What TP is right for me?

[Rallon]

Hello all,

Despite my enduring love for my desktop system, I've decided that owning a laptop would be awfully handy as well. I'm a college student, so being able to take a computer to the library, to class, etc. would be very useful to me. Unfortunately, with being a student comes a distinct lack of funds, so I'll be looking for something on the cheap side, preferably somewhere under the $500 mark, though if I were able to get something spectacularly better than my <500 options for only a little more I might consider jumping higher. Another caveat is that I won't be able to make my purchase until some summer paychecks have come in, so I probably won't be buying until late May or June.

I've been doing quite a bit of research into laptop reviews and Ebay prices/availability of various goodies, and I'm really thinking that a Thinkpad would be the way to go for me after hearing about all of the lovely problems associated with Dells, HPs, etc. I've been lurking on this forum for a while and decided that making my own post really would be helpful. I've been bouncing back and forth as to my top choice of which Thinkpad model to aim for, and so I figure that those more experienced than I would be able to offer some help. As far as I can tell, the X30/31/32 series and the T40/41/42/43 series seem like my best bets. The machinations of differences between models in those series are pretty arcane to me, though, so I could definitely use some help there.

I'd be using my Thinkpad mostly for officey type tasks, with no major requirements for gaming; The ability to throw something like Civ3 on would be nice, but I don't expect too much out of such a low priced system. Wireless internet surfing is definitely a priority for me as well. Size and weight aren't huge issues, as I lug around enough every day that the difference of a couple of pounds between an X and a T series wouldn't mean much. I'd really just like a solid machine that will get the job done and can potentially last me a nice, long time.

I'm quite savvy with putting together and upgrading desktop machines, but have no real knowledge of how upgrades tend to work on laptops. A definite option for me, though, would be to upgrade my Thinkpad over time as money comes in. It's much more feasible for me to buy a cheaper system and throw $100 at it here and there over the next year or so than to hope to have a big enough chunk of cash ready to get a nicer machine all in one piece. A more upgradeable machine would be nice, thus, though again I don't know how DIY-able your average TP upgrade would tend to be.

Are my goals a pipe dream, or are there cheap-yet-amazing thinkpads out there that will suit me? Obviously the cheaper the better and the faster/prettier/better resolution/etc. the better. Thanks in advance for offering enlightenment to this poor Thinkpad newbie!

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

While I can't give any personal advice about the X or T4x systems (as I have yet to break past the T23), I'll only comment about the upgradability of those laptops and the differences between the X and T series in general.

The most you can realistically do is increase memory, hard disk space and/or speed and upgrade the optical drive. Don't think you can open up the system and drop in the latest (insert your favorite video chipset maker here) graphics card. You might be able to change the LCD in the T4x system (from XGA to SXGA+). The X3's you mentioned came with 12.1 XGA screens and that's it.

If your laptop usage is going to be limited to an office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint stuff), then any one of those systems will do fine. You could even drop down to a T2x or T30. You will lose the USB 2.0 however.

The X is noted for its light weight. Mainly because you aren't carrying around the optical drive (i.e. it's a one spindle machine). But it also has the somewhat smallish LCD (50 year old eyes with contacts doesn't help me). The T4 series has the Ultrabay Slim (not to be confused with the 600's Ultraslimbay; got that? ) so you can have whatever optical drive you want in there. Larger and heavier than the X (5lbs vs about 3.5), you can get them with 14.1" XGA or SXGA+ panels.

If you haven't already obtained a copy of the "tawbook", you can find it here:

ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pcinstitu ... awbook.pdf

It lists some of the systems you are thinking about. If you have any more specific questions about these systems, just holler and I'm sure somebody will pop up with the answers.

[dmar]

As far as X series goes, I think the X31 is the best fit for your productivity needs and spending range. As an owner of both an x3x and x4x, I can tell you to stick to the x3x if you want upgradeability. While the x4's are a bit sleeker, etc. the hard drives are the 1.8" variety, and top out 60GB, 5400rpm (there are faster proof of concept ones out there, but you can forget about buying those and staying within budget).

As for the T, a T41 will do you just fine. Maybe even a T40. If you can muster up an extra $150, get a T41p. That'll go a long way in the 3-5 year window.

Lastly, you should really consider going with an R series if weight is not a concern. They're built like a tank, and are essentially a chubbier T series.

Hope that helps! Have fun finding your Thinkpad!

[Rallon]

Thanks for the replies thus far!

To clarify, weight is a concern, but not so much that I'm willing to count out the T-series. An X series would be great as I doubt I'd even notice the extra couple of pounds in my bag and would just take it everywhere - with the T I'm sure there would be days when I'd want to skip the extra weight. I'm willing to count out the R series as I think hitting the level of 7+ pounds is just more than I'd generally be willing to lug around, so it'd just end up collecting dust.

[Temetka]

Considering your needs, a T41 or T42 would be great. You would have 64MB of VRAM, wifi, a good Pentium M chip and that ultrabay. With the ultrabay you have a few options for expansion such as a second hard disk, combo or dvd burner, floppy, second battery and so on.

I personally own a T41P and love it. Being a college student it is a great fit for me.

If you don't need all that, an X32 is a great system as well.

[pianowizard]

With the ultrabay you have a few options for expansion such as a second hard disk, combo or dvd burner, floppy, second battery

Or a travel bezel to cut down the laptop's weight and increase portability.

[Temetka]

Ooh, didn't think of that one.

[agarza]

I second Temetka's advice. Go for a T41/T42. You might want to buy a used but in very good state. T43 are noisy and somewhat have more trouble when you want to upgrade the HDD (2010 error). I own a T42p and is an amazing machine! I don't recommend you a T30, I had one, the battery life was a sucker. Go for a Pentium M laptop, you can get at least 4 hr of battery life.

[pianowizard]

Rallon, be sure to check the Buy of the Week! thread whenever it's bumped by me. I post about nicely priced Thinkpads on that thread quite often.