T42 and R52 what you recommend?

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lemmerdeur · #1 Post by **lemmerdeur** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 8:10 pm

I want to purchase a use laptop. Beside the weight difference between the T42 and R52 is one much better then the other? It is just to use with Windows XP for document, photos and internet access. No games, no complex program. What are the cons and would you recommend an other model? Processor speed about 1.8ghz.

#2 Post by **KristianJ** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 8:36 pm

I presume you mean R52 as opposed to R53...the only significant differences I can think of between the 2:

The R52 (and the T43) is based on the Sonoma platform, has one of the 7x0 numbered CPUs w/ 533MHz FSB, and takes DDR2 RAM, whilst the T42 has one of the 7x5 numbered CPUs w/ 400MHz FSB and takes DDR RAM. With the processor speed you've specified, you'd be looking for either 1.73 or 1.86GHz CPUs in the R52/T43, or 1.8GHz in the T42

The R52 and T43 can be found with integrated Intel graphics, which eliminates the GPU problem that can at times be found in ATI-equipped T4x machines. If you're not going to be using it for complex tasks, this may well be desirable for you.
, mainly because of the benefits that would come from the integrated graphics. Both come in either 14" or 15" models so from there it's a case of which size you would prefer.

Hope this helps

sparta.rising · #3 Post by **sparta.rising** » Sun Oct 19, 2008 10:28 pm

If you want to save money, buy the R52. If you want a sturdier machine, buy the T42. Its not so much a weigh issue as a construction issue. The T42 as a magnesium-composite cover and the base is titanium reinforced while the R52 is all plastic. The T42 feels more solid and is slimmer.

dr_st · #4 Post by **dr_st** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 4:13 am

If you can find a T42 made in spring 2005 or later, chances are it will have the new soldering method, which will make the GPU failure much less likely.

In the T42 vs R52 question, I find the following in favor of the R52:

* CPU can go higher and faster
* DDR2 RAM is cheaper than DDR RAM
* Can be had with faster DVD burners

And the following in favor of the T42:

* Thinner and lighter
* 15" model can be had with Flexview LCD
* Power consumption / heat output of 400MHz Dothans lower than that of the 533MHz Dothans
* No stupid SATA/PATA bridges for hard disk, no 2010 error

aaa · #5 Post by **aaa** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:28 am

The R52's hard drive compatibility problem is what what would bother me the most.

#6 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:55 am

I recently acquired an R52 (see Sig.) and the only fly in the soup is that stupid Error 2010 for a non-IBM approved HD at bootup.
I've set the BIOS to automatically continue after displaying it, but still..

Guess I'll have to buy an official Hitachi HD to get rid of that error, although it does not interfere whatsoever with the TP's running.
Great machine otherwise.

#7 Post by **schen** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:49 pm

We have that exact combination at my house. I use a 14" T42p and across the room, my wife has a 15" R52 (it is a bit unusual in that it's the Intel GPU'd version w/ an SXGA+ Flexview screen attached). I really like both machines and the plusses and minuses are exactly as stated above, but I must say that I love the way my T42 feels. I've loved the feels of them all the way back to the T20 and have owned every model in between!

So, if you don't need that extra little bit of oomph, I'd vote for the T42 every time!

lemmerdeur · #8 Post by **lemmerdeur** » Sat Oct 25, 2008 2:49 pm

Thank you all for you help. I decided to purchase a IBM T42p
model #: 2373-GVU. It is a little better then the T42 I have now and I will be able to compare the 2 machines. I was looking for a 14" so I think I have what I was looking for.
If you have any advice, let me know.

T42 and R52 what you recommend?

T42 and R52 what you recommend?

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