HELP!!! TOTAL Newbie,suggestions on a T-42 deal required.

[neosys911]

This is the T-42 that my friend's friend is offering to sell.I've to tell him if I need it by the 22nd.I need help. The notebook is NIB,or so he says.

I would like to tap the greater wisdom of this forum...

Config :
1.5GHz, 512MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HDD, 15 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11b/g wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, 6 cell Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

Device drivers/utilities:
Norton AntiVirus 2003 OEM Version; PC-Doctor
Graphics chipset: ATI Radeon 7500
Graphics type: XGA Video RAM type: DDR SDRAM
Max resolution (with max video RAM): 2048x1536 16777216 colors
BIOS type: Flash ROM
Processor manufacturer: Intel
Processor (CPU): Intel Pentium M
Processor internal clock speed2: 1.50Ghz
Memory (RAM) std/max: 256MB
RAM slots total: 2 SODIMM
RAM slots available: 1 SODIMM
RAM speed supported: 333MHz
RAM type: PC2700 DDR SDRAM
Integrated speakers: 2
Speaker power rating: 1.0 Watts
Speaker Quantity: 2 (Internal Speakers)
Audio chipset: SoundMAX
Fax/modem: 56K V.92 designed modem
Fax/modem speeds: 56Kbps data/14.4Kbps fax
Infrared port: Yes
Infrared port speed: 4Mbps
Wireless standard: Intel 802.11b/g wireless
Network card: Integrated Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Network interface: Gigabit Ethernet- Integrated
A/C adapter: 72 watt
Worldwide A/C compatibility: Yes
Port replicator: Optional
Pointing device type: IBM ThinkPad UltraNav
Keyboard type: Full size
Keyboard light: Yes
Plug and play support: Yes Slots total (free) and type: PC Card
Ports: 2 USB 2.0, S-Video out, RJ-45, RJ-11, Parallel, Infrared,
Headphone/Line out, External Display, External microphone, Expansion Bus port (for Dock II or Port Replicator II), AC adapter
Security features: Supervisor password, Power-on password, IBM Security
Slot, IBM Embedded, Security Subsystem 2.0, Hard disk drive password

The warranty is for one year,and the offer is for $925 (total)
Is this a good deal for a T-42 considering the fact that it is just 1.5 Ghz and not like the other 1.6 and 1.7 Ghz's out there from Dell now ?

I am a total newbie and need a notebook for Christmas,and wondering if you users can help me out in this one.

So should I go for a superior processor speed from Dell/Hp or get this ? Is there a huge difference b/w a 1.5 Ghz and a 1.7 Ghz ?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

[JD24]

I can't help you but may i ask you where
you get that deal? In my opinion < 1k$ is
a good price.

JD

[skanky]

for that price, take it.

[Steve007]

for that price, take it.

Totally agree, that's a great price.

[neosys911]

but the processor speed ?
will it prove to be a lotta difference ?

[SimonCC]

not to sound condascending or anything but you will never notice the differance.

[neosys911]

thanks...that is heartening
anyone else used all the three configs (1.5,1.6,1.7 Ghz )to comment on the difference ?

[anz2007]

It's definitely fast enough, and that's an AMAZING price. Just a suggestion, though, buy a warranty extension from IBM.com ($94 for 4 years).

[JHEM]

Just a suggestion, though, buy a warranty extension from IBM.com ($94 for 4 years).

Not for a system with a one year warranty!

Extended service contracts for consumers: http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 1&x=6&y=10

As to whether or not your deal is a bargain, I'll take a dozen at that price!

Regards,

James

[raisindot]

To me, it sounds like a great deal.

The one flag I'm hearing is the "one-year warranty." This is a general sign that what you're getting is a refurbished model (new TPs generally come with a 3-year warranty). Generally, refurbs can work just fine, but you are essentially buying a "used" model that has some (but possibly not all) of its components replaced.

Ask the seller to provide you with the serial number for the unit. You should be able to look it up on the IBM site (make sure you also get the six-character product code as well...you'll need both) to get the specifications of that model and its warranty information.

Jeff in Boston

[lfeagan]

Uhhh, that is a pretty broad generalization. The 2378 Express models all only come with a 1 year warranty. There are some others that only come with a 1 year also, just not coming to mind right now.

[JHEM]

Lance is correct, all of the 2378 T4X Express models come with one year warranties, not three year. Has nothing whatever to do with "refurbished" and unlike refurbished machines are eligible for warranty upgrades.

Regards,

James

[neosys911]

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for replying.

So,the general consensus is that 1.5 Ghz is more than enough,and there isn't that much a difference b/w the newer processor speeds.

As for the warranty,I did think it was refurbished,but as James and lfeagan pointed out,the new systems also come with a one year warranty.So,that kinda assuages my fears a little.But,how can I check if the system is refurbished if the owner does not state it to be ? Anyone any experience with IBM refurbs ? Any good ?

One question though,the $94 for 4 years warranty ? Is it that cheap ? And the link that James provided mysteriously does not have the T-42 in the list...does it matter ? And how come there is such a price difference b/w the one year and two year warranty ? Crazy !!!

Thanks again,guys..am overwhelmed.

[JHEM]

The 1.5GHz processor is very fast, I have a T40 1.5GHz with 1.5GB memory installed and feel no particular need for anything faster.

Most refurbished systems from IBM come with a 90 day warranty, so I believe there's no need to fear that this machine is refurbished. If you post the model number (probably something like 2378-xxx) we can answer that question authoritatively.

Or, you can simply go here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... arranty.vm, enter the model and serial numbers where indicated and you'll be shown the precise state of the warranty for this machine.

The $94 for 4 years warranty would pertain to a machine with an exisitng three year warranty and is just for adding one additional year, so it's not as much of a bargain as it initially appears. However, warranty upgrades from IBM are very reasonably priced and serious consideration should be given to upgrading if possible. I consider a three year warranty to be the minimum for these high-end machines.

Don't worry about the link I posted not having the T42 listed, just use the link for the T40 or T41 with the same model prefix as your's, e.g. 2373, 2378, 2389, etc. IBM is often a bit late updating the warranty pages.

Regards,

James

[neosys911]

Thanks a lot for the info.Just some more trivial questions which all the experts here would know the answers to.

1.This guy I'm buying it from says it's a centrino.Do 1.5 Ghz T42's come with the Centrino technology ???

2.My HDD is 40GB...is it easy to upgrade to,say,a 60 GB ? Can I do it myself ? How much will it cost me to do ?

3.The Video card,is a quite disappointing 7500 ATI Radeon.Is there a way to upgrade ? How much expensive is it ? Anyone with any experience upgrading video cards ?

Thanks so much all of you...
Mike

[SimonCC]

1. yes
2. yes very easy, i live in england so i dunno how much it costs in the states. check out hitachi's travelstar 60gb 7k60 drive.
3.no. there is no way. i have the 7500 and am very happy with it. Then again i never play games or do much graphic intensive work.

[ian]

1. Yes
2. Yes - Very easy - costs the price of a drive (obviously) but as I don't live in the US I've no idea how much - IBM even tell you how to change it. Get a 7K60 and you'll be flying
3. Can't change it - it's welded onto the motherboard

[ian]

Simon, will you please stop looking over my shoulder while I'm typing...

(You can see by the 'post' time that both were submitted at the same moment - I'll just go double check my firewall...!)

[SimonCC]

hahaha, that is freaky! be afraid...