Reordered 2686-DGU, returning 2686-DGU one I have

[fefland]

I am returning the DGU I have had for about 3 1/2 weeks now. I had a set of annoyances that I didn't feel I should have to live with. My Thinkpad came with the following problems:
- shift key not always registering
- runs very very hot (afraid I might melt/burn something) for intensive graphics.
- stuck red pixel
- ultranav "creak"
- clicking when using arrow keys
- DVD tray would not open after listening to audio CD
These were in addition to the normal gaps and other assembly issues people have discussed.

I realize that they are all solvable issues, I just wasn't willing to deal with all of them right out of the gate.

Some would say, "Why reorder the same thing?" I really like the model I have. I am hoping the new one is better because I really like the configuration (on Lenovo site) for the price (EPP $1329). The only risks are that I will have to have the current one picked up before the new one arrives.

I was able to get the return shipping covered since I had the T43 deemed defective.

My fingers are crossed that the new one is better. The way I see it, even with the issues the T43 might have it is much better than anything else at the same price I paid.

[STS06]

Yeah, at times I'd get frustrated with some of the problems and even more inclined to give it back after reading so many more here. But in reality, its our expectations. Go to most other notebook forums or talk to those who have them and they have a mulitude of problems. I also paid the EPP price and for that price, my T42 blows everything out of the water (in my opinion). Had I paid the $3000 tag, I would be more inclined to send it back. Just my honest opinion.

[Tonic]

I have also purchased a 2686DGU, the only problem I have with it is the heat at the bottom of the laptop, especially underneath the the touch pad area and surrounding, I gets very very hot during a dvd movie, CHC reports 54C, (0.7-0.76V) but I suspect a temperature around 60C+.

My laptop was shipped to the US, but brought to me in Canada, my question would be if I want to return this laptop, do I have to ship it back from the US? or can I just ship it back from Canada?

[STS06]

My guess is that you can ship it back from wherever. I do not think it matters at all. IF you happend to move within the time of purchasing the computer and opting to return, what the heck can IBM do? Haha.

Seriously, I think only the bill address of the card matters. Shipping it back from another location shouldn't matter...at least from my experience (not with IBM laptops but other computers and devices).

[Tonic]

I guess I'm going to call IBM support tomorrow and see if I can get a new and hopefully cooler machine. Hope my problem is reasonable enough to get a new one

[fefland]

When you call to return, they will ask for a case number from tech support. Basically, you call tech support and give them a list of issues like I did, and tell them that the list is too long to work through since it is new machine. They will give you a case number and will give you the return dept. number, and may even transfer you.

[TimWang]

What's on the underside of the track pad? That area gets very hot on my DGU as well.

[hoya]

fefland - you might want to get the M5U instead. I know the hard drive is 5400rpm rather than 7200rpm, but the processor is 2.0. besides, the M5U is one of the new August T43's so I'm hoping it will be just as quiet as the M7U that I received a few weeks ago. pricing on the M7U is around $1370.

[fefland]

Thanks for the suggestion. I considered it but I really wanted the faster drive. To me the faster drive was more important than the .14 GHz in proc. speed. By the way, how does yours do with cooling. That may be a reason to switch. I am not bothered by the fan noise at all, except that it doesn't seem to cool the laptop well enough. The other factor was time. The DGU seems to be more readliy available, at least that is my theory, and I use the laptop for work. I may try the M5U if necessary. Thanks again, I will let everyone know what ends up happening.

F

[hoya]

My M7U is cool and quiet, no problems with heat at all, but this machine is a 15" so I'm still hoping the 14" M5U will also be cool and quiet. Lenovo said it should ship on the 29th (yesterday) but it's still "in process." I'll let you know as soon as I receive it, which should be this week.

I also ordered the 2668-J2U, which has the 2.13 processor, 1gig RAM, and 80gb 7200rpm drive (the new Hitachi 7k100 that replaced the 7K60). the price was $1871 EPP, which is $500 more expensive than the D5U, but it also has bluetooth and a 3-year warranty, so it seemed worth it (the 80gb 7K100 is worth $200 alone if you can find one).

another good option is 2668-J1U, which is only $1656 EPP, though it has a CD-RW/DVD drive and only 512RAM.

[hoya]

I just received my 2686DGU and wanted to share my first impressions.

first, I LOVE the size of this thing!!! Now I'm wondering why I've been putting up with my 15" T42 for so long. the specs would indicate that the difference in size and weight is small but it really isn't.

as for the display, it is exceptional! not one dead or stuck pixel, and text is just as easy to read (if not easier) than my 15" FlexView. Contrast is definitely not as good, but it's fine for what I'm doing.

I tried the Dell D610 with a 14.1" SXGA and there is no comparison - this Samsung panel blows the Dell away (no big surprise there).

regarding heat, the area directly below the touchpad is hot... very hot. If I were worried about my sperm, I definitely wouldn't use this on my lap.

and finally, on to the fan noise. it's actually not as bad as I was expecting, so I'm assuming I received one of the quieter 2686DGU's (I know fefland had one quiet and one loud DGU). the fan is definitely louder than my 15" T42, and even slightly louder than the 15" M7U (August model) I tried last week, but it's not as loud as the two 15" 2687DDU's I owned in May.

overall, this machine is incredible - I absolutely love the 14" form factor and can't wait to eBay my 15" T42.

I have a 2686M5U with a Hydis panel arriving this week so I'm anxious to compare the Samsung to the Hydis, but I honestly don't know how the Hydis could possibly improve upon this stunning display.

I'm also interested to see if the fan on the M5U is quieter than this DGU since the M5U is one of the newer August models. I'll be sure to update this thread with my findings.

[fefland]

Hoya,

Congratulations on getting a good display. I am having an NMB keyboard shipped to me to give that a go. I don't like that ALPS. Regsiters strokes better than Chicony, but I don't like the feel. I am tempted to return for an M5U or 2668 D7U (bluetooth, 80GB drive, and faster) in hopes of getting a better display, but am not sure. I just took the time backing up and restoring from one laptopn to another and although easiy, took about 6 hours, mainly bacause I used RW DVD's (Want to reuse for backups).

Some would say try something other than Thinkpad, but I just love the 14.1inch form factor, design, and overall look of the T43 (T42 for that matter) I used to have a 15" A21p and that hink was heavy.

Heat may play a factor in a return as well. It is hot. Is the M5U cooler. An is it cooler whn playing a game and having the CPU/Graphics card cranking?

[hoya]

fefland - I just posted my first impressions of the M5U here:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=15074