Choosing the right screen size and some useless ranting...

[ThinkyOnTheBrain]

Hey guys,
I've been seriously considering purchasing a new T42, and I wonder if I should get a 14.1" or a 15.1". This will be my first laptop, I'm not accustomed to travelling with one or to having one as a desktop replacement. I should mention that I can't work with a resolution higher than 1024x768.
I'm posting here even though I could go to a more general forum, but since I'm mostly thinking about the T42, I wonder, perhaps there'll be an added value

Oh yes, I also promised some useless ranting... I'm banging my head against the wall trying to make up my mind between the NC6000 and the T42. As you probably know, the reviews praise both, but seem to ignore some issues (does the NC6000 seem to be built of cheaper plastic or am I imagining?). I have a gut feeling that the T42 is better, only less comfortable. Actually the last part isn't a gut feeling, I actually dislike some issues, i.e. the keyboard. I want that Windows key, [censored] it!
I have said that it's useless ranting... I don't expect anyone to have anything to add to an old thread I have found that covers enough of this discussion. Oh well.

Thanks in advance.

[Vasant56]

For your uses, and the fact that you are using XGA, 14" would be a better alternative IMO

[AssPenny]

Thinkpads also have a 30 day money back policy. If you hate it, send it back. (you wont tho)

I have used many laptops, so far, Thindpads have been the best. I do like some of the Sony's too.

[ThinkyOnTheBrain]

I can actually get both models at the same price. One store sells the 15.1" cheap and the other sells the 14.1" at a higher price

It's about $80 or so, so I think it's just a matter of choosing the right size because it fits, not because bigger equals better. Anyhow I was pretty sure I should go for the 14 inch before I made the post. Thanks.

Where I live there's no money back policy... However, HP offer an improved tech-support service, a VIP service, for no extra charge for all business notebooks. IBM do not offer that, even though I still suspect that the NC6000 has a much bigger chance of falling apart after a short while. And it's only a $100 cheaper. Hmmmm.

[sktn77a]

1024x768 limits your choice to a low end radeon 7500 chipset. You can get either the 14" or 15" with this chipset. I have pretty old, tired eyes (both near and farsighted and astigmatism too...............) The 1024x768 is fine for me on the 14". Higher resolutions (1400x1050) are a real challenge on either for me (tough, at a pinch, on the 15" but absolutely no-go on the 14"). And forget 1600x1200!!!

On the bright side, you should be able to pick up a nice T4x for a good deal with these specs

Keith

[mtj]

I should mention that I can't work with a resolution higher than 1024x768.

What you likely mean, but did not say, is that you want a pixel density no greater than whatever 1024x768 display you find acceptable. Imagine a display device twice as wide and twice has high as that one (big TV, for example). In this case 2048x1536 would be comfortable for you because the pixel density would be the same.

It may be that a 15" thinkpad with the 1400 display would be the same as you are used to liking. Do some math or look for the "dpi" ratings to make an infomred choice on this.

[ThinkyOnTheBrain]

Actually, I couldn't use a resolution higher than XGA even on a 20" screen I once had at the office. Perhaps I used 1152x854. Although that was some time ago when monitors were not as good...
Anyhow, you would think it's a math thing but it really isn't. If only I could rely on common sense

[jaykay]

Hey Thinky...
Were you actually able to see/touch the NC6000? I was really torn between the NC6000 and the IBM T42 for awhile as well. However, when I called around my local computer stores, no one carried it! Then I called HP and they said that it is only sold on the internet...

[ThinkyOnTheBrain]

Yeah, I was. I know how laptops are never on display when you need them!
The company I worked for until recently owns a few, and also a few IBM laptops as well - among them a T41 or two - so I have had a chance to compare. I even came to work for a few hours as a freelancer so I could lay my hands on an NC6000
The NC6000 really is a good laptop. IBM laptops seem to be of better build quality, and their screen is slightly better, but I really don't have a problem with the NC6000's screen whereas some people do.

[DaveH]

Regarding the Windows Key... you can remap your keyboard. Replaced CapsLock (nearly never used) with the Windows Key. If you need a CapsLock key, then replace your Right-Alt with CapsLock. If you need all three (who uses Right-Alt?!), then you're out of luck...

Regarding 14" vs 15". Reportedly the 15" have a better build quality. They don't flex as much and feel more solid. They're also heavier and wider, but give you a larger screen. The 14" is thin and light, but almost feels flimsy by comparision. There are a lot of 15" laptops out there... but fewer 14", amongst which the Thinkpad is the best.

Since I use my notebook as a literal laptop- working off my thighs- I opted for the 14" and am pretty satisfied. Good luck on your decision.

[MichaelMeier]

..

[pianoprodigy]

One of the main things I wanted in a laptop was a "bright" screen. I found the T42 with Flexview to be the best screen to meet my needs without the annoying glare from the Sonys and other such screens. Another guy in my class has the 14" T42, and it is definitely smaller. The size of my 15" is great for me, and I am happy with my decision. I love the 1400x1050 resolution for the screen real estate.