Three machines, price no object -- what should i do?

[tasat]

I'm planning to make a T60 (or p) purchase fairly soon, but I'm hung up on which machine to go with. I'll be using this for a number of things, basic apps, software dev, imaging, and some CAD down the line, I'm looking at:

2623 DDU - 2Ghz, 1GB RAM, 15" UXGA, v5200/256MB, 100GB 7200 RPM HD
2623 DCU - 2Ghz, 512MB RAM, 15" SXGA+, X1400/128MB, 100GB 5400 RPM HD
2623 D8U - 2Ghz, 1GB RAM, 14.1" SXGA+, X5200/256MB, 100GB 7200 RPM HD

They've all got DVDRW, WiFI, WWAN, BT, 9Cell, and 3 year limited warranty.

If the pricing that my supplier is showing was significantly different, perhaps the decision would be easier, but it's not. They're all within a couple hundred dollars of each other -- so i't s not a factor.

It's coming down to screen size, resolution, and options like memory, HD speed, and the 'p' designation.

I'd go with the DDU, I like the screen size, and don't mind the extra weight, but I'm just a little hestiant to go with the UXGA -- things are just a little too small. Jumping down to the DCU gives SXGA+, but the 5200 rpm HD, the x14000, and loss of the 'p'. Then there's the D8U, with all the options of the 'p' but a slightly smaller screen.

So my questions:
1. Does the 'p' only mean those options highlighted above?
2. Can I buy a DCU and make it 'p' like by swapping the HD, and graphics card? Is it worth it?
3. Given the importance of the screen the best thing would be to try the different types -- but I haven't been able to find these machines in any retail stores. Any places where I could try one? If not what do you prefer, and why?
4. What would you do?

Thanks... I'd really appreciate any insight.

[dr_st]

I'd get the 15" UXGA P-model. Screen is just better (Flexview) and it's possible to adjust the font sizes to make it easier on the eyes, if the default size is too small (and it probably will be).

You can get non-P models with 7200RPM hard drives, or you can swap the hard drive. You CANNOT get a non-P model with the FireGL video card and you CANNOT swap the videocard. That's why I'd go for the P model - it's the best configured one.

[hoya]

your profile doesn't say where you live, but in case you are in New York City, RCS Computer experience carries several T4x series.

I would also go for the p model with UXGA and use Liquid View to increase the size of the fonts on the screen:

http://personalcomputing.portrait.com/u ... rview.html

[RonS]

I ordered the DDU. The quality of the Flexview display on the 15" model is definitely superior to that on the 14.1" non-Flexview display. I don't think anyone can argue that point.

But the 15" display model is larger and heavier. If you carry it around a lot, that is a very important consideration. I own T42p models with both the 14.1" and 15" displays, and I will always reach for the 15" simply because I need the extra screen real estate for the software development that I do.

I know other thinkpad users (one a student, another is a salesman) who wouldn't consider anything but the 14.1" because of its smaller size.

The 15" display has a dot pitch (DPI) of 133.33, and the 14.1" has a 124.11 DPI. That means that the same font will appear smaller on the 15" display, because the pixels are packed more tightly. I personally prefer this, but other people with less than perfect vision may not. But since the 15" Flexview screen is so much crisper than the 14.1", the smaller text is actually clearer and easier to see.

The only way to really know which is best for you is to use both side-by-side. One option is to order both from IBM and return the one that you don't want. You get a 30-day no questions asked return period from IBM.

Footnote: Another difference between the 14.1" and 15" displays is that the ThinkLight on the 14.1" model shines in my eyes when it's on - very irritating. The 15" version just shines on the keyboard.

[tfflivemb2]

The choice for me would be between the DDU and the D8U. The toss up would be whether I wanted 14" or 15" display. 14's are a little more portable, than a 15" display.

The DCU wouldn't even be an option for me, since it has a slower hard drive and a slower video card.

[grimmster]

I would get the 14" and a docking station. Then when you travel, you get the smaller lighter laptop, when at home you can be docked and use a nice 20" LCD screen or something.