New (new to me anyway) T42p 2373-HTU

[jsteele]

I just received my "new" (IBM refurbed) T42p 2373-HTU with the 15" UXGA display and I'm impressed (I own two T40s so I'm no stranger to the T-series and I'm no stranger to Thinkpads in general as still have a 600x, two 600e and a 560 pressed into service for various tasks around the house

The unit is in excellent shape and still has 15 months of the original warranty remaining. The 15" display is everything people have said about it and even with my questionable eyesight is bright, sharp and clear at 1600x1200 at normal working distances. The only quibble I can find so far is that even compared to the T40s the audio on the T42p is the pits. The volume is always low and "tinny." But then again I didn't buy it as a mobile concert hall

This unit only has the Intel 802.11b WiFi adapter and I'm hopeful of replacing it with the 802.11a/b/g Adapter II to be compatible with my home and office 802.11a and 802.11g networks. I've down this on both my T40s with success so I am hopeful that it isn't any greater challenge on the T42p --- any thoughts from the group on this?

[christopher_wolf]

Well, enjoy your T42 first off.

I don't really forsee a problem with the card swap, excepting the 1802 thing if you have to go through it or if the card is approved anyway.

To my knowledge, they didn't change the speaker hardware specs and they both use the same audio controller. So it is either difference manifest in unit variation between the T42p and the T40, or there are some different settings; but small matter, I agree.

[jsteele]

I've ordered a IBM/Lenovo Mini-PCE Adapter II (from a third party) sso I'm not expecting any 1802 problems. I've dropped this card into a T40 before and that was fairly straightforward. I did notice in the Part List that the WLAN adapter is a CRU on the 14" models but not on the 15" and I'm a bit curious as to whay that is. From the parts layout drawings there doesn't appear to be anything in the way, any moreso than one the T40 machine.

[jsteele]

So far I love the T42p display. At 1600x1200 the crispness and legibility is truly stunning.

But (there is always a but) this thing eats battery! I put in a 6 cell that only had 5 cycles on it and it lasted about 1 1/2 hours! Not only that but the charge indication showed some 45% of charge and 1:30 hours remaining when it suddenly went to 3% and suggested I power down or switch power sources. I have a hard time imagining the the display and the slightly faster processor, 1.8G vs 1.6 in my T40 have this kind of impact on battery life. Not to mention the false remaining charge indication.

Anyone else have this kind of experience with the T4Xp family?

[pianowizard]

So far I love the T42p display. At 1600x1200 the crispness and legibility is truly stunning.

Do you need to be pretty close to the display to be able to see everything?

[jsteele]

Do you need to be pretty close to the display to be able to see everything?

No, I use it at "normal" working distances i.e. arms length, just as I do with my T40 at 1440 resolution. I do a lot of software development so I'm in front of the thing for hours at a time and never had a problem with my T40. Based on my experience with the T42p so far I expect this experience to be the same.

I wear contacts in monovision and my eyesight is shaky but the display is highly legible crisp, bright, etc. It appears to me to be slightly brighter than my T40 and the display appears "cleaner."