Getting T42...final review

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CodeGuru · #1 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:36 am

Hi Guys,

I ahve decided on getting a T42 with EPP.

I have a few questions here.

Is it really worth getting the fingreprint thingie? or would you suggest me to get a 1GB RAM as opposed to the standar 512 MB one?

If I have to Customize my Laptop, This is what I was planning on getting.

I am willing to spend around 1500 with EPP, I will take whatever I can get for around that cost
Please feel free to give your comments

Config
1. Dothan 745 (1.8Ghz)
2. 512/1 GB Ram (based on getting/no-getting fingerprint thing)
3. 60GB HDD
4. Bluetooth
5. 3 yrs depot repair
6. Intel 2200BG WiFi
7. 14.1" SXGA (1400x1050)
8. ATI 9600???
9. Video RAM??
10. 6 cell battery

I am waiting for an hour before I order it.

Sorry for rushing things but i just cant wait to get my lappy:)

CChoi83 · #2 Post by **CChoi83** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:15 am

Before I post my opinion's and suggestions, can I ask exactly which T42 you are getting? Also, I have the fingerprint reader and to me, it's a really great addition to the ThinkPad line. I find it reliable and convenient. If for whatever reason it stops working, you always have the option of typing in your password manually. I would also suggest the 1GB of ram as my T42 had pretty similar specs to yours (I have the 2379-R9U) but it came with 512MB of RAM (which I added another 512 to for a max. of 1GB) and mine came with a 9-cell Li-Ion battery (I also bought another 6-cell) and mine's a 15" SXGA+ screen.

CodeGuru · #3 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:26 am

whats the difference between r9u and m3u?
I am bent on getting a 14.1"

CChoi83 · #4 Post by **CChoi83** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:43 am

Follow the links:

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... logId=-840

CodeGuru · #5 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:24 am

I just spoke to a rep and this is wat I am getting for 1663taxes included

Please tell me if there is something in the config which I might need

Product Description IBM ThinkPad T42 2373 - Pentium M 745 1.8 GHz - 14.1" TFT
Dimensions (WxDxH) 12.2 in x 10 in x 1.2 in
Weight 4.9 lbs
Mobile Technology Intel Centrino
System Type Notebook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, ThinkLight, Bluetooth antenna
Processor Intel Pentium M 745 1.8 GHz
Cache Memory 2 MB - L2 cache
RAM 512 MB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR SDRAM - PC2700 - 333 MHz
Hard Drive 60 GB - 5400 rpm
Optical Storage CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - plug-in module
Display 14.1" TFT active matrix SXGA+ (1400 x 1050)
Graphics Controller ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 - 64 MB
Audio Output Sound card
Telecom Fax / modem - CDC - 56 Kbps
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Wireless NIC Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
Input Device Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Power AC 110/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Battery Lithium ion
Average Run Time 4.5 hour(s)
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional

gazingwa · #6 Post by **gazingwa** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:33 am

How long of a warranty?

CChoi83 · #7 Post by **CChoi83** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:43 am

Everything seems fine but I would suggest getting more RAM. Another 512MB of RAM should suffice. If you plan on doing anything that's memory intensive (Photoshop or graphics, audio/video editing, etc) another GB or so should do it. The hard drive is another story. If you're going to be constantly reading/writing substantial amounts of data you might want a 60GB 7200RPM hard drive (for speed) or a 80/100GB 5400RPM hard drive (for space). Depends on what your needs are. Other than those 2 areas, you're getting an insane deal for a T42. I bought my 2379-R9U for about 2500 excluding taxes and spend another couple hundred for an additional AC adapter, 512MB of ram and a spare 6-cell battery (mine came with the 9-cell). I probably spent close to 3K on mine, of course prices have come down substantially within the last couple of months.

What's the warranty on it though? The site doesn't say how long the warranty period is. I strongly suggest a 3-year warranty.

Whatever you buy or choose for options, let us know. Good luck on the purchase and kudos.

CodeGuru · #8 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:48 am

The rep emailed me back saying it was it his mistake all... 1.8's come with a 60B 7200 rpm.

Sent him an email again for the warranty( I asked for 3 years). I t isnt mentioned anywhere in the quote.

CodeGuru · #9 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:58 am

yup...he confirmed..its the 3 year warranty

CChoi83 · #10 Post by **CChoi83** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 10:19 am

Go for it then. I would, especially at THAT price. If you decide to get more RAM, better to go buy it somewhere else. Search the forums, a lot of suggestions on where to buy it (ie. crucial.com). Good luck!

CodeGuru · #11 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:16 am

is that final, do u want me to improve any config?

CChoi83 · #12 Post by **CChoi83** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:33 am

No... like I said, depends on what you're going to use it for but if you're just going to do the everyday thing like e-mail, web, word processing, some fun here and there, etc it's more than enough.

gazingwa · #13 Post by **gazingwa** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:38 am

Sounds like a great machine, good price too, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

dfumento · #14 Post by **dfumento** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:51 am

Read the FAQ in my signature for a link to directly buy the 512MB RAM and for other things.

lzy_tek · #15 Post by **lzy_tek** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:14 pm

Isn't it the m3u model?

I don't know if $1660 includes tax or not, if not, why buy a m3u instead, it's cheaper.

CodeGuru · #16 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:16 pm

It is the M3U model lzy!

lzy_tek · #17 Post by **lzy_tek** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:18 pm

Then it includes fingerprint reader. What's the price without tax now? Just curious.

You can always buy another 512 MB memory online. It's cheaper than from IBM.

CodeGuru · #18 Post by **CodeGuru** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:32 pm

without taxes is 1539

Getting T42...final review

Getting T42...final review

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