Newbie Looking to Purchase Thinkpad

[arun]

Hey guys,

Just been surfing the site gathering some info. Im looking to buy a TP hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I mostly use desktops and my sister has a T41 and I love using it, so Im looking to get my own.

I'm a little more into computers so something that is going to last a long time and will be futureproof would be great. Here are some of the specs I am looking for. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Arun

Display – 14 or 15 which one looks better, watch DVDs, great resolution

Ram – 512mb, I will be using for a little Photoshop, web design and plan to add
more ram later at a cheaper price.

Speed – I guess anything faster that 1.6, not sure how much difference there is in speed between processors.

Fingerprint – Yes, seems cool and could be useful from remembering all the passwords at different sites. You’re Thoughts?

Optical – Just your basic Combo drive CDRW/DVD ROM

HD – I am reading that the 60gb, 7200 rpm is best of both worlds

Bluetooth – Yes

WIFI – Yes, I don’t know the differences between the Intel and IBM, I use my netgear wifi router at home 54mbs, G router.

Video Card – Not clear on this, but I do not want it to share my system memory and be future proof for the time being at least. Any Suggestions?

Warranty – 3 years is the way to go after reading the forum

So if anyone has a idea of which TP I should purchase, that would be helpful and any discounts would be great.

Thanks.

[Xyrus]

Hehe, my name's Arun too.

Been lurking around here for a week or two and finally registered. I'd recommend getting a T42 with a 15" screen if you don't travel much. Also, the fingerprint scanner is ultra-cool, but in the end, it's unnecessary. It comes standard on the T43 (I think, someone correct me if i'm wrong), but i'd recommend a T42 anyway because when the T43 comes out, the price for the T42 should drop a little, at least. As for wireless, I've read that a bunch of people have issues with the Intel, so go for the IBM if you can; they're all B/G compatible so you're fine. Re video card: if you customize a T42 on the IBM website, the vid card only goes up to 32MB, which will NOT be future-proof for Longhorn, which requires a minimum of 64MB (read that somewhere on this board). So you're probably looking to go for the 64MB Mobility Radeon 9600. 512 ram is enough, plus if you need more you can buy another stick and pop it in.

Browse through the TABook (http://www5.pc.ibm.com/us/me.nsf/webdoc ... tabook.pdf - found that on google, might not be right. the URL is somewhere on this board, you can do a search) for model numbers. The 2378-DXU looks like a great buy for you, although it has the Intel wireless (I'm just a wannabe TP owner so i'm not positive, but I would think the Intel wireless would be fine anyway, unless you travel a lot). That's looking at about 2 grand, from what i could find on Froogle. IBM offers some education discounts (http://www.ibm.com/education/us/), or you can buy from Bill (bill@thinkpads.com). He has great prices and, from what I've read, he's extremely reliable.

Good luck!

[dfumento]

You really didn't mention what you'd be using it for.

You may not need 60GB and 7200 RPM hard drive.

A T43 266846U is a nice value machine with 32 GB free disk space for about $1700 discounted. If you need more disk, you can by a larger hard drive and install it. I wouldn't bother with the fingerprint reader.

See FAQ in my sig for more details.

[JaneL]

>Browse through the TABook (http://www5.pc.ibm.com/us/me.nsf/webdoc ... tabook.pdf - found that on google, might not be right. the URL is somewhere on this board, you can do a search) for model numbers.
>

Try item #1 in the FAQ.

[arun]

Ok I looked at the TABOOK and got some info. I might be able to get a EPP discount that is why Im trying to get the best I can afford.

I just read on another posting that a guy purchased

2668-71U Pentium M 760 2.00 512MB 14.1" SXGA+ X300 80HS Combo ✳ Intel 11a/b/g Mod/Blue Finger Yes 915PM

for $1650.

I think thats a good deal. I might just get that one ... but I'm trying to find out how much that same setup with a 15 inch screen would cost.
which is this

2668-93U Pentium M 760 2.00 512MB 15.0" SXGA+ X300 80HS Combo ✳ Intel 11a/b/g Mod/Blue Finger Yes 915PM

[dfumento]

If you have EPP, that's wonderful.

