The Better* model of the T4x series????

[vtohthree]

Hey guys, I'm looking into getting a T4x model now, they're thin, light, and pretty affordable right now. I looked up the T40 and up to the T43. I hear it seems that the T43 runs hottest out of the T4x pack, and the T40 is the first of a new line has some prone issues. I'm not an expert but I was figuring that somewhere in the T41-T42 line, IBM got it pretty good(not to say that the others aren't).

So out of the T40/T41/T42/T43 line, which one is more preferrable to buy over the other? (In terms of reliability, known issues, heat, battery life, etc....even though they are somewhat similar)


I've read about some great battery life figures on the T40.

Thanks for all or any input.


****************************
edit/update


I should have been a little more specific with what I'm looking for or expecting out of this laptop and why I need it to be running cool, lightweight, and have ample batterylife.

my apologies, so...

The laptop will be used for:
*word processing, excel, powerpoint, etc.
*mild coding(visual studios: C++, html, php/mysql)
*internet:email, web browsing
*playing some dvd's(as well as installing dvd software)

This laptop will also be a road warrior, I will be travelling all around with it, by foot(in a backpack), and from desk-to-table-to-academic halls. Hence:

*I want it to be light so it wouldn't be a burden to carry
*Long battery life to endure the day(at least 3.5 hours, the more, the better, idealy 5)
*reliable/sturdy(I would hope nothing dies on me)
*cool and quiet(it will be on my lap occasionally, and I will be in quiet settings)


I intend on getting one as best equipped as possible for around $400, and I could easily live with the essentials above(it has to have a DVD drive, and wifi capability). All else, I assume will suffice, the cpu, the hdd, and the gpu.

As for the everything else, I'd be willing to upgrade down the road, the first being the RAM, I'm assuming that I will have to buy a 1GB sodimm PC2700 with what most come installed. I'd also upgrade the wifi if it's not at least G-band capable, and maybe even nab a 745/755 Pentium M for cheap (I've seen some on ebay for $60) down the road.

I'm hoping that this laptop will last me for at least a good 2 years, before I buy an expensive brand new one. I just need an affordable, reliable, durable, capable, efficient, lightweigt machine to get me through for my use, since I'm currently stuck with a heavy, unreliable(bottom flexes and breaks motherboard's soldering), burning hot, really heavy, pentium 4 inspiron 5150.

I didn't think that a T61 was quite worth it for the time being, seeing it's battery life, plus knowing that a new revision of the core 2 duo is due in a few months (penryn, with a lower tdp of 29watts compared to current 35), and that the finalization of N-band is on the horizon. And I need this laptop soon...so I turn to the tried and true, T4x series!

Thanks to the help of the posters on this thread, I have narrowed it down to the T41/T42.

[tfflivemb2]

I think that most people will say T42p....but my vote doesn't count because I haven't even held a T4x until yesterday...

[vtohthree]

I think that most people will say T42p....but my vote doesn't count because I haven't even held a T4x until yesterday...

Interesting, any particular reason for the "p" specific model?

[SHoTTa35]

the T40 will prolly always have the best numbers. They have the lower CPUs, 1.3Ghz to 1.7Ghz. The 1.7Ghz uses tons of power but with most of them having 1.5Ghz CPU, you get better battery life. Most of them have also have a ATI Radeon 7500 32MB GPU which will use less power then all ther others:

Radeon 9000 32/64MB
Radeon 9600 64MB
Fire GL 128MB (variants)
Radeon X1300 64MB
Radeon x1400 128MB

The Fire GL versions come in the "P" ones and not designed for the "power worry munger" in mind. These offer raw performance.

AS for which is the best, i think "mine" is - that is the Thinkpad T42 (listed in my signature) They've matured the most out of the series, the T43 was a hybrid of future and past technologies that had a kid that everyone both loved and hated.

[bill bolton]

I hear it seems that the T43 runs hottest out of the T4x pack

The 2xxx T43 models run somewhat hotter, while the 1xxx T43 models don't appear to be significantly hotter than the earlier T4x models.

In general, you are more likely to find additional "features", such as built in WiFi, Bluetooth etc, being much more common on later models in the T4x series.

So out of the T40/T41/T42/T43 line, which one is more preferrable to buy over the other?

Do you want a standard model or a "p" model? Do you want 14" or 15" screen? Those factors all have some bearing on which may be preferable.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[vtohthree]

I hear it seems that the T43 runs hottest out of the T4x pack

The 2xxx T43 models run somewhat hotter, while the 1xxx T43 models don't appear to be significantly hotter than the earlier T4x models.

In general, you are more likely to find additional "features", such as built in WiFi, Bluetooth etc, being much more common on later models in the T4x series.

So out of the T40/T41/T42/T43 line, which one is more preferrable to buy over the other?

