**DECISION MADE** Which T-series Thinkpad to buy?

[BruceDickinson]

I’m seeking advice on which T-series Thinkpad to buy.

The short version of what I want is a 15-15.4” T-series Thinkpad: 1) with a display that can produce a super-bright, white background and render really smooth document fonts; 2) with a great keyboard; 3) that’s quiet-running; and, 4) is a good value for someone who basically just runs Microsoft Word.

(A couple weeks ago when I posted, I thought I wanted a T42P w/ UXGA, but after further reading, I’m not so sure about that anymore.)

Here’s a longer explanation of my main considerations.

1. Display
I want a 15-15.4” display. I work almost entirely in text-only, Microsoft Word documents, one at a time. For this purpose, I want a very bright, very white background with document text that is as smooth as possible. Otherwise, color matters very little. I have a T30, which suits me pretty well, but am now finding its 14” XGA display to be too small, dim and grainy.

I usually like the text in my documents to be pretty big . If the OS is Win XP, I will probably set the custom DPI setting to something fairly large, perhaps 150% or more (in addition to adjusting other software settings like zoom level and Cleartype).

I assume that greater pixel density allows for a smoother rendering of fonts, even when the XP DPI setting is high. If that’s right, then I want a UXGA, SXGA+ or a WSXGA+ display. I don't know whether the possibly smoother fonts in a UXGA display might justify the big price premium over a SXGA+ or WSXGA+ display. Likewise, I don't know if a Flexview display would be significantly better for my needs than, say, a newer T6- TN display. I also don’t know whether Vista offers a big advantage with respect to text quality in documents, but if it does, I might want to go with Vista.

2. Keyboard
--Solid, with a good trackpoint. I hardly use the touchpad. I really like the keyboard on my T30.

3. Noise
--As quiet as possible. My T30 is pretty quiet to me, but I wouldn’t mind something more quiet.

4. Price
I’d like to get a good value, considering my limited/particular computing needs. Used is OK. If I run Win XP, I don’t need a great processor, a lot of RAM, a big hard drive, or a great GPU (except to the extent that the video card affects text quality). If I run Vista (for the superior text quality / scalability?), then I’m not sure how low I can go with the CPU, RAM and GPU.

***

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer advice.

[Aroc]

Get one of those 15 inch SXGA+ flexview (IPS) refurbed models on ebay - last I saw they were going for $650+shipping in the U.S. I believe those models were T42s, but you'll want to check. A T42 would run cooler than a T43 but faster than most T41s.

That's what I would get if I were you.

PS: I need more cow bell (sorry I couldn't resist!).

[BruceDickinson]

Thanks for the advice, Aroc. I found a 15" SXGA+ T42 in great shape on ebay for $500--so I bought it.

Specs:

Mobile P M 1.7GHz 735
512 MB RAM
40GB HDD 5400rpm
15.1" SXGA+
64MB ATI Radeon 9600
CD-RW/DVD
802.11 a/b/g wireless (MPCI)
6-cell battery
Win XP Pro with product key
No remaining warranty

It seemed like a good deal. Hopefully it will fit the bill. If not, then I guess I'll have to move on to something nicer

[crashnburn]

Could you point out to the vendor / ebay seller / store you bought it from?

[BruceDickinson]

crashnburn,

I got it from an original owner. She's not a vendor by any means. In fact, this is just the second thing she's sold in six years as an occasional buyer.

FWIW, there's a very similar, but better machine for $659 (IBM refurb, 3 mo. IBM warranty, 3 year Mack warranty, 1G RAM). Ebay item: 120129347025.

Good luck.

[ryengineer]

I got it from an original owner. She's not a vendor by any means. In fact, this is just the second thing she's sold in six years as an occasional buyer.

Very nice machine.

I also prefer buying from owners than vendors.

[Temetka]

crashnburn,

I got it from an original owner. She's not a vendor by any means. In fact, this is just the second thing she's sold in six years as an occasional buyer.

FWIW, there's a very similar, but better machine for $659 (IBM refurb, 3 mo. IBM warranty, 3 year Mack warranty, 1G RAM). Ebay item: 120129347025.

Good luck.

Hmm, that Mack warranty screams thinkpad world. let me go check.

/runs of to e-bay.

/runs back.

I was right.