T43 Discussion!!

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Cronus71 · #16 Post by **Cronus71** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:35 am

T43 will feature new 915PM/915GM chipset with DDR2 memory, PCI Express technology and ExpressCard slot, integrated and discrete graphics.

14" and 15" Entry level T43 – announcing 01/18/05

Pentium M processor 730 (1.6GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache), 256MB, 40GB 5400rpm, 6-cell Li-Ion, modem, Gigabit, ESS, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

14.1” XGA
1871-11U Centrino b/g, DVD, Win XP Pro
1871-12U Centrino b/g, Combo, Win XP Pro
1871-13U Centrino b/g, Combo, FPR, Win XP Home
1871-16U Centrino b/g, Combo, FPR, Win XP Pro

15” XGA
1871-22U Centrino b/g, Combo, Win XP Pro
1871-24U Centrino b/g, Combo, Win XP Pro, FPR

14" Workhorse models – announcing 01/18/05
Pentium M processor 750 (1.8GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache), Win XP Pro, 40GB 5400rpm, 6-cell Li-Ion, modem, Gigabit, ESS

14.1” XGA, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
1871-48U Centrino a/b/g, 512MB, DVD
1871-4BU Centrino a/b/g, 512MB, Combo, Bluetooth, FPR
1871-4CU Centrino a/b/g, 512MB, Combo, Bluetooth

14.1” XGA, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-41U Wireless ready, 256MB, DVD
2668-49U Centrino a/b/g, 512MB, Combo
2668-45U Centrino a/b/g, 512MB, Combo, Bluetooth, FPR

14.1” SXGA+, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-4EU Centrino a/b/g, 512MB, Combo, Bluetooth, FPR

15" Workhorse models – announcing 01/18/05

Pentium M processor 750 (1.8GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache), Win XP Pro, 512MB, 6-cell Li-Ion, modem, Gigabit, ESS

15” XGA, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
1871-86U Centrino a/b/g, 40GB 5400rpm, Combo, FPR

15” XGA, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-87U Centrino a/b/g, 40GB 5400rpm, Combo

15” SXGA+ IPS, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-88U Centrino a/b/g, 40GB 5400rpm, Combo
2668-85U Centrino a/b/g, 40GB 5400rpm, Combo, FPR
2668-89U Centrino a/b/g, 80GB 5400rpm, Combo, FPR

14" and 15" Global Workhorse models – announcing 01/18/05
Pentium M processor 750 (1.8GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache), Win XP Pro, 512MB, 40GB 5400rpm, 6-cell Li-Ion, modem, Gigabit, ESS

14.1” XGA, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
1871-4AU Centrino b/g, Combo

14.1” XGA, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-42U Wireless ready, DVD
2668-43U Centrino b/g, DVD
2668-44U Centrino b/g, Combo, FPR

14.1” SXGA+, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-46U Centrino b/g, Combo
2668-4DU Centrino b/g, Combo, FPR

15” XGA, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-83U Centrino b/g, Combo, FPR

15” SXGA+ IPS, M22-64MB VRAM
2668-84U Centrino b/g, Combo, Bluetooth

14" and 15" Leadership models – announcing 01/18/05
Pentium M processor 760 (2.0GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache), Win XP Pro, 512MB, 6-cell Li-Ion, modem, Gigabit, ESS, M22-64MB VRAM, Bluetooth

14.1” SXGA+
2668-71U Centrino a/b/g, 80GB 5400rpm, Combo, FPR
2668-72U Centrino a/b/g, 80GB 5400rpm, Multi-Burner, FPR
2668-73U Centrino a/b/g, 80GB 5400rpm, Combo

15” SXGA+ IPS
2668-91U Centrino a/b/g, 80GB 5400rpm, Combo
2668-93U Centrino a/b/g, 80GB 5400rpm, Combo, FPR
2668-92U Centrino a/b/g, 80GB 5400rpm, Multi-Burner, FPR
2668-94U Centrino a/b/g, 60GB 7200rpm, Combo, FPR

