What should I buy: T42p or T43p? 14" or 15"?

[slasko]

Hello all.

I have a problem with what I should buy? I have always planned to buy the T42p but now I am in doubt I have a choice between the following 2 thinkpads, and the price difference is not very noticeble.

T42p with 15" screen and 2.1Ghz CPU, 333MHz ram, and 400MHz FSB

T43p with 14" screen and 1.8Ghz CPU, 533MHz ram, and 533MHz FSB

I would properbly rather own a 15" screen however, if the T43p is noticebly faster in perfomance than the T42p then i can live with a small 14" screen.

Does anyone know if there is a difference in performance between these two graphic cards?
T42p have a ATI MOBILITY FIRE GL T2
and
T43p have a ATI MOBILITY FIRE GL V3200

T42p 2373-Q2G
T43p 2668-G4G

[sonoma]

In terms of graphics performance, I don't think the difference between the two high-end graphics cards is so great. Both graphics are top of the range and are equally fantastic. True FIRE GL V3200 will slightly outperform its predecessor largely thanks to the upgraded chipset and PCI Express interface.

You should also consider the form factor. 14" is slightly smaller in size than its 15" counterpart. However, again the size difference is not too great. To me, they are about the same size (I have seen both side by side). However, the thickness of the LCD cover is the most distingushing factor. 15" LCD is much thicker but at the same time much stronger and tougher. Tradeoffs.

15" is also a couple of hundres of grams heavier. However, 15" screens boast much wider viewing angles and are fantastic when watching a DVD.

FSB 533MHz is surely better than 400MHz FSB in general. However, I don't think you can notice the performance difference. Higher figures not necessarily means humans will notice or feel the difference by exactly that margin. How could you possibly judge if 533MHz is EXACTLY or even roughly 133MHz faster than 400MHz. Just humans psychological placebo effects I guess.

Also note that if you order T43p you will have to wait until next month or so before IBM can actually start shipping them. FYI I am using a T43 but if my budget was enough I would surely have bought T42p.

Here is my recommendation:

T42p VS. T43 --> go for T42p
T42p 15" VS. T43p 14" --> go for T42p
T42p 15" VS. T43p 15" --> go for T43p

Other people might have different opinions. However, all I can tell you is I have been in your position and do understand how difficult it is to decide between the aging T42 and the brand new T43.

[RonS]

I agree. The 15" Flexview display on the T42p alone is worth getting the T42p. I'm willing to bet that the 2.1 Dothan will outperform the 1.8 Sonoma.

I'd go for the T42p.

[daeojkim]

I totally agree with RonS. I would get the 42p for the 15" and 2.1 Dothan, which will easily outperform 1.8 Sonoma.

[BillMorrow]

get the T43p with the 15inch 1200x1600 flexview..

[slasko]

Hey

Tank you all very much for the nice replies it was nice to get a second hand opinion. I am buying the T42p with the large display so i can watch some movies and play a few games beside, the laptop is going to replace my desktop and I am used to 17" screen.

get the T43p with the 15inch 1200x1600 flexview

Hehe yep that would be super nice but it would crash my economy.