help choose a T43 model

[ddutta]

2 custom built models - one with a 1.86 and the other with 2.00G. The specs where I have some doubt are

1. CPU speed: 1.86 vs 2.00. Price diff is $150
2. 7200rpm vs 5400rpm 60GB drive. Price diff is $50

Other specs are same:
* 9cell
* 14" SXGA+
* intel 2200 b/g
* 3yr depot

Considerations: fan noise, battery life, temperature ...

[mysbca]

1. $150 is too much to pay for very small performance increase.
2. Get the 7200rpm drive. You'll probably get more perceived performance improvement than the CPU upgrade.

[ddutta]

How perceivable is the difference due to the 7200? I have heard many people say this and I also feel it should be faster (7200), but I have seen a T42 with a 7200 loading progs at the same speed as that with a 5400 .....

Of course, this is an old question, but I guess the answer would depend on how much memory one installs. If you add more than a GB of RAM, would it still be perceivable?

[mysbca]

Have you seen the benchmark results at tomshardware.com?
http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20041213/index.html

but I have seen a T42 with a 7200 loading progs at the same speed as that with a 5400 .....

Of course, this is an old question, but I guess the answer would depend on how much memory one installs. If you add more than a GB of RAM, would it still be perceivable?

It would depend on the size of the program, how much memory is available and what needs to be swapped out to virtual memory. What size is the 5400rpm drive, if it is a higher capacity drive with higher density, then the performance difference may not be that noticeable.

[ddutta]

Both will be 60GB as its better to replace the stock HDDs when 100GB 7200 drops in price and the stock drive becomes almost full.

People say that the 7200 drive has a higher temp and noise level? Thats a bummer though!