I will burn in hell..... I know it....

[MrBeta]

I will burn in hell..... I know it....



Couple days ago I ordered a T42p with 14.1" SXGA screen as I wanted the smaller size & ligher notebook, but with still decent resolution. I think everyone with the 14" screen convinced me it is not as bad as some make it out to be (ie: people with the Flexview LCDs)

Today, though, I ordered a second T42p model, with 15" UXGA/Flexview, to put these two to the ultimate test, side by side. Yes, this is the part where I burn in hell - buying two $3500+ laptops in one week. But not being able to see them in a store somewhere to touch, feel, smell (well...) and compare the screens, this is the best I think I'll be able to do. One of these will be up for sale a few days after I get them both and compre side by side.

Oh, one question for those who have experience with these models. The first one I ordered with 14" LCD I opted for the CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo, which writes to CDs at 24X. The second one with 15" LCD comes with DVD-multi drive, but that one only writes CDs at 16X. Being spoiled with 48X Plextor burner on my desktop, can anyone comment on the real-world usefullness of the (slower) DVD-multi over the other drive? Other than perhaps burning CD ISO images, I don't see a huge need for burning DVDs while traveling...

Wish me luck - trying to decide which Thinkpad to keep. It's going to be a fun few days I hope - both seem to be perfectly great machines on paper, the killer I suspect will be the LCD image size vs portability factor.

[DaveH]

Good luck with your choice!

If you want to redemption and spare yourself the fiery flames of Hell, maybe you should take advantage of your situation and use it to create a comprehensive review to help future forum goers with the same dilemma?

Ideally, you'd have hires digital photos of the screens to demonstrate the difference, as well as your own subjective feelings on weight, size, build quality, sound, etc.

[mtbiac]

instead of selling the one that you aren't keeping, why not take advantage of IBM's 30day money back gurantee?

its painless and you get All of your $$ back.

[Vasant56]

Too bad you didn't get two SXGA+'s, because I'm currently debating which one I want.

[MrBeta]

instead of selling the one that you aren't keeping, why not take advantage of IBM's 30day money back gurantee?

Not an option... I didn't buy these direct from IBM, but I got a nice enough discount that even if I have to sell one as "one week old" on eBay (or here), I don't think I will lose any money.

All in all, the only thing I will do for the first few days is just compare the actual screens and size/weight - the rest of the systems being equal (okay, one has a CD-RW/DVD, the other has a DVD-multi drive). I think I will actually know for sure which one to keep on the very first day, so the unit will be virtually brand new. I promise to wipe my fingerprints and not leave any marks on it.

[MrBeta]

Too bad you didn't get two SXGA+'s, because I'm currently debating which one I want.

You mean 14.1" and 15" SXGA? Between these two, hands down, I would go for the 14.1" - the resolution is the same, but the notebook is noticeably smaller and almost a pound lighter. The only reason I'm contemplating the bigger/heavier 15" is the UXGA/Flexview screen, not the lower res SXGA.

[GreenLight]

instead of selling the one that you aren't keeping, why not take advantage of IBM's 30day money back gurantee?

its painless and you get All of your $$ back.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!
It took me 9 weeks to get a refund from IBM for the T40 that I returned

[2112]

Crazy, but someone has to do it!! When you get both in front of you would you mind commenting on the build quality between the two. I'm waiting on a 2373 KTU 14.1, and I've read some comments saying the 15" is built better. I like the built like a brick idea, but is the brick the 15" and the 14" is just average? I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance Thanks in advance man!

[Vasant56]

Too bad you didn't get two SXGA+'s, because I'm currently debating which one I want.

You mean 14.1" and 15" SXGA? Between these two, hands down, I would go for the 14.1" - the resolution is the same, but the notebook is noticeably smaller and almost a pound lighter. The only reason I'm contemplating the bigger/heavier 15" is the UXGA/Flexview screen, not the lower res SXGA.

The resolution is the same, but isn't it a lot harder to see? I REALLY wish I could see one in person..

[Vasant56]

Here is a comparison someone did a little over a month ago[/url]

[MrBeta]

The resolution is the same, but isn't it a lot harder to see? I REALLY wish I could see one in person..

Hmmm, I've had a 14" 1400x1050 SXGA before and it was very readable. 1600x1200 on a 15" LCD is a little worrisome at first, too - it's like squishing my 21.3" LCD at the same resolution into a significantly smaller 15" screen.

But then again, I also have a very small Sony Picturebook with 8.9" screen running at 1280x600 (wide screen) and at first it feels awfully small, but then you realize the screen and fonts are incredibly sharp, which makes it very easy on the eyes.

I wish my home 21.3" LCDs actually run at much higher resolution - so much screen size, so "little" desktop space - even between two monitors.

I guess I'll know for sure how small everything is on the 15" UXGA when I get one in my hands.

[2112]

sweet! Thanks Vasant, I hadn't seen that one