Do you want a standard model or a "p" model? Do you want 14" or 15" screen? Those factors all have some bearing on which may be preferable.

Cheers,

Bill B.

Thanks for the info mate, I'm sorry I didn't clearly state what I meant by "preferable", but yes, I'd like 14'' with battery life being a priority, so I guess the p model is not as applicable to this situation.

I've read around that some T40's can achieve up to 6-7 hours of battery life with a 9cell with wifi on, not too shabby, btw, how cool and quiet are the T4x's in general? Cool enough to put on your lap, quiet enough to not be annoying in a library?

Cheers!

[vtohthree]

Noticeable differences between the T41 and T42?

I don't even know what the differences are,

I did hear and read about some of the differences of the T43, maybe even a newchipset on the mobo, and like it was stated, more standard features, but I don't know the differences between the T41 and T42's.

[SHoTTa35]

basically no real difference other than what you can get in it. The T40s only came with the above mentioned video card and processors. The T41 and 42 upgraded on some of those features but basically look the same. They didn't change anything other than the name on the outside.

As for TPs being quiet and cool well the T4x series (except some T43s) are cool and quiet and even in a library you wont hear it. Most of the time the fan is on but it's running at a low RPM and you'd have to put your ear next to the vent to hear if it's on or not. No lap burn for sure there... no sweaty thighs either!

[vtohthree]

basically no real difference other than what you can get in it. The T40s only came with the above mentioned video card and processors. The T41 and 42 upgraded on some of those features but basically look the same. They didn't change anything other than the name on the outside.

As for TPs being quiet and cool well the T4x series (except some T43s) are cool and quiet and even in a library you wont hear it. Most of the time the fan is on but it's running at a low RPM and you'd have to put your ear next to the vent to hear if it's on or not. No lap burn for sure there... no sweaty thighs either!

That's great! Glad to hear that it's quiet and won't burn my lap like my old Pentium4 inspiron notebook. Thanks for commenting on it.

Are there are any known issues I should be aware of?


I suppose I'm going to be shopping around online for used T41's and T42's as I've gained confidence in purchasing one after helpful and insightful input from everyone here.

and THANKS TO EVERYONE ELSE who has commented as well, it's been really helpful and I may be one step closer to being a proud new owner of a used T4x notebook,

[bill bolton]

As you are interested in battery duration....... the 1xxx (and 2xxx) T43 models have some additional power management capabilities and have a useful battery reset option in the Power Manager utility.

You can run the T43 Power Manager utility on the earlier T4x models (by manually installing it) but you don't get the battery reset capability as the earlier hardware doesn't support it.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[pianowizard]

Any of the SXGA+ or UXGA models are better than the XGA models.

[bill bolton]

Any of the SXGA+ or UXGA models are better than the XGA models.

Not for maximum battery power duration. "Better" depends on the context.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[pianowizard]

"Better" depends on the context.

Of course. What I was trying to say (but failed to say clearly) was that the OP ought to take resolution into consideration in addition to the factors that s/he listed, i.e. "reliability, known issues, heat, battery life, etc".

[vtohthree]

"Better" depends on the context.

Of course. What I was trying to say (but failed to say clearly) was that the OP ought to take resolution into consideration in addition to the factors that s/he listed, i.e. "reliability, known issues, heat, battery life, etc".

Thanks for the input Pianowizard, I didn't know they had a UXGA screen available!

Yes, typically I've always strived for the highest resolution possible when given the oppurtunity since I'll be staring at the screen all day. However, I'm a little flexible this time, to be honest, I want to get a quite affordable used T4x, the more features the better, some features are a highly preferable:

-DVD-ROM at least
-preferable Bluetooth(does it exist below the T43 line?)
-wifi (I suppose I could get a mini card to upgarde to G-band at least)
-cpu at least 1.5Ghz pentium M
-gpu: I really don't mind almost anything because I won't play games, just maybe an occasional dvd.
-screen, whatever is available(normally I'm picky, but whatever is available on ebay, craigslist to be honest)

*for the Ram(I have a spare DDR1 PC2700 512mb stick) and HDD(I can upgrade...I browsed through the forums and found that are some obstacles to do this however with the recovery stuff)

I hope to get this laptop for around $400 I move and travel a lot and need to do work, my aging inspiron isn't the best road warrior, and I'd like to make a huge upgrade but just not right now(I can wait for penryn, no rush to get a brand new laptop at the moment).

This laptop will be mainly used for word processing, some coding, basic internet use(email, web browse, IM, etc.), and occasional multimedia(dvd's, music, etc.); nothing too intensive.


