ThinkPad dilemma

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gio · #1 Post by **gio** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 4:45 am

This is pretty basic question for you experts out there, but I would appreciate your feedback as this is really doing my head in.

I'm a uk-based web designer/translator looking to buy a laptop. I was close to purchasing a dell but reliability/service issues have made me think twice.

By chance I came across the thinkpad, I had always thought that they were well outside of my budget but having looked around I think the build quality and support is worth the extra.

My dilemma is the following. I have seen the T40 and R51 for similar prices (roughly £1500/ $2600 ). As I have a small business its a lot of cash to spend so I want to be absolutely sure I'm making the right choice.

Should I go for T40 or R51?

I have seen a T40 for sale (2373-94G) in london with 1.6 Ghz, 80gb, 512mb, SGA 14" screen, cdrw/dvd rom, 3 yr warranty for £1475.

Alternatively I could buy a R51 on the web with 60GB drive, 1.5Ghz, 512 MB, 15" SGA screen and DVD RW and upgrade the warranty to 3yrs for a similar price.

Since I have a desktop machine the DVD burner is not too important. I have seen the 14" screen at 1400x1050 and this looks just great. As far as dimensions and weight go, there seems to be little in it.

Are there any other differences in quality between these models? Are there any other benefits to be had with the R51 as it is a more recent model? Is the 'airbag' system useful?

Many thanks in advance for your help

giovanni

MichaelMeier · #2 Post by **MichaelMeier** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 5:08 am

gio · #3 Post by **gio** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 6:26 am

Thanks for your advice Michael. I'll contact Bill and hopefully sort this out soon!

sktn77a · #4 Post by **sktn77a** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 1:03 pm

The T40 is a good bit lighter than the R51 so if portability is the issue, this might sway your decision.

gio · #5 Post by **gio** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 1:08 pm

cheers for your comments keith. Think my mind's made up on this one now.

itsramesh · #6 Post by **itsramesh** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 1:52 pm

rio,

I second whatever keith said. T42 is a lot lighter. Also the models with 14" screen are about a pound lighter than 15" models. Since u are going to do web design stuff, i would recommend a SXGA+ screen.

I have seen the R40 and its around 6.5 pounds. T42 is under 5 pounds.
Infact when i opened the box and held the laptop for the first time .... i was amazed at how thin and light it was, just like a "notebook". Pun intended

cheers,
Ramesh

gio · #7 Post by **gio** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:11 pm

thanks ramesh. Its a toss-up between T40 and T42 now. All depends on finances. Since I have a desktop machine already, I don't need a very high end model. I'm now working my way through the postings on this very impressive and useful forum.

As a mac user, until now I hadn't realised that PC users were also so united over a particular brand of machine.

sharpc8690 · #8 Post by **sharpc8690** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:53 pm

In my opinion, T40 is better as far as your situation is concerned.

ThinkPad dilemma

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