T40, X40 or R40 ?

[Dirky]

Hi, forgive my ignorance, I am new to the world of IBM notebooks.

We recently had our Samsung P35 notebook stolen. Luckily it was insured,
although there was a maximum of 1500UKP covered, it seems the insurance company
cannot find the same model without us having to
pay another 250ukp.

Anyway, they said I can choose another laptop if I wish.
Which got me thinking about IBM thinkpads.

I'm a little confused about the different models/versions. My Samsung
had ATI Radeon 9700 video, 1.6ghz centrino, 512mb ram and 60gb disk.
I'd like similar graphics if possible and dont mind something with a 40gb
disk if it keeps the price under 1500UKP.

Basically the insurance company said "if you find the laptop and supplier
we will order it."
I could point them at the IBM site but I am worried they may get it wrong.

So my question(s) which IBM model(s) are closest to my Samsung
specs, and where is a good place for them to get it in the UK.

Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

Thanks

M

[kchung]

My opinion,

Get a T40 series laptop. It's the best combination of size and weight.

The company I work for has the X series laptops and us desktop guys don't like working on them.

However, I haven't checked but I don't think the T40 (the oldest of the T4x line) was "Centrino". I think you'll need to get a T41 model to get that.

-Kevin

[G-Man]

Since you want a powerful video card either get a T41p (with ATI Radeon FireGL 128MB) or a T42/T42p (ATI Radeon 9600 64MB/ATI Radeon FireGL 128MB). The FireGL card is based on the ATI 9600 VPU.

Regards,
G-Man

[Dirky]

Thanks for the replies guys.
So does the P in T41P indicate better video card?

I found this T41 at:

http://www.simply.co.uk/productinformat ... /index.htm

which looks a good price but the video is quoted on that page as being a 32mb Radeon 9000?

Again, advice greatfully received.

Mike

[JHEM]

Kevin,

However, I haven't checked but I don't think the T40 (the oldest of the T4x line) was "Centrino". I think you'll need to get a T41 model to get that.

Yes, there were "Centrino" T40s, but we appear to need a terminology lesson here.

First thing we have to accomplish is to disassociate the term "Centrino" as a generic reference to the Intel PentiumM processor. Centrino is a marketing term devised by Intel to identify laptops that use only Intel products in three key areas, to wit: the laptop's basic chipset, the processor and the WiFi 802.11b card. There are far more PentiumM based laptops available that are not Centrinos than ones that are, so don't just limit your search for a laptop to Centrinos.

I have a Thinkpad 1.5GHz PentiumM T40 laptop that is not a Centrino because, while it is built on the Centrino specified Intel 855PM chipset and has the correct Intel PentiumM processor, I use an IBM branded 802.11a/b/g WiFi card. It's the elimination of the Intel 802.11b WiFi card for the (better IMHO) IBM card that is the only step necessary to break the Centrino branding.

(To further confuse the issue, Intel is in the process of adding their own 802.11a/b and 802.11a/b/g cards to the Centrino definition!)

Regards,

James

[G-Man]

To understand the "p" indication, let me quote Conmee's (Daniel's) earlier excellent post:

Quick note on 'p' models. My T42p 2373GRU is what I'll call a TRADITIONAL 'p' model. Before IBM introduced the various Express, Education, Workhorse, Entry variety 'p' ThinkPads, the 'p' denoted the best/fastest/most powerful combination of components in a given model. Now, there are many more choices/options, and not all 'p' models are created equal. As a result, I've noticed common elements that distinguish a TRADITIONAL 'p' model, as I call it, from the other 'p' models available. These elements are common to both 15" and 14" ThinkPad T Series, and are easily identified in the TABOOK.pdf file as the TRADITIONAL 'p' models are on their own page, just as the Entry, Express, and Education models are.

TRADITIONAL 'p' models MUST include: FireGL T2, 60GB 7200RPM HDD, Bluetooth, 9 Cell Hi-Cap Battery, 3 Year Warranty.

If a 'p' model is missing any of these components, it isn't a TRADITIONAL 'p' model. So Mofongo's T42p 2379DYU, for instance, has the 80GB 5400RPM HDD, making his an EXPRESS model. If he were to have bought the 2378DYU, in addition to being an EXPRESS model, he would have only a 1 Year warranty as well.

My point in all this is that there are differing levels of 'p' models now from IBM. Think of TRADITIONAL 'p' models as fully loaded, so to speak. Anyhow, I just thought this was interesting that IBM is branding a wider range of ThinkPads as 'p' than they have in the past.

T40p has ATI Radeon 9000 FireGL, not 9600.
T41 is only avaiable with ATI 7500 32MB, ATI 9000 32MB or the p models with ATI 9600 FireGL T2 128MB.
T42 is also available with ATI 9600 64MB and the p models with ATI FireGL 128MB.

Hope it helps.

Regards,
G-Man

[Dirky]

Thanks for the replies guys.
So does the P in T41P indicate better video card?

I found this T41 at:

http://www.simply.co.uk/productinformat ... /index.htm

which looks a good price but the video is quoted on that page as being a 32mb Radeon 9000?

Again, advice greatfully received.

Mike

[BillMorrow]

that T41 sounds fine..
but how much is that in USD including the VAT..

take a look at my web site (link below) and look at the 23733UU..

its a T42..

[Dirky]

Well if all goes to plan my T42 should arrive tomorrow

Do they usually need a full charge from new? How long etc?

Thanks
Mike

[Leon]

It usually comes with a pretty good charge. However, it is best to plug it in right away when you get it. You can start using it right away. Always keep it plugged in when you are conveniently near a plug.

[Dirky]

It arrived this morning and it is luverly!

What a beautifully made notebook it is!

Couple of questions.

1) where is the bluetooth config located

2)I thought it was best to charge the battery and then run it off the mains?
only connecitng it for charging. I'm sure I shortened the life of my vaio battery by keeping it hooked to the mains?

3) whats best to clean the matt black lid from greasy hand marks!?
thanks

Mike

[Leon]

1) where is the bluetooth config located

Fn F5

2)I thought it was best to charge the battery and then run it off the mains?
only connecitng it for charging. I'm sure I shortened the life of my vaio battery by keeping it hooked to the mains?

Once fully charged, it will cut off the charger. No need to take it out.

3) whats best to clean the matt black lid from greasy hand marks!?

Any screen or electronic cleaner.