Hope that clarifies my goals/intentions with this purchase. And again, thanks to all who have posted. Any and all feedback is still welcomed, I really appreciate it, I still browse on ebay and craigslist for a viable candidate, mainly looking at T41's/T42's right now, the T43 is a little bit cumbersoem to dinguish between a 1xxx and a 2xxx model right now unless the sellar clearly states it.

[sugo]

One vote for T42. Mine has been trouble free for the past 3 years.

[carbon_unit]

Are there are any known issues I should be aware of?

Since the T4x series are so thin there is a flexing issue if mishandled.
When you pick up a T4x series with one hand by one of the corners where the palmrest is you will flex the motherboard. If done enough times it may partially pop the video chipset loose resulting in various issues. See here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=33952 Simply put, pick it up with both hands.
I had a T42 for almost two years and it was an excellent laptop, I miss it.

[vtohthree]

Are there are any known issues I should be aware of?

Since the T4x series are so thin there is a flexing issue if mishandled.
When you pick up a T4x series with one hand by one of the corners where the palmrest is you will flex the motherboard. If done enough times it may partially pop the video chipset loose resulting in various issues. See here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=33952 Simply put, pick it up with both hands.
I had a T42 for almost two years and it was an excellent laptop, I miss it.

Thanks a lot for informing me about this flexing issue since I'd be moving it around a lot. I read through many pages of it and I'm glad to find out that there is somewhat of a solution(putting some material to pack the gpu in there more snuggly).

Anyways, yeah I keep searching through ebay, I missed out on some good oppurtunities, but it does seem possible that I may get a T41 too, but I'm aiming towards a T42, I want it to hold out until I spend a good $1800 or so on a new laptop(maybe a T61, maybe a D630) with a 45nm Core 2 Duo.

T42's are more preferable over the T41 because they come ready with wireless G, typically slightly higher specs(faster cpu,more ram, higher capacity hdd's, newer/better conditions). It's all great but I guess I could opt for a T41 and just buy a wireless G pcmaII card or something.

[Harryc]

It's all great but I guess I could opt for a T41 and just buy a wireless G pcmaII card or something.

Many T41's come wireless ready, in that an antenna is already installed and all you need to do is add a wireless MPCI card. It depends on the model number. Others come with wireless installed already, most likely Intel 802.11b. That card can be upgraded to 802.11g.

[vtohthree]

It's all great but I guess I could opt for a T41 and just buy a wireless G pcmaII card or something.

Many T41's come wireless ready, in that an antenna is already installed and all you need to do is add a wireless MPCI card. It depends on the model number. Others come with wireless installed already, most likely Intel 802.11b. That card can be upgraded to 802.11g.

Thanks for the suggestion, I suppose the antenna is decent? I was aware that the T41's are usually wireless ready but with B band, but I didn't think about swapping out the mini-pci card, suggestion helps a lot!

Anyone know what socket the T41 is(out of curiosity)? And also, any place that might carry CPU's for it? If it's cheap enough I wouldn't mind upgrading to a dothan core.

edit: nvm about finding cpu's, i couldn't find any at well known reliable etailors since they've been discontinued, however ebay again will have to do,

[dr_st]

I think that getting a T41 and upgrading the CPU to a Dothan will cost more than getting a T42 to begin with.

[vtohthree]

I think that getting a T41 and upgrading the CPU to a Dothan will cost more than getting a T42 to begin with.

There's quite a few T41's going for around $320(give or take) plus lots of Pentium M 745's going for around ($60). Not too bad. It's almost the price of a T42, T42's seem to go for around $400 give some. I'm talking about cheaper ones.

[Johan]

Hey guys, I'm looking into getting a T4x model now, they're thin, light, and pretty affordable right now. I looked up the T40 and up to the T43. I hear it seems that the T43 runs hottest out of the T4x pack, and the T40 is the first of a new line has some prone issues. I'm not an expert but I was figuring that somewhere in the T41-T42 line, IBM got it pretty good(not to say that the others aren't).

So out of the T40/T41/T42/T43 line, which one is more preferrable to buy over the other? (In terms of reliability, known issues, heat, battery life, etc....even though they are somewhat similar)

I've read about some great battery life figures on the T40.

Thanks for all or any input.

If you are still looking, you might find some useful considerations in the thread: Buying a 2nd hand T42p. As may be evident from that thread, I am absolutely voting for a T42p, depending - of course! - on your specific user needs! The price may be at least US$ 800,- for a top-of-the-line model, with remaining warranty and no scratches etc., but if that's within reach, I'd certainly recommend it (also, if you one day might want to upgrade from XP to Vista... then the faster CPU/GPU and the more VRAM in a T42p over an e.g. T40 or T41 may be of benefit).

Alternatively, get a "lower-end" T42 (a non-"p" model), and upgrade it afterwards, as you save money for it, or your needs increase; check the thread: T42 Upgrade Possibilities.