15" Workstation models - T43p – announcing 01/18/05
Pentium M processor 770 (2.1GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache), Win XP Pro, 15” UXGA, 1GB, 60GB 7200rpm, 9-cell Li-Ion, modem, Gigabit, ESS, M24GL-128MB VRAM, Bluetooth

2668-H1U Centrino a/b/g, Combo, FPR
2668-H2U Centrino b/g, Multi-Burner, FPR
2668-H4U Centrino a/b/g, Combo
2668-H5U Centrino a/b/g, Multi-Burner

14" Workstation models T43p – announcing 01/18/05
Pentium M processor 770 (2.1GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache), Win XP Pro, 14.1” SXGA+, 1GB, 60GB 7200rpm, 9-cell Li-Ion, modem, Gigabit, ESS, M24GL-128MB VRAM, Bluetooth

2668-G1U Centrino a/b/g, Combo, FPR
2668-G3U Centrino a/b/g, Combo
2668-G2U Centrino a/b/g, Multi-Burner, FPR

rocketman · #17 Post by **rocketman** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:04 am

H'm now that I see the T43 is being released on 1/18 I'm still wondering if I should return my recently acquired T42 2379R9U, I have 4-5 days to decide.. I really like this machine a lot and don't know if I'll see such a leap in performance that it's worth returning it, I also got it for a good price, usually I buy a computer at the beginning of a model cycle.

Conmee · #18 Post by **Conmee** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:21 am

1-18-05 is the 'announce' date, GA will be mid-February for discrete GPUs, and approx. first half of March for the integrated video.

Daniel.

Aramitz · #19 Post by **Aramitz** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:53 am

rocketman wrote: I really like this machine a lot and don't know if I'll see such a leap in performance

Since a base100 1,8 Ghz Dothan how much can we wait for a 1,8 Ghz 533 FSB ? 110 ?

miccocan · #20 Post by **miccocan** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:59 pm

just a question, M24 graphic card is X600, is the performance of X600 and 9600 basically the same? if thats the case that means T42p and T43p video performance will be very similar?

lfeagan · #21 Post by **lfeagan** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:14 pm

miccocan wrote:just a question, M24 graphic card is X600, is the performance of X600 and 9600 basically the same? if thats the case that means T42p and T43p video performance will be very similar?

Precisely, benchmarks confirm this too. So don't expect suddenly to get some out of this world graphics. Until we see a mobile 9800 class part in our beloved T50/p (/me crosses fingers) we won't have a computer entirely worthy of being a mobile workstation.

Conmee · #22 Post by **Conmee** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:15 pm

X600 is essentially a MR9700-PCI Express component. Will also include some new features like updated PowerPlay 5.0 and LCD Enhancement Engine designed to improve digital video and HD on LCD screens. So you should see comparable/slightly improved performance in the X600 when compared to the MR9700, and certainly much better performance when compared to the MR9600.

Here's a snippet and URL...

"ATi has previously announced their Mobility Radeon X600 GPU codenamed M24 at Computex Taipei back in June this year and is the first mobile GPU offering that is native PCI Express based. Mobility Radeon X600 shares that same architecture of its predecessor, the Mobility Radeon 9700 with Low-K 0.13 micron process but has an upgraded 3D core which further boosts graphics performance. It has 4 pixel pipes, 2 vertex pipes and based on 128-bit DDR memory interface. (Check out our Computex Taipei 2004 report)

It supports DirectX 9.0 features, reduced LCD latency, LCD-EE display engine which increase display quality at higher resolutions and Powerplay 5 which improved power management for longer battery life. Mobility Radeon X600 is available in 3 different versions: a discreet version for high-performance notebooks based on the new mobile graphics interface Axiom (Advanced eXpress IO Module) as well as 64 or 128MB integrated memory for thin and light based on the reliable MCM (Multi-Chip Module) technology.
"

http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=1064&s=1

Daniel.

Conmee · #23 Post by **Conmee** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:27 pm

Probably the most relevant quote...

"It is pretty clear that Mobility X600 offers better performance than the Mobility Radeon 9700 with higher 3DMark2003 and Aquamark GFX scores."

