Heading to Iraq and needing a laptop companion

[velvetsteele]

Hello, first timer here.
I am looking at the T42 or T43 and need a machine that can stand a little heat and unknown other environmental hazards. I have been advised some that I might want to consider the T42 over the 43 as it has a cooler running processor and might take the heat better. I will be using it mostly for internet and web access and some limited gaming (to pass the time). I was also told to check out the Durabook N15RB by TwinHead. I need the best Wireless networking/bluetooth connectivity that can be had do to spotty coverage over there.
Appreciate any advice from you experts here. Thanks!

Incidently, I am very interested in the T60 but only have a limited time to work with (4 weeks tops). Not sure if it would be better than these for my needs though.

[Kyocera]

The T42 is a solid machine been out for a while, field tested if you will, no pun intended, seems like the heat is an issue with the T43. The fan is hardly noticeable on my T42.

You might want to get a hard case, don't go stuffing it into your alice pack. Or get one of the IBM cases with the shock pads.

Good luck over there, God speed.


Mike Scott
ex 82d Abn & Army Parachute Team.

[velvetsteele]

Thanks for the quick reply Kyocera,
I will look at the T42 and hard case option. Any suggestion on configuration of purchase options?

[DIGITALgimpus]

Since your in a time critical situation, id recommend something in the express program since as many have found out, IBM/Lenovo shipping dates aren't always that accurate... they can slip. It would be a shame if it did for you. May also want to consider thinkpads.com (hint, owner of this forum), or a place like buy.com, pcmall.com, cdw.com who have them in stock.

As far as T42, vs. T43, not sure how much of a diff the temp would make. I don't think there's evidence that the T42 cools any *better*, just quieter. The T42 is slightly cooler in some situations... but enough to matter? Not sure, and I'd be inclined to think it doesn't matter.

I'd def get a hard case. I'd even consider a tight fitting hard case, and a more traditional soft case over it, just keep weight/size in mind. Get a little extra protection.

I have heard of someone gluing some very fine mesh over the vent of a non-thinkpad, to prevent foreign matter from getting inside as easily. Not sure if that's effective, and the impact on cooling.

I'd also consider getting some power adapters (haven't tried that particular one, but should give you an idea or a place to start). Just in case you have access to a non-Type A/B power outlet.

The IBM Power Brick is 120/240 volts (pretty sure that's standard on all laptops, though not positive), so you can snap those on the end of your plug, and hook up just about anyhere. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_outlet

for a map.

Not sure if your itinerary is set in stone, or if you might be spending some time in a neighboring country for a bit before/after your tour. Might just come in handy.

There are intl. modem adapters, and modems (PCMCIA), but that might be a bit excessive.

Hope that helps.

[Kyocera]

Read through the T4X/Fan Utility forums and decide about the heat issue, there is no way I'd take a T43 to a hot climate after reading so much info about the fan/heat issues, and owning a T42 myself I can attest to the fact that it is a cool running machine. No offense DIGITALgimpus.

If your are in a hurry you might be better off going with whatever is available right away, due to the longer time it may take to ship/receive a "configured" one.

[christopher_wolf]

In this case; I see little difference between the T43 and the T42. The heat issue varies from one extent to another; so it might be best to take a look through all of the info and see which one you would like to have. I have a t43 and it runs at 38 Degrees most of the time, sometimes even cooler than my friend's T42. I would be more worried about getting the Thinkpad on time, so I would give a tad more preference to models that are in stock and have no other delays associated with them.

Good Luck out there

[velvetsteele]

Thanks for the comments all:
I understand the T4x models can be purchased through Office Depot, and if true that would eliminate shipping worries- no return policy though I believe except for defects...

[DataAve]

To add on to these good suggestions, you might want to get a Pelican computer case (model 1490cc#1). Has a lifetime on it. It is "watertight, airtight, dust proof, crush proof, and corrosion proof." The prices are reasonable too, these are the best on the market. I would worry more on the windstorms and the miserable sand.

Ex-military myself...be safe and be aware...make good buddies. God Bless.

