2Ghz processor or 1GB of RAM

[amazure]

Hello, I am planning on buying a T series Thinkpad with a family member's EPP discount. I am looking at 2 models

2686DGU configured with 1GB of RAM or 2686M5U with a 2Ghz processor which one wouldbe better would a 2ghz processor make much difference over the 1.8GHz processor in model 2686dgu?

[PrincipalValiant]

Personally, I would always go with the extra processing speed, even just 200mhz. Ram you can easily add later, however you'd need a whole new machine to up the processor.

[amazure]

I believe it comes with 1 dim so would I be able to just buy another 512MB dim and install that later if i needed.

[IR0NMAN]

I would also take the 2GHZ, because you can later add a 1GB stick when ram is cheaper.

[nrj45]

Unless you make multimedia encoding, video/image processing go for 1Go Ram. Actual applications don't need this more 200mhz. And the more the ram, the less the swap...

[Ground Loop]

I'd take the RAM.. it will have far more impact on day-to-day activity than a 200MHz bump. Unless, like others said, you would upgrade the RAM anyway, then get both.

[mysbca]

2686DGU configured with 1GB of RAM or 2686M5U with a 2Ghz processor which one wouldbe better would a 2ghz processor make much difference over the 1.8GHz processor in model 2686dgu?

Actually, the 2686DGU is 1.86GHz, so the difference is only 133MHz, about 7.5%. The DGU also comes with the 7200rpm HD; the M5U only has a 5400rpm HD. Depending on the price differential, I would lean toward the DGU.

[keku]

think about future, thinkpads are expensive you can't jusr replace them like dell 600m (3 dell 600m = 1 think pad).

If I were you I would go with more CPU power. RAM you can replace when it's cheap. but changing CPU is tedious task and not easy.

So better go for more CPU right now and then later buy more generic RAM if you need.

[mysbca]

think about future, thinkpads are expensive you can't jusr replace them like dell 600m (3 dell 600m = 1 think pad).

The OP has EPP pricing, so it is more like 2 dell 600m = 1 think pad.

changing CPU is tedious task and not easy.

I haven't tried changing the CPU on a T4x series yet, but with a T23, it is not bad at all. I think I can replace the CPU in less than 20 minutes. It took me about an hour to take it apart to replace the motherboard. It is a lot less work to swap out just the CPU.

The hardware maintenance manual gives you step by step instruction on how to take it apart and put it back together.

[amazure]

if i were to buy more RAM later on what kind would i look for?

[stgreek]

The difference is not noticeable enough, unless you compile stuff ALL the time. I would suggest to get the 1gb RAM, since it is something you need now, rather than wait for the next generation of software for which the 133 extra Mhz will make the tiny difference they make.

[mysbca]

if i were to buy more RAM later on what kind would i look for?

200-pin Sodimm DDR2 PC2-4200

1GB of Crucial brand for $115.50 + shipping at mwave.com.

[amazure]

thats cheaper than the EPP price for another 512MB of RAM anyways i will probably go with the 1.86GHz processor and upgrade the RAM when I need to.

Also i assume the 512MB that comes on the notebook is 2 pairs of 256MB?

[mysbca]

No, it comes with 1 512MB stick. You just open the bottom slot to add your extra stick. Less than a couple of minutes.

[STS06]

Well you have already made your decision. But considering EVERYTHING with the two models, I agree with mysbca and would get the DGU. Yes, it'll be hardeer to update the processor, but a 200MHz or 133Mhz is hardly an update in itself...not worth the cost at all..where as a faster hard drive and more RAM will definitely help. If you wanted to update the 1.86 Ghz, chances are that you'll want to update the 2Ghz. And chances that if you're going to update the 1.86Ghz, you'd go with something much faster than a 2.0...is its pretty obvious that there's no reason to throw money at that IF its the only plus to the computer over the other model. Good luck!