2373N1U (T42) vs. 266889U (T43)

Message

thinkpadder2U · #1 Post by **thinkpadder2U** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 2:16 pm

Hi! Law Student here trying to purchase my first thinkpad that I am planning to use for at least 3 years. I am planning to use this to lug around school and also as my main desktop at home. It will be mostly used for a lot of office apps (word processing), web surfing, and very very light gaming if any.

Here are the 2 models I am considering:

2373N1U: $1967.20
Highlights
- IBM ThinkPad T42 2373
- Pentium M 745 1.8 GHz
- Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
- RAM 512 MB
- HD 80 GB
- ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 - 64MB
- CD-RW / DVD
- Mdm
- LAN EN, Fast EN, Gigabit EN, Bluetooth, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g
- 15" TFT SXGA+ (1400 x 1050)

266889U: $1749.00 ++ FREE 512 MB MODULE
Highlights
- IBM ThinkPad T43 2668
- Pentium M 750 1.86 GHz
- Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
- RAM 512 MB
- HD 80 GB
- ATI MOBILITY RADEON X300 - 64MB
- CD-RW / DVD
- Mdm
- LAN EN, Fast EN, Gigabit EN, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g
- 15" TFT SXGA+ (1400 x 1050)

THANKS for any useful input! =)

stgreek · #2 Post by **stgreek** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 2:19 pm

If you are carrying it to school, I'd suggest you go for a 14" T42, such as the 2378-FVU. Cheap, powerful and won't break your back. As for the two models you mention, without looking at the graphics card I cannot judge, but as it seems they offer the same things so just go for the cheaper one.

Oh, and welcome to the forums! Please update your profile with your location, makes life easier for everyone.

Stavros

thinkpadder2U · #3 Post by **thinkpadder2U** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 2:43 pm

Thanks Stgreek! I have added the graphics card info. to both systems! Which one do you think is a better deal?

rickslate · #4 Post by **rickslate** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 3:13 pm

I'd definitely go for the second one: better CPU, free memory upgrade, faster bus, cheaper... no question in my mind. There might be a drop off in battery life but I'd still say go with the T43. I'm about to order a 2668 T43 as well.

thinkpadder2U · #5 Post by **thinkpadder2U** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 4:09 pm

Thanks rickslate! I was also leaning toward the one you suggested (T43). The only thing it's missing is the IBM Security Chip (already has embedded security, fp, and active protection sys) and the bluetooth. Are these 2 features important?

About battery life, I guess I can always get the high capacity lithium ion battery. How long do you think that would extend the battery life when unplugged?

Also, is it true that the T43 is a bit more NOISY as compared to the T42?

Thanks! This forum is great! =)

Batuta · #6 Post by **Batuta** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 6:11 pm

basilio · #7 Post by **basilio** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 6:42 pm

I don't know much about the difference between t42 and t43..

However, if you plan to carry it daily, I think 14" would be good choice or 12" laptop (+ external LCD in your home) would be even better. If you have your office in school, 14" or 15" inches wouldn't be critical.. I'm a graduate student and have my desk in lab and drive everyday.. So, 14" or 15" wouldn't matter because I can put it on my desk all day before I go home. If you begin to leave it in your place because it's a little bit heavy or big or you feel it's not comfortable to carry it whenever you walk around, your labtop might be just left in your home.. But, it's subjective thing.

danny_isr · #8 Post by **danny_isr** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 7:34 pm

Batuta wrote:Keep in mind that the T43p only has one PCMCIA slot and (much) shorter battery life than the T42p.
Only the RAM bus is slower, which should hardly matter in daily life.

The only thing it's missing is the IBM Security Chip (already has embedded security, fp, and active protection sys) and the bluetooth.
As a student you won't need the Security Chip, but you should go for Bluetooth support.
That is by now the standard for short range wireless communication, even so I deemed it not to secure a form of data exchange.

And the T43p is using up lots more energy than the T42p, so it needs more cooling, thus the higher noise level (pardon me my dear T43p owners in this forum).

And the CPU "power" is about the same in both systems.
The main difference is in the Chipset that is used on the motherboard.
The T43p uses the latest Intel chipset for the system's bus, thus the higher bus speed.
But that is only important for very RAM intensive applications.

