Differences between T4x and new Z series?

[hydrostarr]

I'm an existing T41 user, and was considering upgrading to a new T4x, but I want to make sure I understand the differences between the T4x and the new Thinkpad Z series.

I see this thread:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=17936

...but it doesn't seem to answer my question, which is: should I stick with T4x or switch to a Z-flavored machine?

Fyi, one can read my usage requirements for my new machine here:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=18180

-Matt

[christopher_wolf]

Well, as you said, that is quite a tall order for a laptop; yet I am quite sure that a Thinkpad should be able to handle it

If you will be putting Linux distros and FreeBSD on there, I myself would lean towards the T42. Also, the Z Series has the dreaded Windows Key (ugh) on there, so it ends up taking up some space. Now, performance wise, either the T4X Series or the Z Series can run what you requested fine as well as take the requested memory upgrades. It also appears that the Z60 has available a DVD Burner; now, here's the thing, the Z60 has the Ultrabay enhanced DVD Recorder, which seems to be faster at burning DVDs than the Multiburner Plus in the T4X Series. As far as portability goes, I would tend towards the T4S Series again, unless you favour Wide Screens (which do, indeed, look tasty) I don't know how well off you would be with a 14.0" Widescreen as compared to a 15.0" Widescreen. You also get a 3-in-1 Media Card Reader as well as 3 USB Ports and some extra connectivity whilst the T4X Series has two USB Ports. I don't know how Linux or FreeBSD would run on a Z Series as compared to the T$x Series, but I can point back at ThinkWiki again by linking this

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problems_ ... _and_Linux

The new Z60 is going to have SATA, the T43 has a SATA-PATA Bridge, and the T42 is PATA if I remember correctly. So you may encounter dodgy problems from time to time; not much of a problem if you are prepared to deal with them. HTH

[dr_st]

It also appears that the Z60 has available a DVD Burner; now, here's the thing, the Z60 has the Ultrabay enhanced DVD Recorder, which seems to be faster at burning DVDs than the Multiburner Plus in the T4X Series.

The Z60m uses Ultrabay Enhanced (R series). The Z60t uses the Ultrabay Slim (T series).

[christopher_wolf]

Ah, many thanks, that would indeed explain the weight and thickness differences between them.

[hydrostarr]

Christopher, et al,

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm still fuzzy on where the "Z" series fits with respect to my intended usage. In general, it appears to be more of a "multimedia" machine. Specifically, if I want a wider screen, more built-in memory-card-reader options, a faster DVD recorder, firewire, and similar features, then it looks like I might go with the Z.

...and most of these things I don't need (although the wider screen might be helpful to get a better, wider field of view for all my source-code windows).

Also, the T4x series seems a little smaller (1" instead of 1.1") and maybe lighter (?) then the Z series...and I like the portability gain.

The bottom line is: I see lots of references to building Linux/BSD on the T4x series on thinkwiki.com, but little if anything for the Z series.

...which leads me to think that the choice is clear: a T4x. Why would I risk trying to mess around with a Z series that has little Linux history (given that my targeted requirement is a native Linux OS load) in the Thinkpad community, especially when I don't have a strong need for the Z-specific features?

Is there anything else I might be missing here?

-Matt