The 3dMark 2003 score for X600 = 3220
The 3dMark 2003 score for 9700 = 2933
The 3dMark 2003 score for GLT2 = 2629 (my own T42p score)

Since the new T43/T43p with Fire GL based on X600 (M24) and NOT on the X800

, there will still be a substantial increase in performance. If you like how Doom3 and HL2 run on your MR9600/64MB or FireGLT2/128MB ThinkPads, then those games should look awesome on the T43p.

Daniel.

nicpottier · #24 Post by **nicpottier** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:55 pm

So can someone clear up whether the 'discrete' video models will indeed be upgradeable? That's what comes to my head when I hear discrete, but maybe I'm just being optimistic.

I think this is the one I've been waiting for to replace my aging Powerbook (oof is Eclipse getting slow!).

-Nic

Conmee · #25 Post by **Conmee** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:02 pm

OEMs have the option of using AXIOM 'boards', essentially the upgradeable GPUs from ATI (AXIOM is ATI's term for their upgradeable PCI Express mobile GPU boards). However, the X300/X600/GL will all be of the FlexFit variety and soldered to the T43 motherboard. There will not be upgradeable video components in ThinkPads in 2005. Current IBM ThinkPad roadmaps are in place for the next 18 months, so any changes that Lenovo might introduce won't appear until 2006 at the earliest.

Daniel.

"AXIOM™ (Advanced eXpress I/O Module) is a new design concept, enabling Notebook designers and users to reap the benefit of PCI Express, and achieve faster time-to-market with cutting edge, innovative solutions. "

nicpottier · #26 Post by **nicpottier** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:30 pm

Thanks for the details (and for the specs so early!)

Looks like the one for me will be the top of the line non-p. Wish I could get an SXGA+ with 128mb of VRAM, but I don't suppose it'll make that much of a difference for my applications.

Anybody know where I can see a T42P with a UXGA in the Seattle area? My feeling is it's probably a bit too small for me but would be nice to see one in person.

-Nic

AtmosMan · #27 Post by **AtmosMan** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 3:38 pm

It's cool to see the specs now. Looks pretty good. Oh by the way, the Pentium M 770 is 2.13 GHz....just to be picky

. But really, thanks Cronus.

Champ · #28 Post by **Champ** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:47 pm

I want either the 2668-94U Centrino a/b/g, 60GB 7200rpm, Combo, FPR or 2668-H2U Centrino b/g, Multi-Burner, FPR

#29 Post by **BillMorrow** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 6:35 pm

in times past, there was a ThinkPad Advisory Council which met once a year (or so)..
it was comprised of members ibm thought would help in focusing the future design and direction of thinkpads..
it died after 911..

reading this thread is about as instructive of what the users want/need as the old advisory group might produce..

perhaps the new PC entity, Lenovo-IBM(?), might resurrect the council or, perhaps, ask for (and receive) a special section here for new ideas for future thinkpads..

all this said, the thoughts presented above are good and i want to add only that the next "whiz-BANG" feature should be an optional cellular internet device..

lfeagan · #30 Post by **lfeagan** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 7:47 pm

If IBM wants to know more about Thinkpads and their users they should come here

They should use the Poll features to find out what we want

LOL

tofutti · #31 Post by **tofutti** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:34 pm

thx for posting all the specs...

I'm sort-of-kinda about to give away my current laptop so I'm in need of a new one soon. I just ordered a 2374-3VU but it's backordered for a bit...

I really would like to wait for the T43 though...

Anyone know or have a guesstimate as to the pricing of the T43?

I assume you can sort of match the videocard options into three tiers.

Anyone know if the whole new chipset + other stuff is going to add much to the cost? Maybe someone knows how much other companies are bumping up their prices for this chipset revision?

Sorry for asking so many questions.