Best regards,

Johan

[tomh009]

the T40 will prolly always have the best numbers. They have the lower CPUs, 1.3Ghz to 1.7Ghz. The 1.7Ghz uses tons of power but with most of them having 1.5Ghz CPU, you get better battery life.

The Banias 1.5-1.7 GHz CPUs all have identical TDP (thermal design power) ratings at 24.5W, with the slower CPUs only slightly lower. If you run your system on a power-saving battery profile, there will be little difference in power consumption between the 1.5 and 1.7 GHz versions.

[vtohthree]

THanks for the continuing responses guys. I'm still hunting for a T4x laptop, I've made a few ebay attempts but lost the bids.

I'm aiming to buy one for around $400, as long as the "meat and potatoes" of the laptop are in good shape I'll live. I've gotten quite a few votes for the T42p, which does spark my interest, however being a rather exclusive model, the prices aren't as appealing to me.

I will probably buy a T41 or T42. Generally, I do not care much about the cpu speed, ram size(I will buy a 1GB so-dimm pc2700 either way), or wireless card (I will buy a mpci G-band card w/ bluetooth).

However, I do care about the optical drive(at least DVD-ROM W/ CDRW).

All else I will live with what I get but the higher the better, GPU(7500 or 9000), screen (XGA or SXGA), or HDD(I won't put too much on it and the lowest I've seen is 40GB on them, plus I wouldn't mind upgrading down the road to a 7200).

I will edit my original post soon to save the trouble of new posters from reading through this whole thread to see what I've been posting.

Hopefully sometime by the end of this week, I will be a proud new owner of a used T41 or T42! I'll let you guys know what I get,

[Johan]

...I will buy a mpci G-band card w/ bluetooth

Beware that not all T42's comes with an internal Bluetooth antenna (read the thread: Have I BT antenna in my system?), so if you end up with one of those systems, you will not be able to upgrade to Bluetooth, unless getting an external PC Card/PCMCIA-interface.

[vtohthree]

THanks for the continuing responses guys. I'm still hunting for a T4x laptop, I've made a few ebay attempts but lost the bids.

I'm aiming to buy one for around $400, as long as the "meat and potatoes" of the laptop are in good shape I'll live. I've gotten quite a few votes for the T42p, which does spark my interest, however being a rather exclusive model, the prices aren't as appealing to me.

I will probably buy a T41 or T42. Generally, I do not care much about the cpu speed, ram size(I will buy a 1GB so-dimm pc2700 either way), or wireless card (I will buy a mpci G-band card w/ bluetooth).

However, I do care about the optical drive(at least DVD-ROM W/ CDRW).

All else I will live with what I get but the higher the better, GPU(7500 or 9000), screen (XGA or SXGA), or HDD(I won't put too much on it and the lowest I've seen is 40GB on them, plus I wouldn't mind upgrading down the road to a 7200).

I will edit my original post soon to save the trouble of new posters from reading through this whole thread to see what I've been posting.

Hopefully sometime by the end of this week, I will be a proud new owner of a used T41 or T42! I'll let you guys know what I get,

Proud new owner of a great used, well equipped T41!!!! Thanks guys and a special thanks to all who have posted,

I'll update on specs later, still playing with it, first impression is that it's small and lightweight.

However, I had really high expectations on it's sturdiness and build quality, it's still good but I noticed the battery wobbles a bit while locked in place, and the frame is a little lose on the right side near the keyboard. Also one of the latches seems to be missing, so I only have one latch(the left side) to keep the lid down, and it wobbles a little bit(I might end up asking later if there's a way to fix/replace that missing latch).

But all in all, it's great, I can't expect much more from a laptop that's 4 years or so old. =D

[SHoTTa35]

great, he bought the one i sent him on our local craigslist

Now time to update your specs in your sig so we can all drool about what we missed.

[vtohthree]

great, he bought the one i sent him on our local craigslist

Now time to update your specs in your sig so we can all drool about what we missed.

I sure did, thanks again, it couldn't have come at a better time too as I'm heading down to Blacksburg this week(Virginia Tech student, hence "vt").

Anyways, I will be over my head digging through the forums to find out how optimize and use the features of the thinkpad, I'll definately be checking out the T4x forums now.

I'm planning on reformatting it and doing a fresh install with SP2 already integrated, etc. etc. I have all the noob questions coming up, but after I research through these forums.

As I mentioned though I noticed some creaks quite a bit, a broken off latch hook, and now I noticed a small crack on the case. The battery is also unbearbly wobbly while in the compartment, anyone know about this? I've heard of some T60 owners who stacked tape to make the gap smaller.

haha, again don't get me wrong I'm very happy with the purchase, just some small little gripes about the current state of exterior structure, I didn't really notice it when I looked at it, not to mention I would've gotten it either way.