Differences in models: T40, T41, T42, T43

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sbddude · #1 Post by **sbddude** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:09 am

Is there somewhere that summarizes the differences between the verious T4x models?

#2 Post by **JaneL** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:11 am

Item #1 in the FAQ.

sbddude · #3 Post by **sbddude** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:19 am

I was looking for something more along the lines of a review. Something like "The new T41 is an improvement over the T40 in X and Y....etc.

EOMtp · #4 Post by **EOMtp** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:36 am

What do you want to know specifically?

sbddude · #5 Post by **sbddude** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:40 am

I would like to know the differences in CPU/chipset/graphics that were available between the different models. It seems like they all have Pentium M of some sort, USBS 2.0, wireless, 6/9 cell battery, windows XP, 14.1" or 15" screen, etc.

What makes a newer/higher model worth more besides still being in warranty? Why are 1.6GHz T40s going for $500 while T43s going for 800?

EOMtp · #6 Post by **EOMtp** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:52 am

There is very little practical difference between similarly configured units of T40/41/42. The higher numbers have processors which run a bit cooler and are a bit faster.

T43s have a 533MHz FSB vs. 400 on the others. This yields a marginally faster machine -- so marginal that you won't notice it unless you have number crunching applications which run for hours to completion. The downside: T43p units run considerably hotter; too hot for your lap.

T43s fetch a higher price because people are predisposed to believe that newer units are superior. This is not the case of T43 vs. T42. Except for warranty considerations, I cannot understand why today anyone would pay more for a T43 than a T42, given that one gets nothing but disadvantages of noise and heat and no benefits whatsoever. Let me state it this way: no T42 owner would swap his machine for an identically-configured T43. Period. Just ask anyone who who has both units.

If you must have a "new model", then skip the T43s and go straight to the T60s. Simple: T42s (in the T4x series) or T60s.

mysbca · #7 Post by **mysbca** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:58 am

sbddude wrote:I would like to know the differences in CPU/chipset/graphics that were available between the different models.

See dr_st's post in the middle of this thread for the differences:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=20447

alexzabr · #8 Post by **alexzabr** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:31 am

EOMtp wrote:......I cannot understand why today anyone would pay more for a T43 than a T42, given that one gets nothing but disadvantages of noise and heat and no benefits whatsoever. ...

I don't think making such generalization is appropriate at all.
According to my observations, most heating user reports relate to T43p specifically which is premium model of T43 base line, though some also go for 2687 model types of regular T43.
Mine T43 runs very cool and makes me wonder other reporting about annoying fan noise. I reported in the other thread my machine temps - people admitted it is very cool indeed.
So bottom line, I'm very satisfied by my T43 (knocking onto wood). Taking into accound brand new, factory sealed with full 3 years international warranty T43 models can be obtained for around 1k$ (on Ebay for instance - where I got mine from) - I personally do not see the reason of opting for T42 instead which are usually priced about the same.
I wouldn't hesitate to save 300$ on T60 (which is about the difference between comparably configured (aside of CPU) T43 and T60) by going with T43 of particular types (2668 or 2669).

#9 Post by **KristianJ** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:56 am

sbddude wrote:I would like to know the differences in CPU/chipset/graphics that were available between the different models. It seems like they all have Pentium M of some sort, USBS 2.0, wireless, 6/9 cell battery, windows XP, 14.1" or 15" screen, etc.

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T_Series - at the bottom of the page are all the links you'll need; there is a little bit of additional info not covered in the post that was linked to earlier.

EOMtp · #10 Post by **EOMtp** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:14 am

alexzabr wrote:I personally do not see the reason of opting for T42 instead which are usually priced about the same [as a T43].

Okay, but I hope you realize that you are arguing my point. Indeed, people will not pay more for a T43 over a T42, as you note correctly. Why do you suppose T42s stay at prices which are "so high" relative to T43s? The fellow asking for advice here should be told what experience has shown, i.e., a T43 is not more desirable than a T42, notwithstanding that the T43 is newer.

