help me choose a T43...

[pointfielder]

Hi All:

I am thinking of buying one of the following T43 models:

T43 266897U Pent M 760 2.00 512MB 15.0" SXGA+ X300 80HS DVD±RW IBM 11a/b/g II
T43p 2687D5U Pent M 760 2.00 1GB 15.0" UXGA 128MB 80HS DVD±RW Intel 11a/b/g

I won't be playing any games, just some surface rendering related to molecular simulations.
Can I get away with the 64MB x300? I will be keeping the machine for at least 4 to 5 years
and want to make sure that it will be good enough at least till then.

Thanks in advance for your comments and suggesitons.

[pointfielder]

>> No takers yet???

[gazingwa]

It depends on the price, if graphics power doesn't matter, and you don't need UXGA get the standard t43. But if you want the resolution and might do some more complex 3d rendering get the t43p, remember, the professional models do have a higher resale value in the end, so you will be able to recoup SOME of the cost difference

[kev009]

The T43p has a better screen too. If you're going for a 15", the UXGA is the only one to go for. 4-5 years TCO would say go for the T43p as that machine is good to go with 1GB RAM and parts that cannot be upgraded. Resale value will remain higher too. All in all I'd say the D5U is a cheaper buy in the long run. On the other hand you may wish to consider getting a lower end machine (T42 like the FVU) and plan on a 2-3 year TCO as I think there will be significant advancement in the next few years (dual core chips, etc).

[dfumento]

I wouldn't get the 15" SXGA+. I have a 15" A31p UXGA and I prefer the 14" SXGA+ T42 I bought because it is alot more portable. But you have to decide whether you want UXGA or SXGA+

The T43p is based on the X600 which is supposed to be about 25% faster than a 9600 in the T42. You can look up the X600 and X300 on the ATI web site and compare.

If you are looking for performance I'd consider a stragy of selling on e-bay because things are going to change alot (like dual core processors this time next year). Prices hold up fairly well. Check out ebay.

Depending on your discounts I'd consider the 2378FVU upgraded to 3 year warranty and 512MB additonal RAM. Also, I wouldn't spend additonal money for the fastest processor: The difference between the 1.8 and 2.0 is only 10% CPU. Amount of RAM and a faster hard drive would be more significant.

Check the FAQ in my signature for discounts and other things.

[pointfielder]

thanks guys!

i do have access to EPP discount, so i don't mind going for the T43p.

also i have read on this forum that the x300 (or x600) graphics
card is soldered in, so cannot be upgraded later.

[Aramitz]

UXGA is amazing for watching DVDs, TV etc...