IBM T42 (2378fvu) vs. Sony Z1WAMP : Help me choose!!

[daeojkim]

I am in big dilemma.

I am looking at laptops and I pretty much came down to between IBM Thinkpad T42 (2378fvu) and Sony Z1WAMP. They both have very very similar specs and, except for the graphic card, and are similarily priced. My friend has a Z1 and I used it and it is a very nice laptop. So pretty too ^^.

Basically I need a laptop that can be used to as desktop replacement and also on the go. I go to library and cafe's to do my work. Mostly using office products, programming, and surfing the web. So those two above are just right for my needs. I don't play hardcore games. All I play is Starcraft, which both laptops can handle very well.

I need it to last for about 3 years minimum. So build quality is very important for me as I will be carrying it around a lot.

I know this is a thinkpad forum and I may get biased answer. But if anyone had experience with both. Could you comment on your experience?

Thank you so much.

[rocketman]

I'll say one thing, IBM's customer service is head and shoulders over Sony. I think Sony's laptops are really nice but I don't think the actual build quality is up to the Thinkpad standards. When I had my A20p the few times I called IBM to ask a question I never had to wait more than a few minutes to get a tech support person on the phone.

[RCube]

If you program then you should really get one with 1400x1050 res. And it seems the ibm you picked only has 1024 x 768.

I had to make the same decision(23739fu vs Z1) about a weekend ago.
The sony's build isn't bad, it had a nice solid keyboard too...but I think the ibm can take more beating. Also the ibm had better spec and price. And remember sony doesn't come with 3 year warranty standard...so you will need to pay more to get it.

[wanna_IBM]

There is no choice, IBM all the way! Sony's look pretty, thats all they have going for them. Just got a T42P and will only have thinkpads from now on.

[Plinkerton]

I can definitely vouch for tech support. I never waited more then one minute the few times I called. I asked many stupid questions, and they were always very helpful.

I would and did get the T42. I got the same option you did. The 2378FVU, and there is definitely an option for a higher resolution, as that's what I have.

[daeojkim]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.
I will keep your suggestions in mind.
the the fvu comes with SXGA+. I would have to upgrade the memory with a 512MB stick.

Well I guess I will go for the IBM.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

[Plinkerton]

I upgraded my memory with a 512 stick from Crucial without a hitch. Just in case you were wondering...

The SXGA screen is nice and crisp. Mine is a 14.

[JHEM]

I am in big dilemma.

All I can add to what others have said is that just 10 minutes spent in comp.sys.laptops or almost any other of the laptop NGs will quickly show that Sony will treat you like a red-headed stepchild if you are ever so bold as to ask for support or warranty repair!

Asking for drivers so you can upgrade from W2K to XP can result in your warranty being voided!

Some Sony laptops are BIOS locked so that you can only install ONE type of OS, and it isn't Linux!

Regards,

James

[fritz_the_blank]

I was facing the same decision but ultimately went for the IBM T42 (it should arrive in the next couple of weeks). The specs are below. I felt that the IBM would have a much better chance of lasting the 5 years that I would like it to, and my current sony keyboard is somewhat squishy. Moreover, the LCD on my Sony cracked within the first few months (right from the point where the latch is) and they wanted $1100 for the repair even though it was clearly a design flaw. Forturnately, I found a used screen that would work on EBay for $300. That experience made me reluctant to buy a sony product again.



1 SYS.2378EV CONFIGURED SYSTEM
10/13/04 $2,433.20 $2,433.20
2378EVU T42 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.7GHZ
09N4278 60GB 7200RPM HDD CTO
31P9705 CTO 802.11A/B/G WIRELESS MINI
31P9838 512MB PC2700 DDR SDRAM CTO
31P9857 CTO TP 6 CELL LION BATTERY
73P2814 IBM INTEGRATED 56K V.92
73P2891 MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP PRO
73P3295 CTO IBM MULTI BURNER
30L9192 3YR DEPOT REPAIR
1 08K8197 THINKPAD T40 SERIES HIGH
10/15/04 $99.00 $99.00