Buying a new T4x -- opinions?

[GC]

First, many thanks to all who maintain and post to this site. It is terrific! I almost bought a ThinkPad without checking here first -- that would have been a BIG mistake.

I've poked through a number of threads and gotten answers to many questions, but I'm still trying to make up my mind on the issues below. Your opinions are much appreciated.

First, a bit about my expected use of the computer (since that may affect your answers).
• "light" video & audio editing (I have a desktop for the heavy lifting), but no gaming
• a mobile "around the house" computer (wireless G home network), to get away from the desk
• occasional presentations (I'm a teacher at a local community college)
• watching DVDs

T41 vs. T42?
I understand: 42 has faster processor, options for better graphics controller, etc. I'm not interested in the 15 inch screen (prefer smaller, lighter book); any thoughts about pros/cons of each?
(Note: I'm very afraid of the T41 fan noise problem; this makes me lean towards the 42, which seems to have solved this problem.)

XGA vs. SXGA?
At 14.1, does it make much of a difference? My eyesight is good, but fading -- don't want laptop to accelerate the aging process to quickly! Also, any battery life issues here?

Radeon 7500 vs. 9600?
As a non-gamer, do I need the 9600? I will do some video work (mostly animation, using Flash, After Effects, etc.)

60 GB 7200 rpm HD vs. 80 GB 5400 rpm HD?
Bigger is certainly better, but is the speed difference noticeable? Also, any thoughts on how this might affect battery life, heat, etc.?

Battery life
Your real life results, please. Also, regular vs. extended battery? I know usage has a huge effect on how long a battery will last, but I'm just trying to get a real-life benchmark. What does "up to 5/9 hours" really mean?

Accessories
Anything you would consider a "must have"? Travel dongle? Mini-Dock? Port replicator?

Here's the things I've settled on already:
• 512 MB RAM (perhaps I'll add more later)
• 14.1 inch screen (15 would be too big, heavy, and $$$)
• at least 60 GB HD (40 feels like it would be too small, especially given the built in recovery partition)
• Wireless G (for home network)
• CD-RW/DVD ROM combo drive (desktop already has a DVD burner)

I know this is a rather extensive posting; please post any thoughts you have, even if you only want to answer some of the questions. Thanks in advance for your time and advice.

[Conmee]

GC,

With all the questions you still have, I'm wondering what questions the forum DID answer for you... lol

The T42 has the option for better graphics and Dothan v. the T41 and that would be the two biggest factors in choosing the T42.

The T42 I have has none of the fan buzzing/cycling every 5 seconds. So the T42 is good there. The Dothan 1.8GHz runs cooler than my 1.6GHz T40p from my experience over the past few days. But even if you aren't a gamer, the Mobility Radeon 9600 w/64MB is a worthwhile component. It will give your notebook a longer life in terms of things that can run on it now, and in the future. That was my big reason for an upgrade to a T42. Plus, you 'may' decide to play a game now and again, and if so, you'll have a system well-equipped to play them.

Otherwise, I think you're looking at nearly equivalent battery life, weight/size, and screen resolution and HDD options between the T41 and T42. The SXGA+ is 'comfortable' on a 14.1" screen, very crisp/sharp objects and text. I prefer it to XGA because after using SXGA+ for awhile, going back to the XGA you can see the blockiness and jaggedness of the icons/text/graphics. And the extra room is invaluable.

Same goes for the hard drive. I prefer the extra space, but if you already have a desktop for 'heavy lifting' you may prefer the 60GB 72k as it is somewhat faster, both subjectively and on benchmarks. The downside for some, is that it does make noticeably more noise (perceptible may be a better word.. not MUCH more than a 54K drive but more...), and it vibrates. You'll get about a 50-50 split on those who can hear/feel the 72k drive and those who can't. If a little more noise and some light vibration won't bother you, go with 60GB, as the extra 20GB on an 80GB drive won't be put to much/good use v. the speed increase, given you have a desktop system at your disposal.

The docking and other accessories really depend on the level of portability and desktop replaceability you're looking for. Since you're just trying to get away from the desk, as you say, probably a 9-Cell Hi-Capacity battery is the only/most important accessory you need, based on your comments above.

There's my recommendation from a lowly thinkpads.com forum member... lol

Daniel

[JaimitoBond]

T42 if you're not on a tight budget
SXGA+ is the minimum. XGA on a 14" doesn't display enough real estate
Radeon 9600. Video cards are not really upgradeable, so get the best you can afford. Go for the 128MB if you can.
80GB is better bang for the buck, but HD are upgradeable in the future. Sooner or later there wil be 100GB+ drives.
6 cell is enough for most work, and is smaller, cheaper, less weight
More RAM never hurts, port replicator is you want to hook up many things at the office or home. Better yet, save money on the 14" TP, and buy a nice 19"+CRT, and hook that up to the port replicator. It'll look better than any laptop or regular LCDs, esp for games.