[velvetsteele]

Thanks DataAve, will check those out.
I am having a hard time ordering a T43 or T42 or finding one that is in stock with the options I need- ie.. bluetooth, Pro Lan (custom order through Lenovo is still 2 weeks- by then the T60 will be out!) Any suggestions would be welcome.

Maybe I will have to settle for that Dell Latitude 610 after all

[DataAve]

Check your PM first I sent you a number over at IBM. You don't want a Dell. I'd rather go to office depot or MicroCenter for IBM than a Dell.

[Jmmmmm]

If you need good wireless reception, thinkpads are a good choice. They have an antenna built into the screen, so you get better reception than most other laptops. There is a place in my girlfriend's house that her compaq and my old dell can't get a signal at all, but my t43 gets pretty good reception.

As for the heat issue, I honestly don't think the difference between the t42 and t43 is anything to be concerned about. With either one, though, I think it's a good idea to undervolt using rmmclock or nhc, and the thinkpad fan control program (doesn't work if you use nhc though). I agree that, if you are ordering from ibm, just get whichever is in stock, and call to tell them it's a rush.

Good luck over there.

[velvetsteele]

I will give him a call Data, thanks for the number!
Jmmmm, thanks for the recommendation. If all I can get is T43, I will try undervolting. I have undervolted my desktops at home in order to decrease fan speed and temp with great results. I did not know that these had extra powerful reception- that is good news!

[Champ]

bill here shoudl be able to help you out give me a contact too

[velvetsteele]

Digitalgimpus,
I am inclined to agree with your assessment on the importance of ordering from those who have stock on hand and thanks for the information on express order.

[7bears]

Well I am currently in Iraq using a T43 and love it. In fact I bought it over here at the PX. I have to wonder if there were adjustments made in the recently manufactured T43’s because I don’t have any problems with heat or fan noise at all (mine was made in late October ’05).

If I was you I would get the T43, especially if it has better wireless capabilities than the T42.

For a short time this same PX also had knockoffs of the Zero Halliburton aluminum computer cases. They were sold by Hama, a German? company that sells computer accessories. They surely aren’t as good as the real thing but then they only cost 100 bucks about one third the cost of a real DZ3-si. A real Halliburton or a good Halliburton-type aluminum case or the Pelican 1490 is just perfect for hard travel with a computer notebook.

Whatever you do don’t settle for anything other than a T-series ThinkPad.

[asiafish]

I agree. My T42p went with me to Fort Leonard Wood for OBC where we had temperatures in the 110 range combined with high humidity. I not only used my T42p recreationally, but also out in the field with a portable printer, charging them from a generator. The computer came through it all perfectly.

Halliburton or Pellican case is a must though. If you want a soft case for use while you are there (not for the initial transport) then I recommend the Brenthaven, they are extremely well-padded and are a good substitute when the hard case is just too heavy.

[w0qj]

The T40 runs *much* cooler than the T42...

My wife brings the T40 back from work and I get to look at it... hardly ever gets warm (doesn't even get hot--even after defrag...)

My T42 starts to get warm (the fan is still efficient in extracting the heat away from the machine... even with my Hitachi 7K60 and 7K100 HDD's...)

[DataAve]

That's right, call the bird man. He might have something that will suit your needs.

[velvetsteele]

DataAve, will do. That another name for the earlier contact?

Asiafish, thanks for the recommendation on the cases.

7bears, glad to hear that the new 43's may have sorted out the cooling problems of earlier 43's- anyone else noticed a change in the newer 43's? I don't know if the 43 has better wireless than the 42 I understand they both use same ultra antenna built into screen.

I am still intrigued by the new T60. I have heard that it may have even longer battery life and run cooler (according to earlier reports on Duo processor equiped machines that are already in use) than the T 4x series.
Now if I could just get one in the next 2-3 weeks!

[DataAve]

Bill Morrow. He owns this board. I haven't come accross any complaints from anyone buying from him.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/profile.php? ... rofile&u=3

http://www.thinkpads.com/start.htm