How rugged is a T40/T41 compared to a lenovo T60?

[kryft]

Hi,

I originally thought I'd get a new 14" lenovo T60. The machine seems perfect for my needs: it's fairly light and sturdy (it's even coke resistant!), and has great battery life --- stellar if I replace the optical drive with another battery.

The only downside is the price. I noticed that I could get a refurbished T40/T41 for almost 1000 euro less. I understand the battery life is similar, and cpu speed isn't that important to me in a laptop, so my main concern is the durability of the machine. I don't intend to take it into a combat zone, but I would like to carry it around in my backpack without having to worry about it getting damaged. How does the t40/t41 compare to the new t60 in this department?

Incidentally, I'll probably be running Ubuntu on whichever thinkpad I get, but I understand that shouldn't be a problem in any case.

[Pascal_TTH]

Both are nice. Before my T41p, I got a T40p. He died just after 3 years, graphic issue... It seems to be the most common reason of death for T4x. According to what I read, it's due to some flex from the chassis witch blend the mainboard and break the solders of the GPU.

I just switch to a new T60p and give the T41p to my wife. My T60p is more rigid then the T41p. It's noticiable when you lift the laptop by a corner of the plamrest.

You can find a T4x for about 500 € from markeplace in most hardware website forum. T60 are not common in second hand.

[Eric Giles]

As Pascal mentioned, the T4x series (especially the T40, 41, and 42 models) are known for their GPU issues due to chassis flex. The big thing is never, NEVER!! picking up a T4x with one hand at the front corner of the palmrest. Repeatedly doing that will cause the GPU problem-it's just a matter of time.

The T6x series seem to be much sturdier due to their roll cage design. As much as I have loved the T4x series, the T6x is sturdier and should hold up better to abuse over the long haul. I use both models everyday, and I move my T40 around with the utmost of care, always using two hands to hold it. My widescreen T60p feels much sturdier and doesn't have the flex of the T40, even though it is heavier and is larger.

If you decide to go with a T4x, just make sure you have some warranty left. But also realize-T60 models are now becoming much more reasonable in price, and for only a few hundred more you can find a new one with a full warranty.

[kryft]

If I take care not to move it around with one hand, can I expect it to survive in my backpack?

[sagara]

I now have a T42, which hasn't left the house as yet, but my previous T41 had travelled a lot - six months in Australia and New Zealand, plus daily travel to and from work for 18 months on my bike (cycle), plus train journeys to seminars, etc. around the UK (including Scotland), and not a single problem. I carried it around in a small rucksack (25 Litres) with books, etc. on these trips, and it survived two crashes on my bike! And I must admit, I would often pick it up gripping only one corner of the palm rest - didn't realize it was a problem, but maybe I was lucky! I used to use an 'ordinary' rucksack, but for my trip down to Australia and New Zealand I bought an Osprey Flux rucksack (25 litres), which has a slightly protected 'pouch' for slotting a laptop in, and the T41/42 fit perfectly - and this rucksack is waterproof. Go for it!