How Long a T4x can last.

[gunston]

well, interesting question here,
i am using T43, would like you guys to share the experience of how many years do you think that your thinkpad is worth using before its Technology (in terms of speed, since the new tech of Duo Core is introduced).

[agarza]

Are you talking about durability or the old Centrino technology becoming obsolete?

I'd say that in terms of technology it all came down to what the user would be utilizing, for example, a gamer would want to swap their T4x to a newer machine because newer game do require powerfull GFX cards. However Dothan's and Sonoma's are pretty fast processors. Not all people that own a Core Duo really takes advantage of all the juice, mainly because their expertise or whatever.

I found personally a huge step forward change from Pentium 4-M to Pentium-M.

Reallistically I would buy a new laptop (Maybe a thinkpad ) in the next 2-3 years. Basically I'd like my next laptop tobe fully loaded and it's always though since today I'm in College and don't have lots of money.

[jdhurst]

My T41 was new at the beginning of 2003. There is nothing it cannot do at the current time including running as many as three computers simultaneously. So until Vista is ready for prime time, I see no need to upgrade the hardware. ... JDH

[pianowizard]

In terms of technology, most computers are good enough for simple tasks (internet, word processing, simple games) for up to about ten years. An obvious example is the 600E, which was introduced in late 1998 and many people run Win XP, Office 2003 etc. on it. In terms of durability, if the user takes care of their machine properly, most computers can last longer than ten years.

[gator]

My approach to buying a new computer is this: I save up, wait and buy a loaded computer whenever I want to get one - and I stick to this machine for as long as I can. For example, when most students around me were buying mediocre dell inspirons and replacing them within 1.5 years (mostly to another mediocre dell inspiron ), I waited (im)patiently for a long time and got a real nice T60, which I plan to hold on till I finish my PhD (~2010-2011), or even 1-2 years more atleast.

I think a good, loaded T4x (I mean memory and HDD, there is not much difference, infact no visible real-world difference, in processor speed between 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8 GHz!) should be good for another 3-4 years atleast for regular work. Unless you absolutely need a killer machine, don't get one. But when you buy a machine, get a good base model and spread your upgrades over time.

[tamasrepus]

I bought a T42p (top-end T42 model) and it's nearing the end of it's 3-yr warranty. I replaced the keyboard a few weeks ago and it completely feels like new! It could last another year or two easily, and I'm debating whether to extend the warranty...

[Temetka]

yes, extend the warranty. It adds to re-sale value.

[tamasrepus]

yes, extend the warranty. It adds to re-sale value.

I'm unsure whether I want to resell it... as with most electronics, after 3 yrs it is worth close to nothing.

Actually, something to consider which is affecting me now: will your computing needs or "lifestyle" change in an expected 3-4 lifetime of your machine? Can you really predict anyway?

My own example: now that I've switched to Linux, I commute with my laptop every day, as I like to have my own machine with my own plethora of applications, settings, etc. Three years ago, I wasn't lugging around 6 lb of T42p; now, I am, and I am beginning to get really sick of it. It's my main reason for wanting to switch to an X series or some other 12" laptop and not continue usiing one or get another T.

[gator]

Three years ago, I wasn't lugging around 6 lb of T42p; now, I am, and I am beginning to get really sick of it.

This is a very valid point, and I have seen it firsthand in many, many first-time latptop users (esp. students). They are so enthralled using a laptop that they don't mind lugging it around, even if it is a 6-pound thingy. After the novelty wears off, or after they are used to working on a lappy, carrying it around is not fun anymore. Some even yearn for a desktop. Some other people give more importance to the computer than to the work, and this adds to what I said above. Using a laptop computer is not all novelty or show-off. The important things are our needs and the work we do, and how much convenience a laptop will add, be it a thinkpad or a crummy brand.

[gunston]

well, i did buy my T43 at Dec2005, looks like it can last for 3-5yrs for normal tasking like internet, word processing, except the latest graphic intensive games.