What would you do? x40 or t42.

[ipXpert]

I just purchased one each of these two notebooks becuase I couldnt decide what model I wanted. I do a lot of web surfing and email at starbucks or other hotspots but I also like to do a couple hours a week playing counter strike. I know I am comparing apples to oranges but do any of you guys have some advice. I had a T41 on my last job and I did like it but portability is becoming more important to me. I will be doing some photoshop work, wp, maybe a very little bit of home video editing and some light gaming. I have never had an ultra portable and I would like some opinions of those who had or had both.

1 more thing, are the prices ok?

Thanks a lot.


1 23733XU EDU T42 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.7 2M L2 15"SXGA 512MB 40GB DVDCDRW 25 Days Price $1,748.34

1 23729EU EDU X40 INTEL PENTIUM M LV 1.2 12.1" 512 40 XPP INTEL 802 B/G 2 Price $1,649.34

[cjsuh]

I'm not sure if you already know this, but the 2373-3XU has a depot service warranty, while the 2372-9EU has an on-site service warranty. The comparable X40 model with a depot service warranty is the 2371-9EU and has a list price that is $100 cheaper than its on-site warranty counterpart. Point being, if you don't care for the on-site service warranty, you may be able to swing a better price on the X40.

[jephhy]

I was contemplating both as well, and ultimately it was the higher res screen of the T42 that won me over. Just didn't want to deal with 1024x768 anymore. The size of the X40 is compelling though, if you've ever seen one in real life, it's super small...

Jeff

[Skywing]

agreed, thats what brought me to the T42, that and the integrated optical, i just couldnt help but think there would be a time i would need it and i wont have the drive with me

[jephhy]

I hardly ever use my optical and I knew the X40 had an optional dock for it (that I would just leave at home when on the go), so it wasn't a big issue in deciding for me.

Jeff

[cynic]

It looks like you are looking at educational models... they won't sell those to you unless you're part of a school system.

Back On Topic...
I have a T40p, but for what you describe (and my brief time with a X40), I would definitely choose the X40. It is so small and light and the screen looks great at 12.1" and XGA. The drive is slower than the T, but once again, for your described needs I'd take the X40. Also, though I had a dock with this one (which really brings it to looking alot like a 600X), I don't think I'd go with it in the future. It'd just be easier and smaller to keep a small USB DVD burner packed away (those are really tiny these days and would fit in a small pocket in any bag) That way you'd never have to worry about being without an optical drive (though I, too, am finding I only use the optical drive when installing new software.)

[Txiasaeia]

I just got my X31 and it's the perfect size - so light too! I have huge hands but it's still very easy to type on. Unless you really need the horsepower of a T-Series, I'd go with the X40.

[dcdomain]

If you have a desktop station already for your Counterstrike, graphics and video work I suggest you go with an X40.

However if it will be your lone machine, I think you should go with the T42.

I figure the < .25" extra isn't that much more, it's of course larger with the larger screen. But the tradeoffs lean heavily in favor of the T42 in terms of the performance and usability increase.

I'm moving up from the Portege 2000 to a T42. The Portege 2000 has left a bad taste in my mouth. I couldn't do ANY work on that thing. I basically used it for browsing the web, email and instant messaging. Graphics programs? Forget it. Games... no can do. I'm glad I had my desktop to do all that other work.

The reason I'm going with the T42 is because I'll be leaving the country for a year in the fall, and obviously I can't take the desktop with me. The T42 will be a great consolidation of both systems.

[awolfe63]

I struggled with this for months as well - but I just ordered a T42. 1024x768 just isn't enough screen real estate for when I need to do real work in Word or Excel.

[ipXpert]

Great advice from all of you. I think I am going to go with the t42 and buy an ultra portable in about 6-12 months. The deciding factor was the great comment about needing more screen to work on excel documents.

I guess my last question will be, should I let ibm send me the x40 and resale it to make a couple bucks? Is it priced low enough for me to make 150 or so? I had to pay california tax and I will have to consider that as well.

Thanks you guys!