WTB T23 or T41

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mattbiernat · #1 Post by **mattbiernat** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:02 pm

Basically I need a laptop for MS office and internet. I need it to run cool and have a great screen. I was initially looking at R50p but those got sold out. My two primary targets now are T23 or T41. Which one should I get? Which one will be more reliable and which one will run cooler? I became alergic to the constantly running fan at 3.5k rmp on my T60 (which is meant for gaming + work = no good!). I am a bit afraid that the T23 will not last me much longer quality wise, however IBM Certified has a reputation of changing components which are old or malfunction. The difference in price between these two is $200. However this is not my primary concern at this time as both laptops come pretty cheap.

Here are the numbers: T23 (8NU) T26478NU vs. T41 (7FU) T23747FU
how do i find out if they have XGA, SXGA or SXGA+? I tried checking tabook but it only shows laptops down to T43 series which i am not considering.

pianowizard · #2 Post by **pianowizard** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:07 pm

Omit the "T" and enter the 7-character product number into the first text box on this page.

Here are the specs for the two machines:

26478NU:

PIII-M 1.13GHz (512KB), 128MB RAM, 30.0GB HDD, 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 8X-3.3X DVD-ROM, 802.11b wireless(MPCI), Modem(MPCI), Ethernet(CDC), TV out, Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

23747FU:

P M 1.6GHz, 512MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HDD, 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 16x10x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11b wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, 6 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

BTW, none of the Thinkpads made in the 21st century had SXGA (1280x1024). Also, for these old units, use the Tawbook ("w" stands for "withdrawn"), not the Tabook.

mattbiernat · #3 Post by **mattbiernat** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:43 pm

ty for the link. i couldn't figure out the tabook... now which one would you recomand?

pianowizard · #4 Post by **pianowizard** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:56 pm

mattbiernat wrote:which one would you recomand?

I am looking at the IBM Certified Equipment site. The RAM for the T23 has been increased to 256MB, but that's still not so good for XP Pro. Since you said money isn't a big concern, I'd say go for the T41.

#5 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 2:55 pm

As one who currently has both T23 and T41 systems running here's my thoughts:

- both systems have their "weak points"; T23's assorted issues with power up problems and T41's video problems/lock-ups. I'd attribute both to parts working loose from the motherboard
- the cooler running of the two would be the T41. It seems my T23s run hotter than the T41s, but then again, I use a T23 every day and the 41 less often.
- get the SXGA+ screen if you can

I too would recommend the T41 over the T23 as far as computing power goes.

mattbiernat · #6 Post by **mattbiernat** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 8:41 pm

anyone else on pros/cons of T23/T41?

Eric Giles · #7 Post by **Eric Giles** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:38 pm

mattbiernat wrote:anyone else on pros/cons of T23/T41?

Well Ray has already brought up the major cons of both systems, although another con of the T4x series is their tendency for the USB ports to stop working at 2.0 speeds.

The T4x is a bit lighter and thinner than the T23. You get USB 2.0, faster and cooler running processors, much better video subsystems, better battery life, and-at least to me-a much better feeling keyboard. I have owned them all, and to me the T4x series is still my overall favorite to use everyday. In everyday use, a T23 will do the job-but at times it can be a bit sluggish. Even the lowest T40 config will outperform it in everyday tasks, and in those same tasks won't feel any different than a T6x.

Another pro is that you can still find many T4x systems that are still under the factory warranty. I would personally ante up a bit extra for a T41 or T42.

mattbiernat · #8 Post by **mattbiernat** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 1:53 am

hmmm. thank you so much for your help. however i am still having hard time to decide. I was looking over T4x. and posts like these worry me a lot:

Is possible to discover whether I have the mobo from "the new supplier" (posting from: Fri Mar 30, 2007 12:44 am) or the "time bomb" one ?

link: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... &start=150
I don't want to get a refub and have it die on me a year from now or so... I don't see so much complaining in this forum about T23, so at first my choice seemed obvious but after reading your responses I am more not sure what to get.

pianowizard · #9 Post by **pianowizard** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 7:33 am

Eric Giles wrote:The T4x is a bit lighter and thinner than the T23.

I agree. Here are some measurements that I made:

T23 #1: 5.10 lbs
T23 #3: 5.13 lbs
T41: 5.10 lbs
T40: 5.05 lbs (belongs to The Spirit of X21)

All units had XGA and both RAM slots filled. Models with SXGA+ are slightly heavier:

T23 #2: 5.25 lbs
T42: 5.17 lbs
T43: 5.17 lbs

And of course, my current 14.1" T42 with UXGA weighs even more, 5.44 lbs.

Eric Giles · #10 Post by **Eric Giles** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:46 am

As mentioned, these T4x motherboards do have some issues. However, I believe that the majority of these are caused by people picking up the laptop by one of the front corners of the unit with one hand. My original T40 motherboard issue was caused by this due to my ignorance at the time.

If you make sure that you always pick the laptop up by two hands, or if you do it by one hand make sure it is at the back of the unit, I think you greatly decrease the risk of damaging the motherboard due to flex of the chassis.

I honestly think the 'risk' is very much worth it-the T4x series is an absolute joy to use everyday, especially when compared to a T23. That's not saying the T23 isn't a good machine-but the T4x is much better.

#11 Post by **dorronto** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:20 am

Reading all of the above posts, I have to say I agree with everyone! I've used T40's and T23's......... Overall you'll have better (ie. faster) results with the T40. But not by much! T23's are surprising fast with surfing and basic word processing. I never had a heat problem with either laptop. The T40 runs a little cooler. Again, be careful picking it up from one corner only! T23's on the other hand are more sturdier, but a little larger.

I guess if I were you, I'd go with the T40, unless a T23, in great condition is for sale at a great price$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Good luck either way,
Ron

mattbiernat · #12 Post by **mattbiernat** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 1:57 pm

thank you so much everyone for your help. i've decided to get T23. The major reason is that I don't need so much computing power. I will be using it for word processing, skype, etc. I have T60 for anything power intensive . I also tend to abuse my laptops a lot. My 1 year old T60 already got serveral scratches. I am afraid that T41s motherboard simply wouldn't last me moving it around all the time. And the $200 difference... ehh I could get a fast HD for my T60 and upgrade its RAM a bit.

The Spirit of X21 · #13 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:27 pm

Excellent! The T23 is a very durable machine, and with a 7200rpm hard drive and at least 256MB RAM is very fast in my experience.

WTB T23 or T41

WTB T23 or T41

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