Please help me decide (T43 vs. T42)

[bigskydream]

I'm going to order one of these tomorrow, and I really need some help. I am STUCK between the following two models:

T43 2687D4U
15" SXGA+ Flexview
Pentium M 750 1.86 GHz
512MB RAM
40GB 5400
64MB ATI Mobility RADEON x300
NO Fingerprint Reader
3yr warranty

T42 2379RHU
14" XGA
Pentium M 745 1.80 GHz
512MB RAM
60GB 5400
64MB ATI Mobility RADEON 9600
Fingerprint Reader
3yr warranty

Price is not an issue, since I can get these for about the SAME price. Also, I don't think I care about a fingerprint reader. I'm guessing most will recommend the T43, but I am hesitant to go with the T43 for the following reasons:

1. fan/heat issues
2. 2010 error when I try to upgrade to a larger hard drive
3. resolution could be too much for my type of work (office apps, web browsing, reading, etc.). also, i do a lot of web demos (livemeeting or webex) and i am concerned that the higher resolution will cause problems for customers on the other end (they will have to increase their resolution to avoid having to scroll to see my desktop) and for demonstrations with projectors (usually 1024x768 resolution). also, i am used to the xga since i have a T41 xga. having said that, i am intrigued with the possiblity of having more screen space.

Please help. I really value and need your opinion!

Also, would one of these be better than the other for Vista in Aero mode?

[Temetka]

I'd go with the T43.

It has a better graphics card, and this will work with vista. You also get more screen real eastate. You can specify your second monitor (VGA/S-video, etc.) to run at 800x600 or 1024.x768 for use with a projector, or even TV mode.

I believe the heat / fan issues will be addressed shortly. Can't you get around the 2010 error by using a certain hard drive or applying some sort of patch.

The T43 is the superior machine, and since you said price is not an issue, why buy something that will become obsolete faster?

IMHO, I'd go with the T43 for it's vista compatibility and the age of hardware alone.

[RonS]

I would give primary consideration to the form factor. If you're going to be carrying it around a lot and using it on the go, you'll appreciate the 14" form factor. Otherwise, the 15" Flexview screen is probably the way to go as it has superior image compared to the non-Flexview (14") displays.

If the screens were the same between the two systems, I'd go with the T42 hands down (and yes, it will run Vista). But the screen and keyboard are, to me, the most important components - more important than the fan problem on the T43.

[dr_st]

I'd go with the T43.

It has a better graphics card,

Nah, it's not better. More or less the same.

[turbolium]

t42 but preferably with a better screen at least sxga
the rest looks gooooood

[coolsilicon]

According to:
http://www.ati.com/technology/windowsvista/index.html
both cards support the Vista display driver model. And this guy installed the BETA1 on a T42:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2577

So the graphics side shouldn't tip the scales. You're comparing entirely different machines, regarding size, weight and screen. If you're happy with XGA, then go for the 14.1" screen (T42), but keep in mind that FlexView offers better viewing angles, contrast and colors. While doing your web based stuff you could always lower your resolution to XGA, the ATi Radeon 9600 scales down just fine, at least as far as I'm concerned, and you won't lose to much sharpness (I'd expect the X-series of the ATi cards scaling just as well). Regarding beamers: just set up a proper profile within the presentation manager, a great tool! Another point is the sheer size of what you see on a SXGA+ screen vs. XGA. I'm used to the high resolution but some people find it just to small. I'd strongly suggest having a look at a T42/43 with a 15" SXGA+ screen before you decide, but keep in mind that one or two minutes aren't enough for a solid decision, IMHO. Try also to lower the resolution to XGA and see whether it's good enough for your needs!

[bigskydream]

Many thanks for the good info. I should have noted that I will be traveling 2-3 times per month, so i would appreciate the small form factor of the 14" T42. I'm just having a TOUGH time passing this great opportunity to get the 15" SXGA+ Flexview. But I am used to XGA, and I probably won't have any problems with it as long as that is all I'm used to.

[dr_st]

Many thanks for the good info. I should have noted that I will be traveling 2-3 times per month, so i would appreciate the small form factor of the 14" T42.

Depends on how you'll be travelling.

If you'll be travelling by a car/bus/plane with the laptop in your briefcase/backpack together with 20 other things, you won't notice the form factor / size / weight differences. At all.

If you'll be travelling from one room to another with the laptop in your hand, you will.

[turbolium]

My roommate has an asus P4 3.2ht '15 (big mama) and uses it as desktop replacement but i feel so much happier with t42 '14 it just so much convenient to take it anywhere and weight is an issue because it does not matter how you transport it (air/car) you still have to carry it half the time

+ on the airplane 2kg means 10% (dont remember exactly how much but im using 20kg limit to make my poit clear) of the weight they allow on the board having 1 more kg meaning you have to sacrifice some clean underwear !!))