Why not to by a T42...

[schmaud]

Why not to by a T42

Quite a few “newbies” in the forum want to learn if the T’s are right for them. May be it is useful to assemble a list of imperfections/disadvantages/annoyances, that they can decide if this is going to be annoying for them or not, and can compare this to other models.
If we are lucky, people from IBM and Levenco might have look as well.
Here is what I noted in the month since I got my T42 2372-FWG, I guess it will apply to most 14.1 inch T-4x:

- If the laptop is packed tight, the keyboard seems to touch the screen, potentially leaving marks.
- Built quality seems to be variable, I was obviously not getting one of the better ones (search for thai or chinese keyboard and sanyo batteries in the forum), At least my laptop is not quite up to par to the old IBM laptops I know.
- Left hand rest is a bit wobbly, I am afraid to break of the thin plastic directly above the pc-card slot in the long run. It can be easily be moved up an down by ~ 1 mm
- Right lower corner of the keyboard bend a bit, return an error keys are therefore a bit noisy (look for napkin in this forum).
- Battery fits not perfect; there is some 0.5-1 mm movement ( I have a sanyo).
- Above the cd drive is some unwanted space, maybe some paper/pens can get mixed up in there in a bag
- There is no “blank” for the cd-slot provided, if you want to travel without the drive provided with the system (I believe they are available, just not included as standart)
- The IR port might be handier on the side; I have to park my siemsens ME45 directly in front of the keyboard.
- The two USB ports are directly on top of each other, if you have a bulky USB stick (e.g. a MP3 player) you need an extra cable if you have to use both ports
- The kensigton lock hole is quite close to the usb ports; lock and (my) USB stick can not be used simultaneous.
- There is no built in card reader and the pc-card slot is a bit shorter than most cards, thus something is sticking out if you add ports in this way
- Ports are not cover with dust protectors
- The pre installed is in one (not hidden) partition, a split system/ data portioning would make more sense
- Quite a lot of the supplied software is making problems if you are not working as administrator (and you really should not do this from a security few point). E.g. I can only change between energy schemes as administrator

To avoid misunderstandings:
I have the IBM because it is the best laptop I could find for me.
I know that for all other systems I could make a similar list but longer.

I just thought such a list might be as useful for people shopping around as all the hymns on build quality and service song here.


cheers

ralf

[trikster2]

Nice list

Thank you very much!

For the other T42 experts: I travel with my compact flash reader stuck in the PCCARD slot for downloading camera pictures.

Is the problem with cards sticking out on the 14" T42 also a problem on the 15" T42?

Thanks again!

[Leon]

they are the same length.

trikster2, welcome to our forum. Please add location and other pertinent information to your profile. Not required, but appreciated.

[trikster2]

Ok here's a tougher question for the class:

Does the Expresscard 54 in the T43 stick out?

[spoon]

well, the perfect laptop does not exist, and the most of things you mention in the list are not big deal. With respect to me, there are only two things that bother me about my T42
a) It does not have firewire. That's the worst
b) It does not exist a cheap and fast DVD burner for the ultra-slim

Said that, I really like the T42. Light, powerfull, and solid. Not many laptops like it.

Regards.

[skuehne]

a) It does not have firewire. That's the worst
b) It does not exist a cheap and fast DVD burner for the ultra-slim

Exactly the only two things that bother me. But for now I can live with both of them. Would be nice if IBM could get rid of the absolutely useless parallel port and include a FireWire and/or additional USB ports ...

Said that, I really like the T42.

Same here. A really, really nice machine. I love it!

Sven

[vutown]

Guys,

I just ordered my T42! $1704 for 2 year depot service and upgrade to 512MB with the Visa discount.

Anyhow, I was traveling with my dell and carried it in a tight bag. Now I find horizontal marks and it's annoying. Anyway I can prevent this?

-Vu

[skuehne]

Anyhow, I was traveling with my dell and carried it in a tight bag. Now I find horizontal marks and it's annoying. Anyway I can prevent this?

- Thin piece of foam between the screen and the keyboard
- Hard shell case
- Not packing too tightly

Sven

[greg0815]

- There is no built in card reader and the pc-card slot is a bit shorter than most cards, thus something is sticking out if you add ports in this way

What kind of cards have you tested? I tried a compact flash card adapter and an old SCSIcard. Both fit perfectly.

[erozsolt]

I really respect IBM with Thinkpads' T line, but I have to agree with the list, and add one bug, just because maybe there is someone from IBM who can see this thread.

For the detailed information look at:

The debate on the fan... ...seems to be the main thread

T4x fan noise: some findings

Stopping the 'fan always on' problem once and for all!

Silencing Thinkpads - T40 louder than R50e

T40p fan doesn't stop

Arggh! how can I get this FAN to go off?

fan runs, hard drive noise

t42 fan running constantly with new bios SOLVED- bug !! (note, SOLVED is a mistyping here...)

underclocking a t42? Interesting thread

Fan on most of the time after CPU upgrade

[CoolDragon]

Great post.

Although Thinkpad is the best one running Windows, it has some problems. Maybe IBM is just too big and doesn't want to change fast, but these things on T4X is really annoying:

1. Useless parallel port
2. No firewire
3. CD/DVD slot gap ( unbelievable! Doesn't they PREVIEW their design before manufacture? )
4. USB ports are too close

[dfumento]

Should have a DVI port like the Apple Powerbooks instead of the VGA. Now you have to have a port replicator or dock to get the DVI.

[Leon]

Most of the criticisms are correct, but the title is wrong.

In spite of everything:

I've been in IS at the Executive Level for over 15 years;

I use my laptop as my ONLY machine extensively throughout the day, 7 days a week;

I can buy ANY laptop I want (actually, I CAN'T AFFORD to buy one that is dis-optimal, regardless of the price.);

I would not have any other laptop other than my current T42 (It is not blind brand loyalty. Quite the opposite; if/when a better machine comes out, I will buy it the same day);

If the T42 cost significantly more, i would buy it again;

I hope that IBM corrects the deficiencies noted above, and continues to improve the machine overall;

In the mean time: Thank You IBM!

[dfumento]

Buy the man a drink!!

[greg0815]

Should have a DVI port like the Apple Powerbooks instead of the VGA. Now you have to have a port replicator or dock to get the DVI.

Why not using the DVI of the dock or the replicator? Makes more sence since many old CRTs or ever LCD-projectors only have normal VGA - which is btw also more sturdy

[Leon]

I accept; Eden on Broadway? Just a short walk (from CU) for you!

Buy the man a drink!!