I am not trying to bash T43s. I have nothing vested in either type, and I am very happy you have a good T43. I am simply trying to advise this fellow on a reality which is not obvious to a "newcomer" to these machines; a reality which people discover when they start searching for answers about why their T43 is doing such and such ... I'll stop there.

alexzabr · #11 Post by **alexzabr** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:01 am

Xmm, the only point I would argue with you is your generalization of T43 bringing the disadvantages of noise and heat. Perhaps the probability of having noisy T43 (due to heating up) is a bit higher at certain models then can be expected, but yet once again IMHO your claim is too generalized up to the point one can get it as bushing entire T43 line. Perhaps you did not intend to express such opinion, but this is at least how it can be seen by a newcomer who doesn't have a clue up for now. Would I be a newcomer, I would certainly realize from your words entire T43 line is very prone to overheating and noise.
Once again, I noticed the most heating and noise compliants in T43 go for specific types (such as T43p and 2687), whilst 2668, 2669 and some others appear to be better in this respect. Given that, I personally would prefer chosing T43 of one of these types over T42 given their close pricing thereby earning somewhat (albeit marginal indeed as you correctly stated) higher performance. As for warranty, I did not check for T42, but if T43 is better in this respect - no brainer for me.

Paranoid_TP_User · #12 Post by **Paranoid_TP_User** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:39 am

Also if I could humbly add that the T42 does not allow DDR2 ram, which should be faster and cooler (I have not checked any performance threads so I'd well believe that that the performances are similar)

simms · #13 Post by **simms** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 1:00 am

alexzabr wrote:Xmm, the only point I would argue with you is your generalization of T43 bringing the disadvantages of noise and heat. Perhaps the probability of having noisy T43 (due to heating up) is a bit higher at certain models then can be expected, but yet once again IMHO your claim is too generalized up to the point one can get it as bushing entire T43 line. Perhaps you did not intend to express such opinion, but this is at least how it can be seen by a newcomer who doesn't have a clue up for now. Would I be a newcomer, I would certainly realize from your words entire T43 line is very prone to overheating and noise.
Once again, I noticed the most heating and noise compliants in T43 go for specific types (such as T43p and 2687), whilst 2668, 2669 and some others appear to be better in this respect. Given that, I personally would prefer chosing T43 of one of these types over T42 given their close pricing thereby earning somewhat (albeit marginal indeed as you correctly stated) higher performance. As for warranty, I did not check for T42, but if T43 is better in this respect - no brainer for me.

To each their own. I'm happy with my T42 with long M10 HSF and a fan that is NEVER on, ever.

alexzabr · #14 Post by **alexzabr** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:00 am

simms wrote:
To each their own. I'm happy with my T42 with long M10 HSF and a fan that is NEVER on, ever.

Are you sure you have that fan inside at all ?

Seriously, T42 is certainly as much capable machine as T43, no doubt.
In fact, I'm looking now for a used T thinkpad for my brother and used T42 as of my prime interest (followed by T41)

Gustavo · #15 Post by **Gustavo** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 3:35 am

Hi I own both an T42 and an T43.
Performance wise they are very much alike. T42 is less noisier due to that it doesnt have that notorius fan problem the T43 has.
My brothers in law own an T43p and an T42p and there machines are very similiar in all manner with maybe the exception of the GPU which is abit more powerful in the T43p.
But seeing as T42s are much cheaper specially when you buy it used or second hand, then I would go with the T42. I bought mine used for $1100 and it still has 1 year garanty left. Bought the T43 new and it cost $2600 so its an huge difference.
The T41 and T40 are not very comparable performance wise I think, as all components are much older and more outdated.
*****These are my opinions only*****

alexzabr · #16 Post by **alexzabr** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 4:23 am

Xmm, this is interesting.
I noticed now T42 on Ebay used in excellent condition with original warranty left sometimes fr as much as one year go for 650-750$, nowhere near 1k$.
In fact brand new factory sealed T43 can be had for about 1k$ there without much fuss, even permium onfigure T43 (2.16GHz CPU, hi-res LCD, large fast HDD, etc) can be had for around 1300-1500$ brand new as well.
I bought mine (in my sig) for 1050$ about 4 months ago, also brand new, sealed with full 3 years international warranty
I wonder where did you find such high prices on these machines... ?

Differences in models: T40, T41, T42, T43

Differences in models: T40, T41, T42, T43

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