GVU or 9ZU?? (T42p vs. T42) help!

[mtbiac]

I cant decide on which model to get. The GVU will cost me $100 more.

GVU=T42p- 14.1 SXGA+, 1.8ghz, 512mb, 60gb 7.2krpm, combo drive, 9 cell, fireGL 128mb, etc

9ZU = T42 - 14.1 SXGA+, 1.8ghz, 512mb, 80gb 5.4krpm, DVD-RW multiburner, 6 cell, 64mb 9600, etc

I cant decide if the differences are worth it. Main reason I want the FireGL is for A) possibly faster speeds in gaming/graphics (is this true?) B) more future proof (i think?) and C) bragging rights , even though despite the above it gets alittle bit less batt life. The GVU also has a faster HD (size difference doesnt matter to me), and the 9cell which I guess is a plus although could be annoying having it stickout the back? BUT the 9ZU has a DVD-RW which could come in handy but i'm questioning how often I'd use it since I have a 250gb external HD now

Thanks for your advice.

[apoll0]

Why are there so many people who can't even decide what they want?

I think you should go with the GVU -- faster HD, better GPU, 9 cell battery.
It's worth an extra $100 (if you have to spare)

As for the DVD-RW with the 9ZU, i don't think it's worth it to spend on that unit on your laptop, cause i doubt you'll use it that often. I'd rather buy a DVD burner for the desktop.

[mtbiac]

heh thanks for the advice. I was leaning towards the GVU also but wasn't sure if it was a goood move so came here for reassurance

I'm gonna call IBM in an hour or so and if I can convince them to drop tax/ship then I'll order it any tips on how to do that? i;ve heard it can be done easily (i'm also using an EDU discount)


thanks

[nowstime]

Go with the T42p...it's worth the extra cost...it gives you more satisfaction...that "p" goes a long way...

If you're using a EDU discount...call Lenny at IBM.com...he handles EDU models...

Sales Representative: Lenny Holstad
Email Address: lholstad@ibm4pcs.com
Phone Number: (800) 656-0833 ext. 6140
Fax Number: (480) 889-8467
Technical Support: (800) 426-7378

Hope you get a good one~~~

[spotter]

I thought the FireGL was actually clocked a tiny bit slower than the 9600, but not much to make a huge difference?

On the other hand for long term gaming it has the edge as the extra ram will come into play down the road.

[Conmee]

For $100, it's a no-brainer... go with the GVU as has been suggested. What's there to think about? $100 is nothing when you're looking at $2500-$3500 systems. If you're that price-sensitive you should be getting a Dell, dude... lol ;>

Seriously, the drive, 9-cell and FireGL are worth it... As for gaming/graphics, you won't see any significant performance difference for gaming, as the graphics cores are identical, and clocked the same. The memory on the MR9600 is clocked slightly faster than the FireGL, but the 128MB of video ram is crucial for today's games that can use that extra memory for all the textures.

Nothing annoying about the 9 cell, especially when you're watch a DVD or killing aliens while everyone else around you is shutting down, changing batteries, etc, and you're still running strong at hour 5... lol

Daniel.

[mtbiac]

ARGHHH. I miscalculated my bank balance and I'm about $100 short of the 9ZU and $250 short of the GVU (it was actually alittle more than $100 difference, then forgot about tax and such)

I need the laptop by aug. 17th when I leave for college, and there's only about a 60% chance i'll have enough for the GVU by end of this week. :-/

[Leon]

if you put it on (anyones) credit card, you have 30 days before billed!

[Hangfire]

Now that's what I call "creative" financing!

[mtbiac]

if you put it on (anyones) credit card, you have 30 days before billed!

its a visa check/debit card
no CC as of yet (poor college student)

[Leon]

BUT... if you give the majority of the $$$ (which you have) to a friend or relative who has one, they can put it on theirs, and they don' have to pay for 30 days....

[mtbiac]

well my parents are strong believers in the "dont buy something unless you have the $$ in your hand" motto although my mother does rack-up a huge CC bill each month. Guess its worth a shot...

[Leon]

seems a small amount to loan you where ur putting up so much.. tell her that I'll guarantee the loan!

[mtbiac]

LOL

will do!

ACtually, I'm just gonna wait until friday (payday) and I should have just enough to get it

hope for the best

[G-Man]

...then starving in the next two weeks.

Regards,
G-Man