I wouldn't go for a 15" SXGA+. The 14" is much lighter and more portable and takes less battery power in my view.

The unit you mention sounds like a nice one. You could add an extra 512MB and be all set.

[arun]

Really.. NO 15 inch screen.. hmm

Im not going to be taking it along with me everywhere. But I guess 14.1 will do.

What is this flexview and how do i know if the model i want has it.

Also what does it mean by G or W or E .. global , entry... w??

What does that stand for thanks.

[arun]

I am going to be using this mostly for surfing the web, web design, photoshop, some sql stuff and just general usage. No CAD or anything like. Maybe some games.

I think the 2 choices I listed above would most likely be the best for the money and .. future proof.

One thing I hate is buying something and not having it work with future programs.. such as the new longhorn comming.

[baraider]

i was looking at the 71u too, the only thing i concern is the x300...i have the 9600 on my m3u now so i don't know if it's a trade up or trade down. i don't play any game at all, just concern with future compability

[arun]

I read.. the x300 is PCI express.. so it will work in the future.

[craigg]

Arun,

I just ordered a similar model to what you mentioned except I went with the dvd burner option. I looked at the 14 and 15 side by side and I really preferred the size of the 14" model. I also like the battery life of the 14" models. When looking at both models together I preferred the color saturation on the 14" model but must admit that the 15" model had a wider viewing angle. Personally, I tend to use my laptop more than I ever use any of my desktops now. I like the light weight, compact design, and the ability to run for up to 6 hours on one charge. I am typing now on a 15.4" wide screen and I doubt I will miss it. Another bonus is I ordered the T43 on Friday and it shipped today.

2668-72U Pentium M 760 2.00 512MB 14.1" SXGA+ X300 80HS DVD±RW ✳ Intel 11a/b/g Mod/Blue Finger

[dfumento]

For future compatilbility, read the FAQ in my signature.

2373 M3U is a great machine and a T43 won't give you much better. I'd wait for the Yonah processors at the beginning of next year.

From the FAQ: Longhorn "Aero Glass" Graphics Interface compatibility requires at least 64MB RAM and Direct X9 compatibility. The ATI 9600 and later satisfy this requirement.

[arun]

Craiggggg... how much did ur machine cost.. if u don't mind saying..

[craigg]

$1,754.35

Craiggggg... how much did ur machine cost.. if u don't mind saying..

[aamsel]

The 14.1" Thinkpad T Series is the "flagship model" for IBM. More 14.1" T series are sold by a huge margin than any other size or model. It is the "compromise" of size and weight best suited to the average businessperson.
If you don't travel, then anything will work for you.

Andrew
Austin, TX

Really.. NO 15 inch screen.. hmm

Im not going to be taking it along with me everywhere. But I guess 14.1 will do.

What is this flexview and how do i know if the model i want has it.

Also what does it mean by G or W or E .. global , entry... w??

What does that stand for thanks.

[arun]

I think i have settled on 2 T43's, now I just need to find out the price.

2668-4EU
2668-71U - which Im guessing is still 1650

They have everything I want. Only difference is HD size and chip speed. I don't think you can tell difference between 1.86 and 2.00

Lets see what the EPP people say.

[JaneL]

>Also what does it mean by G or W or E .. global , entry... w??
>

Global, Workhorse, Express.

[arun]

Well what does it mean to have a T43 which is

Global? Workhorse? Express?

[baraider]

arun, i considered exactly the same 2 models you looking at...

i tend to like the 4eu (1.86ghz,40ghd) better because the 71U (2.0ghz,80ghd) is $200 more than the 4eu (epp price).

The difference in speed is almost impossible to know, and i already have a 60 7200 hitachi hd, so i can take the 40ghd stock out.

I like the 43u because it has the new intel wireless card...

let me know when you order and how it goes