T43 - help configuring, please

[Ripper]

Guys-

I'm going to order my first Thinkpad, a T43, in the next few days. I would appreciate some help.

First of all, can someone make sense of these wireless options for me? Which do I want? I care more about performance, range, and battery life than cost.

IBM 11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter [$84.55]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter [$94.05]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II [$38.00]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II (US) [$61.75]
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI Adapter from IBM [$56.05]
Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Mini PCI Adapter [$9.50]

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Second, how can I get the 60gb 7200rpm drive? I can't seem to find it as an option on the configuration page. Is the 80gb high speed drive a 7200rpm drive, or just 5400? There's a big performance increase from 5400 to 7200, right?

Third, if I order Microsoft Office, will they give me the CDs? I heard IBM doesn't like providing discs. Would I do better on price buying it elsewhere myself?

Finally, what's the deal with these warranties? Which are recommended for students rather than businesses?

Thanks very much in advance!

[Aramitz]

Guys-

I'm going to order my first Thinkpad, a T43, in the next few days. I would appreciate some help.

Second, how can I get the 60gb 7200rpm drive? I can't seem to find it as an option on the configuration page. Is the 80gb high speed drive a 7200rpm drive, or just 5400? There's a big performance increase from 5400 to 7200, right?

Thanks very much in advance!

Hi
The 80 Gb is a 5400 rpm
Only the 60 Gb is a 7200
Between 5400'n 7200 it's like day'n night

[Ripper]

So... how do I order one?

[Ripper]

I'd appreciate some help with my original post, guys. I need to order this week. Have pity on a newb, please.

[Leon]

Get the least expensive IBM a/b/g they will sell you, when you call in, request a configuration with the 7200rpm drive, yes, they'll give you the Office CD, it would be more expensive elsewhere.

Call/contact Bill for a quote.

Please add your Location and other relevant information to your profile.

[BillMorrow]

Guys-

I'm going to order my first Thinkpad, a T43, in the next few days. I would appreciate some help.

First of all, can someone make sense of these wireless options for me? Which do I want? I care more about performance, range, and battery life than cost.

IBM 11a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter [$84.55]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter [$94.05]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II [$38.00]
IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II (US) [$61.75]
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI Adapter from IBM [$56.05]
Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Mini PCI Adapter [$9.50]

-----

Second, how can I get the 60gb 7200rpm drive? I can't seem to find it as an option on the configuration page. Is the 80gb high speed drive a 7200rpm drive, or just 5400? There's a big performance increase from 5400 to 7200, right?

Third, if I order Microsoft Office, will they give me the CDs? I heard IBM doesn't like providing discs. Would I do better on price buying it elsewhere myself?

Finally, what's the deal with these warranties? Which are recommended for students rather than businesses?

Thanks very much in advance!

get the thinkpad that you can afford, swap the 80gig for a 60gig 7200 (buy online, swap the mounting bracket)..
FWIW, for me i see little performance increase between 80gig 5400 and 60gig 7200 but then the second or five fidderence is trivial..

if you order M$ office ibm gives you the CD..

the recovery CD's are a little harder to get as they now include these on the HDD with a usility to make a set that is up to the minute rather than a month or more, old..

unless you plan to be finished with your thinkpad within a year get one with a 3 year warranty..
if you drop things, get TP protection.. well worth the expense for the peace of mind..

if you are a student, your school will have thinkpads at special prices..

all the above is only my opinion from my point of view, your mileage may vary..