Champ · #32 Post by **Champ** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:41 pm

yah thanks so much for the spec. I have no idea how you got them but thanks. If you also had guestimates on pricing or even just ranges of +- $500 that should help shape my purchasing decision of either t42p kxu if it comes back on epp or waiting for a t43

lfeagan · #33 Post by **lfeagan** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:47 pm

My guess would be that pricing on the models would be about what we are used to right now for a similar CPU/RAM/DISPLAY/HDD configurations. I can't imagine it would be more than perhaps $150 more than a similiarly configured T42 would cost right now. The only thing I will remind those considering the 2.13GHz CPU of is that it will carry a heavy price premium from Intel (and therefore also from IBM). I would imagine the 2.13GHz CPU to perhaps be around $80 more than the 2.1GHz, which already has a pretty hefty price premium over the 2.0 and 1.8.

Champ · #34 Post by **Champ** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:45 pm

well i'm concenred about the lack of lower end t42ps. it sounds contradictory but i wouldn't mind a 1.8ghz eith the other t features since i know the 2.13ghz is going to be hefty premium for a little bit more performance

aleung · #35 Post by **aleung** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 12:38 am

how accurate is that T30 spec ? I wonder if I can get T43p instead of T42p on my exchange

rjm1135 · #36 Post by **rjm1135** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 12:57 am

I notice all the wireless specs list Centrino, even the a/b/g cards. Does this mean all the wireless cards will be Intel - no more IBM/Atheros cards?

Opinions? How accurate are these specs?

Cheers,
Rob.

#37 Post by **BillMorrow** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:08 am

aleung wrote:how accurate is that T30 spec ? I wonder if I can get T43p instead of T42p on my exchange

IMO the T43 won't likely hit the streets before february..

aleung · #38 Post by **aleung** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 3:44 am

ok.. When IBM announce T30. I order it right the way..
Announce date: 23 Apr 2002
I got mine in 8/19/2002.

Cronus71 · #39 Post by **Cronus71** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:30 am

The systems should be available (GA) at the end of Q1 or immediately in Q2 (April).

Specs are accurate, of course there can be minor vendor dependant changes.

For pricing I really can't say.

#40 Post by **BillMorrow** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 5:03 am

the last transition report i saw showed announcement on 18 or 19 jan and GA in january..
given the track record, i figuered not before the end of february..

have not seen a transition report since the october one..

i assume that you have newer info..!?

Steve007 · #41 Post by **Steve007** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:23 am

morrow wrote:the last transition report i saw showed announcement on 18 or 19 jan and GA in january..
given the track record, i figuered not before the end of february..

have not seen a transition report since the october one..

i assume that you have newer info..!?

I have Decembers Transition Planner right here. Let's just say the T43's lifespan isn't going to be all that long.

Also, the vast majority of T43's will include the Intel 802.11 a/b/g card with a few still offering the older Intel b/g card and only 6 models including the IBM 802.11 a/b/g (2 of which are 43p units).

Nice to see a few units with 60GB drives as standard (5400rpm), perhaps these will finally supersede the 40GB drives in due course although it'd be nice to see the 60GB 7200rpm units in all models

IR0NMAN · #42 Post by **IR0NMAN** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:42 am

What do you mean by "the T43's lifespan isn't going to be all that long" ??

Steve007 · #43 Post by **Steve007** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:54 am

IR0NMAN wrote:What do you mean by "the T43's lifespan isn't going to be all that long" ??

LOD's vary between Dec 2005 and March 2006. Personally I'm just surprised so many WH models are expected to only have a 9-10 month manufacturing run although admittedly the high-end units that interest people here are due to run until March 2006 which is fine...

Cronus71 · #44 Post by **Cronus71** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:12 am

I believed the T41 Workhorse Model was extended until May '05, to allow a nice transition to the T43.

Latest info I have is;
"T43 announce: January 18, 2005; Discrete GA: February 15, 2005; Integrated GA: March 1, 2005"

The last order date for the T43 is 03/31/06 (will probably be a refresh), but due to the changes next year, I see this as unreliable information.

Steve007 · #45 Post by **Steve007** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:23 am

Cronus71 wrote:I believed the T41 Workhorse Model was extended until May '05, to allow a nice transition to the T43

Yes, some of our customers like a stable platform that will not alter every 6 months which is why some T40 models ran for so long....

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