I am happy to say that I am new proud owner of a Thinkpad t43p model 2687-EJU.
I've been visiting many websites discussing laptops, downloading images, looking at specs and finally decided on a Thinkpad.
The package arrived on time! I ordered on the 22nd of December 2005 and 10 days later (as IBM order status predicted) the box arrived! Then I upgraded the system to 1.5 GB of RAM, a purchase from newegg.com
My impression: T43p is solid although thicker than I expected. The machine boots up to the Windows desktop screen in less than a minute. I bought the notebook to do 3D work when I am not at the office or at home. So far I am quite satisfied at the performance. The graphic card runs well, very well. In fact I am feeling quite guilty that I've been ignoring the desktop at home. The freedom that I can just be anywhere and work is fantastic.
Heat issues: despite some posting which mention this I alone had not have this problem at all. In fact, it runs so much cooler than my previous Compaq lappie and Apple's Powerbook. I would be working with the T43p on my laptop and never experience any scorching heat from the bottom of the machine. With my previous Compaq within two hours of work even the touchpad gets hot to touch.
The screen is fabolous, no dead pixels although I do detect some leaks at the bottom but it is acceptable. No screen ripples when pressure is applied from the back. The casing looks, feels and is tough. As it is a 15 inch flexview my battery longevity isn't as stellar. Then again since my work is very CPU intensive I mostly work with the power adapter.
Now the keyboard, well i am not quite sure whether this is an acurate observation, but now I make less typing errors and typed even faster. Even compared to my desktop at home and at work, my T43p gives a better typing experience. Of course this is quite subjective but I am in love with the keyboard. And yes, I do agree with many users gripe with Fn key placing relative to the CTRL key.
The plethora of tools IBM provided are invaluable. Although they take a bit of memory but I can see its significance in protecting the laptop longevity and value. It was quite fun watching the Active Protection thinkpad animation tilt in real time as i tilt the actual laptop. Very incredibly accurate.
As for the look: the T43p is sexy and in black. Yeah, and being that I am a trendy bohemian
In fact with the clear accentuated geometrical lines that shaped this machine, surely this thinkpad isn't for the suit and tie type. They'd carry something boring like a grey tinted Compaq machine. ;P
My only problem is with the leather bag that comes with it (offered free for a limited time.) It is heavier than the laptop.
Ciao.



