Just ordered a T43 over a Fujitsu S7020

[c333]

I was set to order a Fujitsu S7020 and then came around to the T43; I couldn't pass it up. For those interested, the S7020 is a Sonoma based laptop that includes some features over a similarly priced T43. For about $1800, it includes a Pentium M 740, integrated GMA900 graphics, and 512mb RAM. Also includes Dual layer DVD burner, Atheros Wifi, ExpressCard, 80GB HD, 14.1in SXGA, Bluetooth, WinXP Pro, 3 USB, Firewire, SATA HDs, HiDef audio, and it weighs only 4.3 pounds with the DVDR. But, the T43 looks awesome. Compared to the S7020, you sacrifice about .8 pounds, SATA HD, bluetooth, firwire, and dual layer capabilities, but in return you get a faster CPU, X300 GPU, better warranty, free battery, airbag HD, thinklight, FP scanner, spill-proof keyboard and IBM qaulity, although Fujitsu seems to be a close second. So if anyone here wants a superlight 14.1in notebook, take a look at the Fujitsu, but i can't wait for the T43. Note: i know the t43 can have atheros and bluetooth, but i was comparing within the price range. I bought the 2687D3U

Anyway, thanks for these great forums!


14.1in SXGA
60GB 5400
X300
PM 750
DVD-Recordable
9cell included, free 6 cell
512MB RAM
FP scanner
Intel 2915ABG Wifi

[brainpicker]

I look at it this way... when I see 4-5 year old Fujitsu's holding some value and working reliably and having lots of extras in the marketplace I will (maybe) consider a Fujitsu. When I have life left in my older laptops I don't want to have to search high and low for things like batteries, and then have to pay $150 when I find one. They're trying I know, and that's why they have to sell all those features at a discount to a ThinkPad. I don't think they have anything like a TrackPoint either which I'm used to. I'm open to all comers, but I've not seen the one I would buy yet for my money. Just my opinion.

Yak

[sugo]

Personally I couldn't care less how much a laptop will be worth 5 years down the road when I make a new purchase. They aren't collectables to me.

[brainpicker]

Personally I couldn't care less how much a laptop will be worth 5 years down the road when I make a new purchase. They aren't collectables to me.

No one said anything about them being "collectables"! Old HP calculators and other significant tech devices do have collectable value, but that is definitely not my reason for making that statement! To me the value is in the USE of the laptop as I will explain.

Back to my statement. A laptop that holds value down the road usually does so because it is reliable, but if it IS useable 4-5 years after coming out and necessary comsumables are still available at reasonable prices (batteries, keyboards, etc.) I consider this a huge plus. Some of us have access to children whom we would like to see become familiar with computers but we may not like them learning on our T43 or our family desktop. A laptop is just the right size for a supervised younger child as it's not as intimidating as a desktop, and even years after introduction it can run the games or software for young kids as that software is not at all demanding. Another use I find for laptops of this age is for seniors who have no desire to spend $500 or more for a computer and they don't want a desktop taking over an entire area of the home. I've set up many seniors with older laptops as their initial computer where they can sit in front of the tv to look up items of interest that come up, make travel plans, or just use the internet & e-mail. That's all many want to do with a computer until they become more proficient. An older laptop is perfect for this. My mother-in-law is 80 and STILL using my Toshiba Tecra 500 made in 1995! Toshiba used to make laptops that stood the test of time and that WAS my brand of choice. Since the T23 came out my brand has been a ThinkPad as that's when I feel IBM clearly surpassed Toshiba.

We usually have about 3 newer laptops around our home at any given time, usually more. But as these age gracefully we put them to good use elsewhere in the family, or with friends and neighbors. So YES, a laptop that holds it's value and is reliable after 4-5 years, plus has an advantage of inexpensive & available consumable parts IS an important feature I look for. But not as a collectable as you stated.

As always, that's just my opinion. You may disagree and that's fine. That's one reason why we have a forum, to express our own thoughts on subjects presented.

Yak

[sugo]

oops wrong spelling