Did you ever seen a T43 ?

that's funny how you "looked for disadvantages"

"Keep in mind that the T43p only has one PCMCIA slot"
you can write " Keep in mind that the T42p doesnt have ANY PCI-X slot"
and so on

thinkpadder2U · #9 Post by **thinkpadder2U** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:50 pm

Thanks for all the input so far! I AM NOW SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING A 14" laptop. Now here are some new questions:

1- SXGA or XGA (which one is better for the eyes regarding text..seeing that I will be starting at this baby pretty much all day typing).

2-2378FVU looks good, but how do I compensate for the lack of hardrive ..only 40gb? Anyone know of one with at least 60 or 80gb?

3-2378FVU only has 1 year warranty? =( Is it possible to extend it to 3 yrs. and if so, how and how much?

4- ANY MODEL SUGGESTIONS???

Thanks again! =)

asiafish · #10 Post by **asiafish** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:08 pm

2373M1U or M3U depending on whether you prefer the 60GB 7200RPM or 80GB 5400RPM drive. Both are fairly cheap (check with Bill) and should do everything you want. I went through law school with a T22, you should love the T42 with the higher resolution screen.

The secret for small text, by the way, is to just zoom your Word window. Its great, you can have large text when you want it, and zoom out for more real estate when you need it.

Andrew

stgreek · #11 Post by **stgreek** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:42 pm

thinkpadder2U wrote:Thanks for all the input so far! I AM NOW SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING A 14" laptop. Now here are some new questions:

1- SXGA or XGA (which one is better for the eyes regarding text..seeing that I will be starting at this baby pretty much all day typing).

SXGA+. The extra screen estate is worth every penny.

2-2378FVU looks good, but how do I compensate for the lack of hardrive ..only 40gb? Anyone know of one with at least 60 or 80gb?

Buy the 7k60 (the FVU is cheap) and put the 40 gb on an external case for videos/songs/backups

3-2378FVU only has 1 year warranty? =( Is it possible to extend it to 3 yrs. and if so, how and how much?

3 year warranty extension costs $120 iirc

4- ANY MODEL SUGGESTIONS???

I am typing this on an 2378-FVU, which I carry every day to work and I find it pretty good. You will like it too.

Thanks again! =)

Always at your service!

Stavros

Batuta · #12 Post by **Batuta** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:52 pm

danny_isr · #13 Post by **danny_isr** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:01 pm

i took this one just as an example , and there will be more cards in the future.

you just have that negative attitude towards the T43.
you talked only on what's bad with it.
and if there was anything good there - then it's not really useful.

rickslate · #14 Post by **rickslate** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:35 pm

1- SXGA or XGA (which one is better for the eyes regarding text..seeing that I will be starting at this baby pretty much all day typing).

2-2378FVU looks good, but how do I compensate for the lack of hardrive ..only 40gb? Anyone know of one with at least 60 or 80gb?

3-2378FVU only has 1 year warranty? =( Is it possible to extend it to 3 yrs. and if so, how and how much?

4- ANY MODEL SUGGESTIONS???

1. I really wish IBM would offer something like 1280x1024 on the 14" screens. It's hard to recommend an XGA but given the choice between 1024x768 and 1400x1050 on a 14" screen, I'd take XGA any day of the week for what you described.

It's a low resolution but looks incredibly sharp and is absolutely perfect on a 14" screen for extended word processing, web browsing, email, and most everything. I've been working at this resolution on my laptop for years.

I do a lot of web design work though so I'm moving up to an SXGA+ 15" T43. Programs like Photoshop and Flash that have numerous panes surrounding the screen reduce the workable screen area to a frustratingly small size. That said, I've been able to work in Access, Excel, and PowerPoint in XGA with no complaints.

I'd say definitely find a friend with a 14" SXGA+ and use his computer for an hour. See if you can tolerate the resolution before making a 3 year commitment to it. You could always take the screen and reduce the resolution but that creates a minor blur that looks poor.

Here's a great thread with a more in depth comparison...

