Newbie buying questions

[paulgj]

Hello there, I am interested in purchasing my first laptop and have decided on a T4* series Thinkpad. My questions are regarding what the differences are between say the T41, T42 and T43 models? I couldn't find any specific comparison article. The Lenovo spec sheets are just mind boggling in their complexity and in the sheer number of different configurations available.

In particular do all the T models have the wireless antenna in the display for better reception?

Also I am looking for the brightest and sharpest screen technology within this model group? Should I go for the XGA or SXGA? (I currently use a nice Dell 19" flat panel with my desktop with a 1280 x 1024 resolution).

Thanks for any advice and suggestions.

-Paul

[sugo]

You can find the answers by search old posts:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 0+t41++t43

15" SXGA+ or UXGA flexview is the brighter screen among T series.

[paulgj]

Thanks for the link.

[draco2527]

After you read all the reviews on these machines, maybe you will come to the same conclusion I did; the best T4X is the T42 series.

All T4X are good, the T40 was awesome(for a new platform that seemed to hit every nail on the head!); the T41 was with a HD sock sensor added and additional processors availabe with higher MHZ's; the T42 was the same as the T41 BUT with 2MB cache and a smaller nm process on the processor (more clock cycles and less power generated).

The T43 was to be and additional stepping stone by the addition of a higher Front Side Bus to the processor (same processor "design" as the T42 and new chip set on motherboard, also a better 128MB video card on the p series)

The T43 seems to have issues with heat, some have the fan problem some do not; BUT they all seem to get warmer then previous T4X series machines; this is due to the "new" FSB of 533MHZ as opposed to the 400MHZ of the previous T4X generations. It is a good machine, but the fan always kicking on would drive me crazy, since most of my work is done in silence and a dark room. The 533MHZ adds minimal gains if heat/fan cycles are an issue.

I picked the T42p that has a better video card(128MB) and SXGA screen (14.1), you can still get the SXGA screen on non p designated T4X's these are with 64MB video as opossed to the standard 32MB on the XGA models.

There are two basic designations but a LOT of different configurations,

T4X and T4Xp

The range in video ram is from 32MB to 128MB and the screens go from XGA 14.1" to USXGA on the 15.1" model(15" on T42/3 only). The 15.1" seems to add about .5lb to the original 14.1 model as well as some extra lenght of about 1" ( I personaly like the 14.1 form factor and I am not impressed by the 15.1" model...but to each his own)

Also, there are different types of warranty available, from 3 to 6 months for refurbished units to 1 or 3 years for new units as part of the standard warranty (depot repair to Ez-Serv). You can upgrade most 1 and 3 year warranty ThinkPads to ThinkPad protection (insurance for accidental damage) as well increasing the depot warranty to 4 or 5 years; you can also upgrade to NBD on-site warranty from 1 to 5 years (On-site only covers service at a place of business and not a residential address..this is from past experience and might have changed). TPP can ONLY be purchased with a new system OR within 30 days or receiving the system! For $169 if you happen to travel a lot with it, or do a lot of work while around coffe, tea, pop, water or kids/pets then I think it is a great investment...also the on-site warranty is a plus!

Edit: Some models also include BlueTooth and/or fingerprint scanner!!

Hope this helps and let us know what you decide to go with...


I am sure I missed something and people will put forth their personal views/experiences; what you can do to make your decision easier:

Try to find a GOOD quality used computer show in your area (these will usually carry ThinkPads from Corporate/Educational lease programs) and then compare the different T series machines; also call around for places that deal with used laptops; any descent shop will carry Thinkpads.....and stop and have a look....

[Kyocera]

What he said he knoweth of what he speaks

[draco2527]

In particular do all the T models have the wireless antenna in the display for better reception?

Yes! It is a great feature (It took dell two years + to catch up!); but it also picks up additional accespoints that you might never know existed otherwise!

[paulgj]

Wow, thanks draco2527 for your responses. That is some great information.

My main use for the laptop would be for wireless internet related tasks and am also considering playing with Linux, would maybe one of the older machines be a better fit for me? As long as the screens are still good I may not need the full power of the Tx series? I know that I don't need the fingerprint reader and the ability to upgrade the wireless card would be nice. Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

[christopher_wolf]

Wow, thanks draco2527 for your responses. That is some great information.

My main use for the laptop would be for wireless internet related tasks and am also considering playing with Linux, would maybe one of the older machines be a better fit for me? As long as the screens are still good I may not need the full power of the Tx series? I know that I don't need the fingerprint reader and the ability to upgrade the wireless card would be nice. Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

Might as well go with one of the older systems; you aren't going to need the full compute power of the latest T4X Thinkpad, nor highest available graphics, etc. If you are looking for a good deal, you might want to look into the higher end T41 Thinkpads; they have a good balance of features and speed. Either that or a T40 would be good as well. They also have excellent support throughout BSD and Linux. This is another good point of Thinkpads, you can get a system that works just about as well as the latest ones for much less and you are pretty much guaranteed that it will last a long time and you still have gotten enough bang for your buck over the years. Just pay, pick it up, and enjoy it for *far* more than 3 years. Because everyday you will have to live with it, might as well just get the one you like to begin with.

[JaneL]

In particular do all the T models have the wireless antenna in the display for better reception?

Yes! It is a great feature

I know this is the T4x forum, but let's be accurate anyway. All the T models do not have the wireless antenna in the display. All the T4x models do.

[draco2527]

Yes! It is a great feature

I know this is the T4x forum, but let's be accurate anyway. All the T models do not have the wireless antenna in the display. All the T4x models do.

Good catch!.....TY

[paulgj]

Thanks for the additional Info. Before I knew any better I was looking at the butterfly model (701c) as a Linux machine but I think that's just way too slow for use with wireless assuming you could even find a wireless adapter for it.

I will look on eBay at the T40 and 41. How do the R models stack up?