T42P 2373KTU 14.1...newb makin noise

[2112]

hello all!! This may very well be my first message board posting ever, so go easy on me. First off, I'd like to thank everyone out here for a continuos supply of valuable information....I've been browsing these boards for a couple of weeks while I have been deciding on my new "Toy", and all of the info has been very helpful. Late last week I decided on the 14"and placed my order for the 2373ktu.....and ever since I have been questioning my decision..."Should I have gotten the flexview?" Now I know there are several threads about this topic, i think I've seen them all...and I'm sure once I get the 14" I'll be happy....its just spending sooo much money on a laptop, leaves you wanting the very best. But, I know, in the end "The best" ends up being a personal choice...

in a nutshell, I'd like to stir a topic of discussion around 14"notebooks in general and where our baby Thinkpads fit in terms of design, perfomace and quality. I've read how great the 15" flexviews are and am not interested in starting that debate, however I would like to hear from people who have seen both and can describe any serious build quality issues between the two....ie: is the 15" really MUCH sturdier than the 14"? Keep in mind I have never touched either model...my most recent point of refence is our Dell D600, also 14" and we like it...but please tell me my T42P is going to be better! Also, because I'm anxious, can anyone tell me how long after your laptop has gone to "Configuration/packaging" online will it take to ship? Any and all info is appreciated.......Peace to all!

[K. Eng]

I had a D600 for a week before I bought my T40, and I think the 14" T4x is overall a better machine. The D600 was built well compared to the C series, but the keyboard was too bouncy and shallow compared to the Dell Latitude CPi (the model of notebook I had from 2001-2003).

Overall, the T40 has a better keyboard, better trackpoint, better ports layout, the option for an extended battery, better wireless options, and wieghs less. The only thing I liked better about the D600 was its screen - it was much brighter and more evenly lit than the panel on my T40.

my most recent point of refence is our Dell D600, also 14" and we like it...but please tell me my T42P is going to be better!

[2112]

Thanks K., as far as build quality on the T40, would you consider it more sturdy than the D600...I keep hearing the built like a brick reference, and as I hold my D600 in my lap I feel the flimsiness and can't help but think the IBM feels much more solid....[censored] I can't wait!

[K. Eng]

I don't recall the D600 being flimsy, aside from the flexing keyboard. I would consider the T40 better than the D600 since the T40's lower housing uses very strong titanium composite and carbon fiber components (if you feel the CPU fan exhaust grills on the T40 and compare them to the plastic vents on the D600 you will know what I mean).

As I've stated in other posts, IMO the T40 is well built, but not a "brick" in the sense that the IBM 600 series or T2x were "bricks".

Thanks K., as far as build quality on the T40, would you consider it more sturdy than the D600...I keep hearing the built like a brick reference, and as I hold my D600 in my lap I feel the flimsiness and can't help but think the IBM feels much more solid....[censored] I can't wait!