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=10756

2. I bought the 2886-92U. I really wanted the 60GB 7200RPM drive for the performance boost but I didn't want to tempt fate after reading that they run a little bit louder than the 5400s. Some users agree, some don't but I have sharp ears so I didn't take the risk. Probably won't be a factor in a college dorm room so I'd say definitely go for the 60GB.

3. I think the tabook models are priced to include 3 years mail-in coverage. Not sure what it costs to upgrade but you can go customize any IBM notebook online and see what they they charge. Definitely get 3 year coverage.

4. I just ordered the 2668-92U yesterday. It goes for $2,749 retail and $2,199 with the shareholder discount.

ppk800 · #15 Post by **ppk800** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:07 pm

Thinkpadder2U,

I have recently purchased my first T43 (266898U), which came with a free 512 MB of RAM, and I have enjoyed it a great deal. Overall, it is a very capable machine. With every day applications, e.g., Office, Photoshop, Internet, etc., it is at least as fast as my Athlon XP2700 desktop. With regards to games, which is not your top priority anyway, it is quite decent. Despite the fact that people complain about the fan/noise issue with the T43, I have not experienced this with mine.

I personally prefer the 15 inch over the 14 inch. In terms of weight, it is heavier, but to me the advantages that I have with the 15 inch outweigh the extra weight. For instance, I can simultaneously open two windows: Word and Lexis Nexis or West Law, while I am in a lecture hall. Regardless of what size you eventually decide to purchase, make sure you get the Flexview version.

In my opinion, after you become familiar with Law School, you tend to leave your laptop at home. Unless your school requires you to have a laptop, I think carrying a laptop around campus is not such a good idea because of the following reasons. First, your school should have a few computer facilities for its students. Second, you can use a PDA to take notes. Third, it is not just a laptop that you must carry around. The case books are very very heavy. Fourth, arguably you do not need to have a laptop to survive Law School.

In addition, check out this link: http://www.notebookreview.com/forums/to ... hichpage=2

Hope this helps.

Mike

danny_isr · #16 Post by **danny_isr** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:21 pm

ppk800 wrote:Regardless of what size you eventually decide to purchase, make sure you get the Flexview version.

Flexview is available only on 15"

ppk800 · #17 Post by **ppk800** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:40 pm

thanks, danny_isr. please share with us your comments on the t43.

do you have any problem with dead pixels? i noticed that i have one tiny red dot on the upper left corner of the screen, which does not bother me that much due to its location. however, i have recently noticed one black dot that appeared on my screenfor a minute or so and disappeared. the locations at which the black dot became visible were not from one place. this black dot was visible without the assistance from any software, such as DPB. however, when i used the DPB software, i could not identify the black dot's existence. furthermore, i noticed that the reason why i could not identify it was because its color changed to the color of the screen used in the software, i.e., white, black, red, green ... do you have any idea what this is? should i return my t43 since it is still under the 30-day period?

thanks,

mike

danny_isr · #18 Post by **danny_isr** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:02 pm

I looked for dead pixels first thing when i got it , but didn’t find any. And didn’t really looked again since then I probably don’t have any but I’m not into looking for problems either

I know that if i will find one then it will start bother me.

In your case , if it's something that you think will bother you , then yeah i think i would replace it. But if it's minor then no big deal.

Only thing that i dislike is the fan that doesn’t stop, BUT i have to say that it’s not noisy at all. i can hear it only when NOTHING else going on. So it's really not a big deal. It's just like the pixel. When you aware of something then it start to bother you

Besides that , i really like it . i understand now what and why thinkpads are what they are. Robust and built like a tank.

Performance is really good, any game that i tried looked really good on it. Including Doom 3.

Keyboard is very nice, screen is super sharp and bright, speakers are fine, performance is really good, i like the size (14")

1400x1000 on 14” is pretty small to read I have to admit. I need to be with my glasses to see it comfortably or to be really close to it.
But CTR+ +/- change the font size on firefox instantly. And I like the “real estate” factor

Bottom line , i really like it.

much better then any laptop that i owned in the past HP/Compaq/Toshiba.

.

ppk800 · #19 Post by **ppk800** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:23 pm

thanks, danny. it's nice to know that there is someone out there, who actually owns a T43 and likes it.

2373N1U (T42) vs. 266889U (T43)

2373N1U (T42) vs. 266889U (T43)

Who is online