Opinions Needed: R50p vs. T42p

[none]

Hello there, I am new on this forum, I need some opinions on a new laptop... My poor T30 (2366-92U) is on it's last legs and I need a new machine. I would love to get a T42p, but money is a bit tight for it right now... I know the R50p is a lot heavier than the T42p, I was wondering about performence and build quality differences... I'm a real power user, so I can't make any compramises as to the actual quality of the laptop. I do tons of design with Adobe and Macromedia apps, code compiling, FTP server, 3D modeling and video editing from time to time, accounting system (usually QuickBooks), the occasional game, and so on. I don't carry the laptop around with me often, but when I travel with it, I travel far (ie. Canada <-> Australia).. Again though, the size isn't that a big concern. So can I get some opinions on which laptop I should go with? Also let me know if you think I should go for a T42, or a T41p. I was actually looking at the 2379-DXU T42, looks nice.

Cheers, Al

[dr.b]

The t42p comes with up to 2.0 ghz dothan cpus and the r50p is only available with up to 1.7 ghz, so i think it supports only banias cpus.
As far as i know, there is no other difference in performance.
I use the t42p, one reason: i jump every 2nd weekend from germany to sweden and prefer hand baggage only

[Daniel]

If I were you, I'd go for the 2373-KXU. That's the best available right now. If money is tight, perhaps the 2379-DXU. The build quality with the T-Series is much better than that of the R-series. It will also be lighter than the R series, which you'll appreciate when you travel. The 15" display would be great for your design work. Performance is generally better with the T series, depending on config. They offer higher end parts. If you'd like more information, let us know.

[BillMorrow]

call me at 772-781-0039 for an EOQ (end of quarter) sale price on 2373KXU and other thinkpad models..

[none]

Which would you guys say is the better machine? A T42 2379-DXU, or an R50p? The T has a Dothan (and it's a T!), but the R has the FireGL video card, which I bet would come in useful for rendering content...

[dr.b]

easy decision, take both the "t" and firegl -> t42p

[bveghte]

I have the R50p and I absolutely love it. It's my 4th thinkpad and I'm more satisfied with it than with any others I've had (although I loved the other ones too).

I've never been able to understand how unpopular the R50ps are (in the sense that IBM doesn't sell many and they aren't reviewed in the press like the T series is). It's a near-perfect machine, with the best screen on the market, excellent wireless reception, a Multiburner, and on and on. It is the most underrated laptop I have ever encountered.

I think there must be a fetish with the weight factor which leads people to shy away from it. For me, the one-pound difference between the T42p and the R50p is more than made up for by the difference in the sticker price.

In short, I promise you you cannot go wrong with an R50p. As it is substantially cheaper than the T42p, it is worth your consideration.