Best 15" SXGA+ value in terms of price/performance-T42/

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BoostedA4 · #1 Post by **BoostedA4** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:10 pm

I keep looking at the ibm site, as well as looking through the tabook.pdf (though no prices listed, I've tried to estimate them through comparing specs to express models) trying to find the best performance/price value for a 15" SXGA+ T42 or T43. I have EPP pricing, and it appears that the 2379-DXU is the clear winner.

Is this the best I will get for 15" SXGA+? I don't need fingerprint reader or DVD-RW, and would certainly prefer the 7200rpm HDD.

This may sound weird....but is it possible to get a T43 with a cheap CPU, such as a 1.6 Dothan? If so, how would I go about doing it? (I don't have much $$ now nor need the performance at this moment, but would like the option to upgrade in a year or so)

liquidicecube · #2 Post by **liquidicecube** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 12:34 pm

Looks that way to me. I'm ordering one for myself today

redsb3 · #3 Post by **redsb3** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 2:56 pm

Definitely the DXU is the best bang for the buck if you want a 15" display, especially if you have EPP access. You won't get a T43 cheaper than that no matter what processor is in it nor will you come close to anything with those specs for that amount.

Inky · #4 Post by **Inky** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 6:50 pm

The DXU is one of the better "bang for the buck" units, but if you happen to want the fingerprint reader, keep in mind that the DXU doesn't have it, and that is one feature you can't add later, not even as a customization option when ordering.

There's another T42, the 2379-R9U which is virtually identical to the DXU except that for an extra $320 it gives you the fingerprint reader (and a 1.8 Ghz Pentium M 745 instead of 1.7 Ghz Pentium M 735).

So, the point is to just ask yourself whether or not those two things are worth an extra $320 for you. Maybe they aren't, but at least this way you have the option. In all other respects the two machines are identical.

-Inky

danny_isr · #5 Post by **danny_isr** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:19 pm

i woudnt add 320 for 0.1Mhz and the fingerprint reader .
just my opinion

Inky · #6 Post by **Inky** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 8:34 pm

danny_isr wrote:i woudnt add 320 for 0.1Mhz and the fingerprint reader .
just my opinion

I notice your sig lists that you have the fingerprint reader, and I'm curious. Do you find it to be really useless? My worry is that it's "just one more thing that could go wrong". And since I've never used it I have no idea how much it would feel like a benefit. How do you feel about using it?

Also is the reader positioned in a place where it will dig into the heel of the palm if you stop and rest your palms on the palmrest between typing? (I ask, because the 600x, one of IBM's best laptops ever made, had one annoying quirk IMO, which is that they postioned the left and right speaker grills atop the palmrest so that the metal grill would dig into the heel of my palm when I was typing.)
-Inky

danny_isr · #7 Post by **danny_isr** » Sun May 01, 2005 5:30 am

Inky wrote: And since I've never used it I have no idea how much it would feel like a benefit. How do you feel about using it?
-Inky

It's fine and i like it ,
you need to sweep your finger only in one way to make it work. so sometimes i'm not doing it in that way , so i need to repeat it again.
I didn't take full advantage of encrypting files and using it for web site as well. if your big into security maybe it's worth to you ...

but i wouldn’t pay $320 for it . it's not that important for me. $320 just look too steep for this option.
it's just another nice thing about this laptop . "would you pay $200 for the thinklight ?

" it's nice to have it but i can buy other more important things with my money.
i think about $150 for finger print + blue tooth is reasonable (seen that option in the past on one of the T42 models).

Inky wrote: Also is the reader positioned in a place where it will dig into the heel of the palm if you stop and rest your palms on the palmrest between typing?
-Inky

i never thought about this till you mention it , so i guess it's not a problem,
yeah i can feel it , but it's not "deep" . i can feel the decals on the left or the IBM logo on the right as well. nothing to worry about IMO.
hope that helps

Darth Avenus · #8 Post by **Darth Avenus** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:08 am

I'm considering the R9U as well as the DXU. Anyone know if the R9U supports an external monitor? The specs in the Tabook suggest it doesn't. After reviewing the specs I've also noticed that in addition to CPU and fingerprint reader, the R9U includes the 9-cell battery, and has XP SP2 preinstalled. Are there any more differences that I don't know about?

arun · #9 Post by **arun** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:32 pm

How much does the DXU cost? Also that is a T42, is there a T43 with EPP pricing what is pretty cheap. I am looking for the same thing.. I saw a pretty good one a 2687-D4U for 1311.00 but it is has a 40HS drive!!

mysbca · #10 Post by **mysbca** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:47 pm

arun wrote: I saw a pretty good one a 2687-D4U for 1311.00 but it is has a 40HS drive!!

How about the new DTU for about $135 more. You get 60GB 5400rpm HD, bluetooth, fingerprint reader and 9 cell battery.

arun · #11 Post by **arun** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 2:03 pm

Is that what you have?

The 14inch version of the D4U is like 1500+ .. why would a 14 inch cost more?

Also seriously, how much heavier is it carrying the 15 vs. 14

I am looking to do some web work, photoshop, go live, watch movies, email and the rest of the generic stuff.... which do you recomend in regards to screen size.. Im thinking the 15 SXGA+ .. but will it be to heavy to lay in bed with it?

mysbca · #12 Post by **mysbca** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:38 pm

No, I don't have this model. I am just looking at the new tabook and there are these new Express models. The new 2687DRU is a 14" SXGA+ with 60GB HD, but no bluetooth. I think it is under $1400 with EPP.

I don't have a 15" model T4x, only a 14" SXGA+. The 15" inch model is a little bigger and about 1 pound heavier. I don't have any direct experience with both models. I do have a 15" A21p, but that is like 3 lbs heavier than the 14" models. I much prefer the 14" SXGA+ for the size and weight.

For some reason, the discounts on the older 14" T43 Express models are less than their 15" counterparts. Maybe due to the popularity of the 14"?

roast · #13 Post by **roast** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:22 pm

arun wrote:The 14inch version of the D4U is like 1500+ .. why would a 14 inch cost more?

Why wouldn't a smaller version of something big cost more (in the computer world anyway)?

jarbill · #14 Post by **jarbill** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:10 pm

I was just looking at the EPP site of IBM today, and they've added a couple of new models. I just ordered a 2687DDU about two weeks ago, and it didn't have bluetooth or fingerprint reader installed. Today, they have a new model with both bluetooth AND fingerprint reader installed with a CDRW for only 30 dollars more, I think. SXGA, 60 gb (5400) X300, 64mb video ram, 512mb ram, 15", 1.86 Mhz chip, etc.

If I hadn't already ordered mine, I would be jumping on it in a second.

Jerry

jarbill · #15 Post by **jarbill** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:30 pm

Also, that new model comes with a nine-cell battery instead of a six-cell.

Jerry

mysbca · #16 Post by **mysbca** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:43 pm

jarbill wrote:If I hadn't already ordered mine, I would be jumping on it in a second.

If it hasn't shipped yet, call them and have them change the order. Even if it did shipped, you can always return and order the new one.

jarbill · #17 Post by **jarbill** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:51 am

It's supposed to arrive today. It's in Louisville, KY right now.

Jerry

P.S. I still might exchange it, though. I haven't decided yet.

Best 15" SXGA+ value in terms of price/performance-T42/

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