Best configuration for my first Thinkpad (T4*)

[stegarda]

Hello, I'm going to buy my first Thinkpad and I'm very struggled to get the best one that match my needs/budget.
I will use it for office applications, browsing, music appl. (Cubase) viewing photo (very minor editing ecc...).
I've looked at all Thinkpads series and I finally realized that the T4* series (in a 14,1" display) is the best for me.
A basic configuration should include 1Gb Ram, 60Gb Hdd, wireless b/g and Bluetooth.
I'm considering 2 different solutions and I'd like to know your opinion about.

Choice A (model T42 2374-F82):
- 1.7GHZ P-M
- 1.0GB RAM
- 80GB 5400RPM HD
- DVD Multiburner+
- 14,1" XGA
- 32Mb ATI.. video card
- Minidock2
- IBM Warranty till July 2008 (not refurbished)
- $ 1270

Choice B (model T41p 2373-GGU):
- 1.7GHZ P-M
- 2.0GB RAM
- 60GB 7200RPM HD
- CD-RW/DVD Combo
- 14,1" SXGA+
- 128Mb ATI.. video card
- 1 year IBM warranty + 3 years Mack warranty (refurbished IBM S-claim classification..what does it mean?..)
- $ 1399

The main doubt I have is about the LCD resolution.
I've read a lot of posts telling the SXGA+ should be a better choice for a 14,1" display but I'm not able to quantify how much better it should be..laptop I'm using now is a 14,1" XGA and it's enough for me, so at the beginning I was looking at XGA resolution but after reading your comments I'm not so sure of it.
I wouldn't have any doubts in case of a 15" display, but for a 14,1" XGA would be enough.
I'd like to know your opinions above all from people passed from a 14,1" XGA to a 14,1" SXGA+.
Also, considering this laptop would last long I'd want to buy a long standing config.
I've read that next OS from Microsoft (and I have to use it at work) requires a lot of video ram..so 32Mb of choice A shouldn't be enough...
What do u suggest me?
Thank you,
Stefano

[brainpicker]

Hi stegarda,

For what your current needs are now (as stated) "A" is all you need, and may be all you will need in the near future, BUT, "B" does offer a lot more performance for just a bit more money. I don't know what an S-class refurb is so I'd be sure to research that prior to making your decision. Also, what will the cost be to upgrade the IBM part of the warranty on "B" (if that is even allowed on a refurb of any class)? A Mack warranty is nearly useless for you as this will be your only laptop. Mack requires a LOT more time to fix a problem (many, many weeks) and they make you pay for shipping both ways. I would never consider any Mack warranty when making my decision unless I had a back-up laptop for a few months. Also, is a DVD burner needed? "B" doesn't offer that so you'd need an external one. So the safe bet for your needs is "A", but a little research may show "B" to be better... or not! Let us know what you decide.

I hope I didn't confuse you more than help.

Yak

[dr_st]

The T42 looks overall a nicer package to me. Warranty from IBM, multi-burner, minidock. But of course, the T41p has selling points - more RAM, better video card. SXGA+ is in generally a plus, but to you it may be a minus.

[stegarda]

Thank you for your reply.
So it seems that "A" should be the best trade-off for me.
I'd agree too, my only concern was about the assessment of the importance of a higher resolution relating to the intended use of the laptop. I was surprised to know that SXGA+ is not always better and to know that in some cases (and probably in mine) you are better off with an XGA...I was interested to know what I lose (now and in the future) for chosing XGA instead of SXGA+ and to know if SXGA+ is always better whatever you do or only for particular applications (design, graphics..).
I was also impressed to the high worth you give to warranty (I've noticed it in other posts too) and to know how poor is the Mack service (they told me it would be the same as IBM's as it's IBM that will repair it..).
I mean, I'm working on a medium quality brand laptop since 2001 without problems. Now that I'm going to a premium brand like IBM Thinkpad is, I'm expecting such a higher quality level that warranty shouldn't be an issue...I'm missing something?

[christopher_wolf]

Well, if you are doing things like email/web browsing/word processing; you might like XGA more. This is just me, but I find SXGA+ good for my needs though I have worked for a long period of time with an XGA Laptop. XGA works pretty good for alot of things, actually. As for the warranty, I can say that it is peace-of-mind primarily; that and the fact that IBM has excellent service and, should anything go wrong, they will quickly fix it. I haven't had any problems with my decade old 701c Thinkpad, it still connects to the internet and boots up fine with an hour of battery life.

So the warranty just adds to the overall durability of the Thinkpad; which seems to be a primary goal of Thinkpads, hence the extremely durable construcation and excellent quality.