but still easy to carry around, and superb performance plugged in or on battery power.

My suggestion, set your budget, then see what you get in both lines for that price point. One will come out better. In my comparison, the T42s and T43s were a better bargain, even after I put in extra battery, Dock II, UltraBay Slim adapter,.... Get the idea?

Of course, you don't just get a Thinkpad and not care whether you have the slim, petite form factor or the larger. What's your preference?

JLai · #21 Post by **JLai** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 10:38 am

Hummm...I guess I should contribute since I own both

(T42 2378-FVU w/ 5400 rpm 100 GB HDD and 1.25 GB ram)
(X41 2525-6HU w/ ultrabase and 1.5 GB ram)

Aside from the obvious differences (touchpad/none, shared memory/independent, 2 pcmcia slots/1 pcmcia, white thinklight/amber thinklight, 12.1"/14.1", etc. etc.)...It really depends on what you need and what you're gonna be doing with it.

I got the extended batteries for both, with the T having an extra slim ultrabay battery. Results (before battery deterioration):
T --> close to 9 hours
X --> close to 5 hours

Most noticable between the two are power vs weight. The X's 4500 rpm drive is noticably slower than my T's 5400 rpm drive...even with 1.5 GBs of ram. Its not too bad...but you're gonna see a difference.

If you're gonna do any kind of gaming (which the ThinkPads were not built for to begin with), I would suggest you go with a T or Z series and avoid the X.

For all practical purposes (word, internet, messenging, email, etc)...the X is much much more practical. Even when manipulating images in photoshop was done without any hesitation once the program was started up. The weight is drastically significant between the two models. Even when I switched out the extended battery for my standard battery, it was pretty heavy. You may not feel this is a big deal at first (as I didn't think about it when I only had my T), but once you feel an X...you'll think otherwise.

My main concern was the lack of the touchpad on the X, which I thought would be a big difference. However, after 2-3 days of use, I actually find myself using the pointstick on the T more and more. Its really easy to get acquired to and learn to use efficiently.

You really need to play with both to get a better idea. When it comes down to it, its a matter of preference. Personally, I hardly ever use the DVD drive unless I'm making CDs and end up finding myself using the X much more often for my needs. The T is much more of a hassle if you plan on moving around alot. Otherwise, if your laptop is gonna be in a stable place most the day, I'd say go with the T. Eitherway, both are amazing laptops.

Hope this helps.

-Joe

incvn03 · #22 Post by **incvn03** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 11:33 am

okei, T43p is faster with 7200mpr HDD, 1400x1050 can open mutil window, document, web, I think SXGA not easy for eyes, Im short-sighted , help me decide, x41 or t43p , Im really confused !

asiafish · #23 Post by **asiafish** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:41 pm

What about an X32? If has faster (though still wimpy) video than the X41, can take large and fast hard drives (mine has an 80GB 5400RPM) and while larger than the X41, is still much smaller and lighter than the T43p. WIth just the standard battery I get a little over 4 hours (over 5 with the screen dim), while with the add-on battery clipped to the bottom I get over 8 hours (10 with screen dim), all in a 3.6lb package (4.5lbs with the add-on battery).

I just downgraded from a T42p to the X32 and was torn over the decision to move down, and once I decided to do so, the decision between the X41 and X32. I am very happy with my choice.

christopher_wolf · #24 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 2:08 pm

Actually, I am planning on writing a Review for both the T43 and X40, as my friend just got an X40. From what I tried out on it, it isn't bad at what it does; it is very light and the fan didn't come (Really

). I was suprised at the graphics capabilities since it had an Intel Extreme Video Card. It did decent when I ran a Photoshop, it seemed to do well enough. I liked my T43, though, for most of my Photoshop and Illustrator work. It was very sturdy and didn't flex at all, startup time was pretty good...although my friend had taken the majority of startup processes so that helped. It took nearly the same time to boot as my T43; I usually keep my Thinkpad on Suspend for the most part. I will add more when I try it out some more.

davidspalding · #25 Post by **davidspalding** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 4:02 pm

incvn03 wrote:okei, T43p is faster with 7200mpr HDD, 1400x1050 can open mutil window, document, web, I think SXGA not easy for eyes, Im short-sighted , help me decide, x41 or t43p , Im really confused !

You're kidding, right? After what Asiafish and Jlai told you, you still don't know what you want?

Okay, listen, if you really don't know what you want and money's no object, PM me your phone number and call the coin toss, I'll phone you up and let you know if it's heads or tails.

_____________

As I'm finding often, CW, I agree with you. The X4x has a very nice form factor, light, but I think I prefer the rounded shape of the X3x. Also, since I'm still using CF memory and no SD, the X3x's little memory card slot is nice ... as is the iLink/FireWire port. But bottom line ... that "squarish" shape of the X4x bottom half kinda turned me off.

christopher_wolf · #26 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Fri Nov 25, 2005 7:39 pm

True, very True...I was *very* impressed with the SD slot; I tried it out with a 128MB Card by putting a *.mp3 on it. Quick and clean; not only that but it also played very well on a Treo 650 instantly. I would have actually like d a pure white LED ThinkLight instead of the Orange that seems to come on the recent X and R models. The speaker was near the bottom, somewhat strange. It has good web browsing capabilities, but I noticed about half of the sites I visited went over the 1024x768 screen resolution, which I don't mind all that much. I do wish I could have an optical reader without carrying the base around...I think, though, that is the price you pay for having an ultra-mobile Laptop.

X41 vs T43p

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